nice piece!

Our startups also need to think out of the box. For any startup to compete on a global scale, aside from the capital your product needs to be unique. All we have around is copy copy and over lifting.

With tangible goods, i think focusing on their area (locals) as you pointed out will help them break even quickly and they will be motivated to continue.

Also having statistical analysis (or something of such) as to getting your target market and providing the service for them as needed will give the startups a competitive edge.