Okay, where do I go with this?

[ThePresence]

I have an idea for a business venture which is almost a no-brainer. I did my research and this is really a concept which has never before been done, and it probably will be a huge success, if done correctly. The problem is that it requires in the area of $50 million in capital. But I figure there is a company out there big enough who would be willing to invest that kind of money once they see what I have in mind.

I realize this sounds childish, amatuerish and babe-in-the-woodslike, but I assure you it's a really well researched and thought-out plan.

Is there a way to pitch an idea to a company in which:

a) They would not be able to take my idea and run with it on their own, and
b) I can somehow profit off it.

If you think this thread is ridiculous, please just don't comment.
Let's try to keep the responses somewhat serious and on-topic.

Thanks.

 

[axelfox]

pitch to VCs with an NDA.

 

[ThePresence]

Originally posted by: axelfox
pitch to VCs with an NDA.

NDA does not mean they can't do it on their own, it just means they have to keep it to themselves. And I don't know of any VC's with that kind of money at their disposal.

 

[NuroMancer]

Originally posted by: axelfox
pitch to VCs with an NDA.

Agreed or, if you have an angel investment capital group within range.

 

[NuroMancer]

NDA + non-compete clause?

 

[Reel]

I doubt they would be very receptive of any NDA, noncompete type legal to begin with. I wouldn't if I were in that position going from crappy business idea to crappy business idea.

 

[ThePresence]

Originally posted by: NuroMancer
NDA + non-compete clause?

There are too many ways around that. They can change a few minor, or even major details and still use the same concept.

 

[Kev]

What kind of business is it? You don't have to give the itty bitty details, just an idea?




That's right I'm totally going to steal your idea!!

 

[LS20]

i have an idea for a product. too much work to get it off the ground =\

 

[axelfox]

Originally posted by: ThePresence

Originally posted by: axelfox
pitch to VCs with an NDA.

NDA does not mean they can't do it on their own, it just means they have to keep it to themselves. And I don't know of any VC's with that kind of money at their disposal.

Well, VCs would eventually have to disclose the idea to someone outside of it's firm, correct?

 

[NuroMancer]

Originally posted by: ThePresence

Originally posted by: NuroMancer
NDA + non-compete clause?

There are too many ways around that. They can change a few minor, or even major details and still use the same concept.

If there is something centric to the business apply for a patent/trademark etc?

 

[axelfox]

Originally posted by: ThePresence

Originally posted by: NuroMancer
NDA + non-compete clause?

There are too many ways around that. They can change a few minor, or even major details and still use the same concept.

A well drafted NDA should be able to prevent such events from occuring.

 

[ThePresence]

Originally posted by: NuroMancer

Originally posted by: ThePresence

Originally posted by: NuroMancer
NDA + non-compete clause?

There are too many ways around that. They can change a few minor, or even major details and still use the same concept.

If there is something centric to the business apply for a patent/trademark etc?

No. It's not new technology, just applying existing tech in a new and innovative way.

 

[SSSnail]

I have as many ideas as your requirement for your business investment. Of course, everybody runs into the same problem, funding.

 

[Reel]

Take a look at this book. It is a long process and can provide a lot more insight into the process than you can gain from all the clever "NDA" posters in this thread.

 

[George P Burdell]

Talk to a lawyer before to talk to anyone else, I guess?

Good luck, and please keep us posted with your progress.

 

[Otaking]

Perhaps write up a business proposal and then see if you can put a patent on it?

 

[iversonyin]

Dear Sir,

I saw your online posting and would like to work business idea with you. I'm currently in finance ministry of the great country of Nigeria. Me and my partners have $100 mil dollar in the united states. my partners agree that you can have $50 mil if you help us to get me money to Nigeria. I will provide escrow service. You be provide me with Full name, address and your bank checking number. Sir, i see business oppportunities with me and you. Would like you to get back as soon as possible. Me and my partners are urgently needed your help.

Sincerely,
Dr. Scott William
Finance ministry of Nigeria

 

[MikeyIs4Dcats]

I'm pretty sure that if you have such a "great idea" but no business acumen, your "great idea" has already been thought of by someone else and either failed or rejected

 

[tranceport]

Originally posted by: iversonyin
Dear Sir,

I saw your online posting and would like to work business idea with you. I'm currently in finance ministry of the great country of Nigeria. Me and my partners have $100 mil dollar in the united states. my partners agree that you can have $50 mil if you help us to get me money to Nigeria. I will provide escrow service. You be provide me with Full name, address and your bank checking number. Sir, i see business oppportunities with me and you. Would like you to get back as soon as possible. Me and my partners are urgently needed your help.

Sincerely,
Dr. Scott William
Finance ministry of Nigeria

Well there is your funding. If I were you I would give Dr. William your information as soon as possible.

 

[JS80]

There is no way a VC will fund a company (especially $50 mil) based solely on an idea. You have to get an angel investor to fund the beginning and at least have a prototype/algorithm/patent to pitch to a VC and be considered for funding.

 

[Mr Incognito]

Originally posted by: iversonyin
Dear Sir,

I saw your online posting and would like to work business idea with you. I'm currently in finance ministry of the great country of Nigeria. Me and my partners have $100 mil dollar in the united states. my partners agree that you can have $50 mil if you help us to get me money to Nigeria. I will provide escrow service. You be provide me with Full name, address and your bank checking number. Sir, i see business oppportunities with me and you. Would like you to get back as soon as possible. Me and my partners are urgently needed your help.

Sincerely,
Dr. Scott William
Finance ministry of Nigeria

Sounds like a sure thing ^^^^^

The poor grammar practically makes it irrefutably true.

To the OP, talk to a lawyer, or get a patent. Or if you're feeling crazy talk to a VC.

 

[ThePresence]

Originally posted by: MikeyIs4Dcats
I'm pretty sure that if you have such a "great idea" but no business acumen, your "great idea" has already been thought of by someone else and either failed or rejected

That is precisely the attitude that is responsible for many great ideas never getting off the drawing board.

 

[dartworth]

do you take Paypal?

 

[jpeyton]

What on earth do you need $50 million for?

A private plane and a change of identity?