Question
I want to start a hardware startup where I have a solution for home water monitoring. The problem is: some investors are already requiring a prototype and most of them are requiring an existing customer base, and a validated market. But how can I validate my product and make a prototype if I can't even get started?
I tried raising cash from the family, but no one has an amount available for me. My other options were selling my car (it is worth only US$ 2k) or saving myself. But I would need to save for at least 2 years and I don't want to wait all that long or I'll lose momentum.
Notice that I am from Brazil, some points to consider:
1) Some states are going thru water shortage crisis. So my solution would come in good time.
2) There are just a few angels here (around 100) and they aren't that open for projects without a customer base.
3) Banks require credit proof that are 150% of the amount that I want to lend. So if I want 50k they require a guarantee of 150k.
Answer
Have you considered crowdfunding?
Investment grants will be able to take care of funding but crowdfunding has the benefit of taking care of funding and providing a customer base.There are many examples of teams without a fully working prototype being successful on these platforms.
Kickstarter will be off the table but you have some great options with Indiegogo (https://www.indiegogo.com/) and the Brazil specific network Catarse (http://catarse.me/en)
Of course, you will have to focus on things like presenting your story and getting attention for a bit but if you are successful you will have money for a prototype, access to a customer base and exposure that could bring some helpful people onto your team - even the angels and VCs you'll need to get to the next level.
Message me if you need some help - I'm not personally an expert in crowdfunding but I can connect you with some of the best in the business.