15-20k could be mustered with friends and family, I think. Meebo maxed out credit cards before their A round. If the angel route is where you want to go, then

15-20k could be mustered with friends and family, I think. Meebo maxed out credit cards before their A round. If the angel route is where you want to go, then referral is best. VCs and anges love recommendations from professors, especially if you have a new tech. Try also contacting people you know in startups. If that doesn't work, go through an angel network to see their process and a screening. A lot of angels are becoming more open to small YC type investments.