I have an MVP for a new social media app, an extensive market research report, estimations for the cost of monetizing the app, and a roadmap for what comes next. It’s also live on the app store now and have 100+ users, mostly from my own network.

I do not have a scripted pitch, but I can explain the value behind the idea to users and how it will make money to investors. I believe in the idea very much, but am struggling to get users on the app outside of family and friends due to no advertising budget, and no time for promotional events.

I am a non-technical founder who has bootstrapped up to this point over the last 3 years by working a Finance 9-5 and paying developers to build the app. I have reached a point where I’d like to receive external funding for a better equity deal than I would have gotten at earlier stages of development.

  1. Where can I find investors that are suitable for investing at the stage I am currently in?

  2. How do other founders who are working a 9-5 and sacrificing so much for your company cope with feelings of burnout?

  3. What are some startup/founder groups that are good to join pre-seed? Are these groups worthwhile when you are short for time?

  • tony-berg@alien.topBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    I am a non-technical founder who has bootstrapped up to this point over the last 3 years by working a Finance 9-5 and paying developers to build the app.

    Odds are that there are major technical issues that are hiding in what you’re not aware about, and business decisions you’re not aware about accidentally having taken simply by letting the tech be implemented the way it has.

    Start by getting yourself an early startup-experienced fractional CTO with a technical background, to review where you’re at right now. As well as being able to act as a startup mentor to help you get your pitches etc ready for VCs.

    You need that competency, as well as doing that work, before you’re ready to be invested in.