You're at a disadvantage. Maybe you can rely on your friends for technical expertise. But on whom do you rely for business strategy as it relates to the IT field? Right now you feel that it's necessary to ask people who won't be on your team whether you have a chance and what your business model should be. To me that sounds like your team will be incomplete.

Better to start a company where you feel confident that you (collectively) know the segments you need to take care of.

And better not to work with friends. Work with acquaintances. Friends are tough to fire.