You can&#x27;t have very meaningful traction until you release an actual product. Most significant products (e.g. Dropbox) will take one person at least 6-12 months to develop, followed by 3+ months before there are charts showing traction.<p>a) You raise money after having invested a year of work on your own dime.<p>b) You raise money based on your connections&#x2F;pedigree (&quot;reputation&quot;).