Let customers finance your start
Wilson says the most common way startups get going is by selling something to customers, and that customer financing is typically non-dilutive and helps fit the product to the market. He notes the downsides: a product built for one customer may suit the wider market less, you risk a fee-for-services culture, and it is much harder in consumer services. He says to consider it very seriously if a customer will put up significant capital in advance.
“Customers are a great way to finance a business for many reasons.”— Fred Wilson, Financing Options: Customers, Jun 2011
Do this
Offer one prospect this week the chance to pay up front for the first version, with a clear price and delivery date.