I am not anything close to a lawyer, but years ago as a web designer I had a startup client who got in trouble for soliciting the general public for investment.

I am not anything close to a lawyer, but years ago as a web designer I had a startup client who got in trouble for soliciting the general public for investment. Your bit about looking for funding is more vague than theirs was, and I think investment laws have even changed a bit since then, but might be something to ask a lawyer about.