Mass. Let's face it, industry leaders are where they are for a reason. Of course not, as evidenced by the 2,000-plus software companies alive and kicking in the Boston area today. We make it by balancing risks vs. rewards, being smart about who we are and quickly responding to opportunity.
Large companies tend to set the standards once involved in a market.
But the technology sector in particular is always evolving and growing, offering a wealth of opportunity for small to medium-sized companies to define early leadership positions in new markets before the big players move in. In fact, it may offer the best chance for start-ups to get established because demand for innovation requires a faster pace of product releases. The higher overhead and inertia of a large company can encumber its ability to churn out new products as quickly as a leaner outfit can. Once a small company establishes itself, in these fast-growth times, it has a head start and may be able to maintain its grip on the lead when bigger companies eventually enter. Successful large companies tend to gravitate to markets where they already have a competitive advantage and where there's a prospect of large profits.