The biggest cause of failure amongst Startups is an insignificant product. If the service or product isn’t solving a client or consumer problem – or if it copy an existing product or service too closely – the risk of failure is tenfold.
Many Startups fail due to lack of market needs, poor product and ignoring customers, too much competition, lack of Industry knowledge etc. It is due to poor thought-out business model. If you are considering about joining their business then make sure you quiz them about their target audience at the interview stage.
You should try to find out whether the company has what it takes to survive the next 6-12 months, because if they don’t and you have even the slightest doubt, you need to start asking for assurances.