Many a startup looks to Silicon Valley and the phenomenal success that has come the way of online services and platforms that have irrevocably changed the way people and companies interact, communicate and market themselves.

The storyline invariably involves the birthing of a ‘rad’ idea, rapid take-up by an enthusiastic audience, and either investment by a venture capital (VC) firm, a buyout or stock exchange listing that propels the founders into the billionaire stratosphere.