I’ve got an exciting startup idea, but I’m torn—what’s the best next step?

Hey Reddit, I’ve recently come up with what I think is a killer idea for a startup. It’s something I believe has real potential to solve a problem a lot of people face. Now I’m at a crossroads and need your advice: Should I: 1️⃣ Start by building a basic prototype or MVP (Minimum Viable Product), test it with a small audience, and then start looking for investors? OR 2️⃣ Skip the building phase for now, focus on preparing a solid proposal and business plan, and start pitching the idea to investors to get funding upfront? On one hand, I feel like having something tangible to show (like an MVP) could really help attract investors. But on the other hand, I’m wondering if starting with a strong proposal and networking right away might save time and give me more room to scale later. What would you do in my shoes? Or do you have a completely different approach that worked for you? I’d love to hear your thoughts, especially from those who’ve been down this road before. Let’s discuss! ======= **Update** First of all, a huge THANK YOU to everyone who commented on my previous post. The responses were incredibly helpful, and I appreciate all the advice and perspectives you shared. Since many of you asked for more details, here’s where I’m at: I currently work at a company where we face a specific recurring problem that wastes a lot of time. With my startup idea, I believe every employee could save at least an hour (or more) of work each day. I’ve also realized that my previous employer dealt with the same issue, so I’m confident that there’s a clear demand for this solution. **Target Audience:** The focus is entirely on companies—helping them save time, improve efficiency, and reduce operational friction. **Employer Feedback:** I’ve already discussed this with my current employer, and they’re open to the idea. They mentioned that if they see a functional prototype or MVP, there’s potential for a cooperation, which is super exciting. Now, I’d love to tap into your expertise again: # What are the step-by-step actions I should take to get this startup off the ground? I have a clear problem to solve and a potential first customer (my current employer), but I want to make sure I approach this systematically and efficiently. Thank you all again for your support—it’s been incredible so far! Looking forward to learning more from your experiences.