You'll certainly want to research the investor and see how credible they are. It's somewhat difficult to know how serious they are, but credible investors don'

You'll certainly want to research the investor and see how credible they are. It's somewhat difficult to know how serious they are, but credible investors don't typically waste their time if they aren't serious about a potential investment. Certainly ask around in your network about the investor (LinkedIn is invaluable towards that end, by the way). But this all begs two questions: 1) Is your interest in pursuing this new business strategy at all? If it is, who cares about the investor. You need to create a business plan anyway. Your first focus should be on what you want for your business going forward. 2) How is it that you plan to not involve your third partner? This has to be handled delicately and intelligently. Otherwise you will be facing a potential lawsuit and a definite cloud over your IP.