What are the first steps in bringing a unique idea to life?

Question

Project management

There is an idea in my head of a unique social network project that a huge number of people need. I have no doubt that the project will be a success. I know all the positive and negative sides, how to properly monetize a project to make a profit, where to prioritize for users. The whole difficulty is in absolute illiteracy in programming, legal protection of your own ideas, limited start-up capital.
Here is an approximate number of questions that I am interested in at the first stage for collecting information. Thank you all in advance for your time on my topic!

1. How and is it even possible to patent the idea of ​​a social network? As I understand it, you can patent the development (code, design, logo), but not the idea (that is, Facebook cannot protect itself from creating similar sites with the exchange of photos, messages and adding friends)
   
2. How to attract funds without disclosing all information about the project? Where can you find investors, are funds provided for the creation of such projects?
   
3. If there are any examples of social media startups? Or any startup sites, mobile applications with prescribed costs?
   

I will also say that there is no such thing in any country , so the idea is so interesting to me. Again, there is no team of people (acquaintances, friends) who, for fun, would be involved in the project with me, therefore, only through a team of hired specialists. :(

Answer 1

1. The whole text is reminiscent of what I (and the vast majority of developers, I'm sure) hear several times a day. Ideas are not protected, it is impossible to create a project without disclosing the idea.
2. There are a lot of examples of social network startups (as well as any) at every step. Estimates, of course, will not be found anywhere. Yes, and there is no point in it, since yours will be similar, at best, to 0.00000000000000000000001% for each criterion.
3. I can't think of a single successful project that started out as a revolutionary, unparalleled idea. Even Ford did not create the first car. Unprecedented novelties are created in the laboratory without a specific purpose, most often by scientists.
There is probably always only one way to start in this direction, to develop a proof of concept with a built-in business model, back it up with at least some numbers and look for resources (depending on the scale - your own or borrowed funds)
I am sure that now you think that the most the main thing is to create a website \ service \ program - usually, "people with an idea" call it the "technical part" - but, I assure you, this is only the smallest link in a huge chain of events, which in 99.99% of cases leads to failure ( at best, to experience and reboot)
You can get involved as you like, in reality I met with every example:
- Develop it yourself, even from scratch (you need patience and determination)
- Find an enthusiast among your friends (you need to be able not to be afraid to lose friends)
- Save some money to order a minimal framework and start looking for funds raised (requires huge interest and charisma)
- Think about what essential work in the project you can do - since development is not for you - do it (for example, essential social research, or signing futures contracts with potential clients) and apply with this to interested parties - friends, developers, studios, investors (requires real professional skills in related areas).
In principle, software is almost always not the most important and difficult part, and everyone (including investors) understands this. But no one will ever give anything for a bare idea.

Answer 2

An idea, according to our legislation, is not subject to patent law.
The rest has already been said...

Answer 3

social network that a huge number of people need

- Not.

Answer 4

Write a detailed business plan that takes into account all the risks and stages of development.
Without a business plan, no one needs you and your ideas.

Answer 5

1)
It is not the idea that is important - the implementation is important. The idea itself is worthless.
Every day I hear hundreds of ideas, and I myself can give out a million, but without implementation, these are all empty shells.
Do not be afraid that the idea will be stolen. If you can steal an idea, the idea is shit.
You need to go and look for performers, investors. There are a lot of both Russian and foreign investors who are ready to pour in a lot of money, the main thing is that the idea is worthwhile.
2)
There are a lot of articles on the forum on finding investors, starting with the banal Skolkovo and ending with Silicon Valley.
Without a description of the idea, without a detailed business plan, without a team - no one will give you a penny. Look for a good speaker and take him to share.
3)
It makes no sense to consider other people's costs. Each implementation is unique, and so are the costs. Someone fits in $100, and someone in $10k
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If there is no "like" anywhere else - think WHY this is not. Maybe the idea was a failure from the start.

Answer 6

1. Patenting does not make sense at this stage, unless of course there is a plan to become patent trolls
2. Without disclosing all the information, it is impossible to raise money.
But you should not be afraid about the idea, all ideas are in bulk, and the resource for implementation is limited, and in general, people are creatures that value their ideas more and are more inclined to implement them than others. The real theft of ideas can only occur with the condition of great developments in the same niche.
3. Estimate / cost estimate for the development of a social network depends on numerous factors. For example, you are going to outsource the first version or you need a team from the beginning of the project, what level, etc.

Answer 7

Specifically, on the points:
1. An idea can be patented as a utility model - that's welcome. For example, in the Russian Federation, but its patents do not quite work in other countries, with US patents it is somewhat better. Costs guard int. properties in various jurisdictions will start at $100,000.
2. Information about the project will need to be disclosed in full, but possibly under the terms of an agreement like an NDA. In fact, there is more money than good projects, money is not the main problem, money for a good project will be in almost unlimited quantities.
3. Any business plan and description of similar projects are strictly confidential information, even if they did not take off. You can easily find a business plan for a hairdressing or nail salon. This business is simpler, perhaps it is worth starting with this.