Succeeding with a start-up is a difficult journey. Risk and money are two things that challenge you every step of the way. If you are a hardware start-up, the risks are even greater. Missteps and mistakes can set you back, and the risk is even higher. Money is important, but other things can directly affect the ability to obtain funding. So, is there a surefire recipe for success? Unfortunately not, but if you are considering starting a hardware company or are in the early stages of your company lifecycle, there are several key areas, that, if approached with prior knowledge, can increase your chances of success.