Using a little-known tech firm can produce big benefits, but it requires doing your homework. Using a little-known tech supplier can produce big benefits, but it requires doing your homework1. What is your source of operating capital, and how long can you operate at current revenue levels?2. Who are your advisers?3. Do you have a product in production? 4. Who are your key employees, and how will you retain them?5. What aspect of your product cannot easily be reproduced by competitors? 6. What percentage of your users are paying customers?7. What is your product road map, and how often has it changed?8. How much are you spending on security and compliance?9. How many recurring contracts do you have (versus month-to-month subscriptions)?10. What is your exit strategy?For much more on this topic, see “The Risks and Rewards of Using Startups.” Related content brandpost Sponsored by Freshworks When your AI chatbots mess up AI ‘hallucinations’ present significant business risks, but new types of guardrails can keep them from doing serious damage By Paul Gillin Dec 08, 2023 4 mins Generative AI brandpost Sponsored by Dell New research: How IT leaders drive business benefits by accelerating device refresh strategies Security leaders have particular concerns that older devices are more vulnerable to increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks. By Laura McEwan Dec 08, 2023 3 mins Infrastructure Management case study Toyota transforms IT service desk with gen AI To help promote insourcing and quality control, Toyota Motor North America is leveraging generative AI for HR and IT service desk requests. By Thor Olavsrud Dec 08, 2023 7 mins Employee Experience Employee Experience Employee Experience feature CSM certification: Costs, requirements, and all you need to know The Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) certification sets the standard for establishing Scrum theory, developing practical applications and rules, and leading teams and stakeholders through the development process. By Moira Alexander Dec 08, 2023 8 mins Certifications IT Skills Project Management Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe