You have either to convince a few people with lots of money to fund your project, or a lot of people to give you a small amount of money. Both options require

You have either to convince a few people with lots of money to fund your project, or a lot of people to give you a small amount of money. Both options require some amount of reputation on your part and/or some goodwill from the patrons. One of these options will leave you in a worse position. I know which one I would prefer.