In step one, here, I spoke about the benefits of exposing ideas to potential investors as a way of gaining information and confidence at an early stage. This is not the same as approaching potential investors and asking for investment. But are quite different processes and should have quite different outputs, and for that reason alone should be kept quite separate. You may approach some of the same people, or you may approach completely different people, but it is absolutely certain that the time you go out asking for money you will need to be far better equipped, are better prepared, and armed with a very focused message. I've cobbled together another little table to help myself in this, and you may find it useful.   more »