.signing an NDA or not to "protect" your startup/biz idea before pitching it

[A THREAD]

.1) NDA agreements are used to protect IP.
.2) this IP has to be in a tangible form
.3) if it's in your head, forget about protection
.4) translate the idea/concept into a format we can identify, some date stamp to it (email self if need be)
.5) a trademark, copyright or patent

.now that we have the basics aside.

.6) investors review a 1000s pitches
.7) startups try raise capital from a # of investors
.8) investors rarely ever asks detailed technical info @ beginning stages
.9) startups' pitch deck shouldn't contain sensitive info early but later

.10) investor will NOT sign NDA b/c signing it says creates conflict in examining opportunities or managing portfolio
.11) this isn't to say it's about the investor, entrepreneur also holds power but if u're raising external $, it's about trust
.12) NDA tends to = I don't trust u

.13) NB startups conduct own DD on potential investors
.14) if u're doing public pitching, forget about NDA, tailor elevator pitch to avoid divulging sensitive info but commit to share @ later stage
. 15) the more established u are, easier to insist on NDA for select pitches

.if u haven't acted on the idea that's in ur head, there's really no reason to expect another person to bind themselves to hear something they have never heard.

.the best way to protect ur idea is to EXECUTE IT!!!

.it's both naive & unreasonable to ask NDA beforehand.

.it's ultimately your call, when in doubt, don't do it.

.but the moment u decide u want someone's money:
- tailor pitch without sensitive info
- do your checks
- get idea into a proper format
- execute
- shoot your shot, with fear!