[donofrip]

This is really helpful. I'm a non-technical founder, and I'm glad to hear that there is hope.

Do you think having applied previously was a positive or a negative for you? Do you think it matters that these applications were for different ideas? I'm just trying to figure out when I should apply--if it is better to wait and develop something fully functional before applying or applying now with the caveat that I need the funding to help develop the idea.

I am planning to apply with a technical co-founder, but I have concerns about how we could effectively develop our product without some substantial financial backing. I don't want to put something out there half-assed and have it fail because we didn't have the right tools, only to then have someone with the resources to execute steal the idea.

[stevenj]

If you don't put something out there half-assed, you'll wait too long to ship.

Nothing is ever truly finished. You just ship it.

[r00fus]

Corollary: fail early, fail often. Failure is often the best learning experience you can receive (if you're ready to receive it).