If you are a startup, owning the road is what makes the difference.
Creating a niche/competitive product is no longer what makes you differentiated. Everyone has something to offer. What makes the cut is, you creating a platform for yourself and/or your product.
In idea evaluation 50% weightage goes towards the differentiator. 5%goes to testing, 20% weighs towards what you are offering and 25% weighs towards you Idea itself.
So, create your platform and own it. Your client will drive your growth.