I’m building a SaaS product that I hope to launch in the next 12 months or so. The product is in a niche industry that I don’t have professional experience in but I went to school for it and know a number of people in it. Some of my contacts in the industry have validated and helped me refine my idea.

To better understand the industry, do you recommend I look for an engineering (or perhaps sales) position with one of my few competitors while I continue to build my SaaS product on the side? Will having that on my resume help me with VCs? And do I run the risk of entering NDA / non-compete territory with my competitor?