How to share your idea safely

To find a partner or an investor you must talk about your idea. At the same time you want to protect it. You can do both if you share in steps and stay careful.

Share in three steps

1. In your public post: what the project is, the problem it solves and what you are looking for. Enough to make someone interested.
2. In a private conversation: more details, for people who showed real interest and answered your questions.
3. After trust and a written agreement: documents, numbers and the technical details.

What to keep out of a public post

• Formulas, recipes, source code or technical drawings.
• Lists of your customers or suppliers.
• Your full financial files.
• Personal documents: passport, identity card, bank details.

Know who you are talking to

• Ask about their work and what they invested in or built before.
• Ask for a video call. A serious person accepts.
• For a company, ask for its registration details and check them.
• Take your time. A good partner does not push you to decide today.

Put it in writing

Before you send detailed documents, it is common to sign a confidentiality agreement (often called an NDA). Before you accept money or give a share of your project, have a written contract. Ask a lawyer in your country to prepare or check these papers.

Warning signs

• Someone asks you to pay a fee first to "release" or "unlock" an investment.
• Someone promises a very large amount very quickly, without questions.
• Someone asks for your passwords, card details or bank access.
• Someone refuses a call and refuses to say who they are.

If you see one of these signs, stop the conversation.

What Sharksme does and does not do

Sharksme is a network: members publish posts and contact each other. We are not a party to the agreements between members and we do not check every member or every offer. Do your own checks before any deal. If a member looks suspicious to you, write to info@sharksme.com.

This article is general information. It is not legal advice.