[Joakal]

You could start small, reiterate and improve. Bootstrap/family-fund it with some money.

If they say that it's not possible to patent this idea (I don't see how age should stop you, I don't believe there's an age restriction on applications), it sounds like going the reiteration route is better.

Supporting glimcat's statement; there's also a lot of 'status' or reputation that investors love. It is presumed a large amount of Color's large investment was due to being backed by veteran entrepreneurs in addition to a 'cool idea'.

I also disagree that 'ideas' get stolen all the time. PG(?) or someone said that reputable VCs will not steal your idea. Their reputation is more important than your idea.

Your ideas, may however be copied. Even Hipmunk, backed by Reddit's former staff is somewhat in trouble if Google search copies their features. But, the great thing about ideas being stolen is validation. Those people went through the expense and you can see your idea for what it is.

Google Search wasn't first, Facebook Social Network wasn't first, maybe your first competitor will follow you and outperform you. Also something to consider.

[willstrimling]

I can't do this without a team though, and that sucks because I don't live in a place or age group where finding people who are down to commit to working on this project for a good portion of their time for only equity. The only way for me to make a team is to hire them, and without funding that is also impossible.

I'm not so much worried about getting my idea stolen as getting this into development.

[ntkachov]

3 people working on a project for 3 months is the same as 1 person working on a project for a year. Why do you need a team again?

[willstrimling]

I disagree, especially if its a range of talent. No one can be excellent at 3 different things, only one field.