[hugo31370]

The idea that fundraising now is easy is a myth. I'll give you that it's as easy as it's ever been but it's not easy. It requires a lot of prep work, time, and full time dedication. And unlike 10 years ago, it now requires a prototype of some sort.

If he was going around with an idea asking for money, that would be a tough sell. If you're going around asking for him, that's an impossible sell.

Here are some red flags for investors: - Do I want to invest in someone who's risk averse and will likely give up when things get tough? (and things will get tough) - What's his track record for product execution and how can he prove he can build a product in a reasonable amount of time? (i.e. not two years) - What's his team or reference that can confirm the genius behind the man?

It sounds like your friend is more of an employee #1 person than a founder, which is fine. Maybe instead of looking for money you should be looking for someone who can kick off the prototype and can later help with the fundraising process. In any case, your friend needs to be the one speaking.

Good luck!

[moneyquestion]

There is a prototype; its more than an idea.

I should have made this clear. The chance that this man will ever be employee #1 is zero.

The genius is clear enough. Flawless marks through the hardest programs, and working code pushing the boundary of human capability is all already existing.

I have no intention of going around asking. I more want to do something like say, "here is his github, here are his results, here is his published papers, and this is his idea on how to commercialize it"-- to someone who is investing money.

[codeonfire]

"It sounds like your friend is more of an employee #1 person"

Please explain this. I really don't see why someone with the knowledge and skill is supposed to be an employee taking orders from someone else. This sounds like wishful thinking on your part, as no one holding all the technical marbles is going to be an employee.