Patents can be pretty straightforward. If a monopoly is possible, it's usually a natural one, such as by controlling a standard, or with increasing returns like in social media. A first-mover advantage is the best ticket to a moat.

You don't necessarily need to grow ASAP. Not all innovative ideas are of the "crap why didn't I think of it" kind. Often, competitors either disagree with your assessment or just don't understand your plan until it blows up in their faces.

I would argue that it's not necessarily harder. You might have much more upside, even if the tail probabilities are thinner. This can comparatively help with financing and marketing. If your management team has blemishes, upside and hype are the best makeup.