How to predict startup viability?
RiderOfGiraffes: It took several read-throughs to work out what you are saying, but I think you're asking this:I want to purchase services from a small company - a start-up - but in doing so I run the risk that they won't prove to be viable in the long-run.  Choosing them is a risk.  How can I assess that risk so I can make a sensible choice?Is that right?If so, I don't have any answers, and it depends greatly on the services you are purchasing, the amount of lock-in, the promises made, and whether the founders/owners will be able to behave honorably in the case of a failure.