Any supply-chain or operation manager will tell you, the best supply-chain network is where you have multiple suppliers for each component/service, with none holding dominant positions. Then you could pit one against another, shift from one to another, for pricing and payment term flexibility.
It’s all about avoiding overpromising and underdelivering. Establishing clear lines of communication between your investors and team can give you leeway to adapt to new circumstances. Aryballe pivoted away from launching a medical application towards gearing their first device for industrial safety. This cost them a six-month delay in their product road roadmap — but the return on investment promised to be worth 20 times as much as the initial application.
Lead with the vertical that will deliver the highest return on investment. This requires you to be ready to adapt your strategy and be open-minded about the possible use-cases that present themselves. “We were cautious in spending and good at securing complementary financing,” he concludes. “It’s not done yet but it’s quite encouraging. The first phase will only be a success when we sell”.