Thanks - there is no doubt software startups, with typically limited capital requirements are easier than almost anything else.

> Products like that work if there's natural consumer appeal built into the product,

I see customers as a wider pool than end consumers - they can also include businesses - quite a few large businesses also have investment arms.

For example you mentioned Philips - they have one - https://www.philips.com/a-w/about/innovation/philips-venture...

I guess the worry for startup's there is if you too close then they might 'steal' - however big companies are typically quite keen on upholding IP laws - they use their venture arms to spread their bets - partial stakes ( and inside knowledge ) on a whole array of startups.