Let's talk about starting your journey in the current investment climate. The road to securing venture capital (VC) funding can feel like navigating through a tempestuous storm now. The traditional criteria that VCs often seek—teams with impressive resumes, connections to tech giants, or Ivy League credentials—can be elusive for many startups. However, this does not mean you should postpone your dreams and ideas. Quite the contrary, it's an opportune moment to rally your community, convert its members into contributors, and secure your initial funding while maintaining control over your project's destiny.