I like software, technology, because of their ability to create value for people.

I've learned to think first about user-needs; empathize with users and their needs.

Features are great ideas. But great ideas do not necessarily make a great business.

I wanted to provide an open directory of public jurisdictions, agencies, bodies, positions, and people. I didn't have a strategy around being open. As Simon Wardley might point out, I was being "open by default" rather than being "open with purpose".

I've found I need to move beyond the idea phase. Beyond the prototype phase. Now, I need to articulate a clear, achievable vision the idea. Does it justify a business?

How do I earn the trust of investors? I read that "companies that don’t get funding are the ones that investors don’t trust—investors don’t see how they can feasibly get from point A to point B."

• Make sure your business model and product roadmap are what differentiate you from your competitors, and clearly state why your company is uniquely positioned to succeed. Lay out reasonable goals, with both product and revenue, for your business. Once you have achieved these targets months or even a year later, you'll have built credibility and made a true ally with investors.

  • Is my company or product truly meeting a market need? If so, what problem are we solving for real businesses? How are we different from other companies that have approached this problem? How will I accomplish our business vision? Your answers to these questions will tell you what you should really be talking about with investors.
  • Build a true business, and all these things will come.