How do I protect my app idea?

Why idea protection usually doesn't matter:

• Most successful companies weren't first to market with their idea
• Execution, timing, and customer relationships matter far more than the idea itself
• If your idea is truly good, competitors will emerge whether or not you shared it
• VCs, developers, and advisors hear hundreds of pitches-they're not going to steal yours

When protection might matter:

• If you've invented genuinely novel technology (consider patents)
• If you have unique data or relationships that create a moat
• If you're in a highly competitive space where even weeks of head start matter

Practical advice:

• Don't require NDAs before talking to anyone-it signals inexperience
• Build in public to establish first-mover narrative and attract early users
• Focus on customer relationships and rapid iteration as your real competitive advantage
• If someone could steal your idea and beat you to market in weeks, your competitive advantage was too thin anyway