But by and large, spending your own money isn't necessary and won't help your idea to succeed. It can even be a major handicap. If you gamble money you can't afford, you may be tempted or even forced to keep on spending in the hope of winning it all back. Before long your biggest problem isn't selling your invention, but paying your debts. Raising finance Your chances of getting development finance from banks or venture capitalists are virtually nil.
Banks are suspicious of anything without a track record, especially technical products.
Grants are likewise not much use unless you want to set up a business, or are already running one. Your best bet may be private support from friends or local business people prepared to invest smallish amounts as a 'flutter'. Getting help Everything you do from now on involves risk. For that reason it's essential to get professional help, whether you need to pay for it or not. By now you may be so personally and emotionally committed to your idea that you can't see the wood for the trees.