Avoiding GPL code is a great way to make your startup less likely to succeed as you spend more than you need to reinventing the wheel or buying some in.
Even if you are planning to distribute end user software (or you want to use AGPL software) the trade offs are more complex than you state.
- GPLed products can be a selling point, as your customers can feel secure even if in reality they come to you for support.
- They can earn you valuable community relation points.
- Dual license business models may be viable. Non-free plugins to free products is how Aptana makes money for example.
- You can still charge for GPL software as you only have to give it to your customers, although this is mainly true if your customers are unlikely to pass it on to anyone. (Custom business logic embedded in a GPL application server wouldn't be cheerfully handed out by customers for example.)
