Ask HN: Alternatives to software startups?

Hi HN,

Lately I've been wondering about something: you hear a lot about web and software startups, and a few things about hardware startups now and then, but virtually nothing about other types of startups. Of course, there are good reasons the aforementioned types are so popular (lack of enormous cash requirements comes to mind), but have you ever thought of 'alternative' startups? Startups in the chemical industry? Biotech? Maybe even mechanical engineering?

So what do you think: do you think there's room for those kinds of startups in those areas (despite the fact that web/software is probably easier), or do you think this is something you need a big business to pull off? Have you ever had a startup idea in one of those areas?

Just curious. :)