I have an idea but I am not sure if I should build the proof of concept first before pitching the idea or should I pitch before building? I'm fairly certain that the idea requires funding and connections to big retailers.

I would suggest both. If you are committed to doing this than you ARE doing this, which means pitching and building every day. What you are building will get more real and your pitch will get better. This will be the same whenever you start so the earlier the better. Ideas are a dime a dozen, momentum behind an idea is the difference between what could have been and what could be. Good luck.

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