eunomad
Since Africa is having a meltdown and the Iran just took some war ships through the Suez, I would say military companies would be a good investment right now. Also, I would look to companies that help Americans forget their troubles such as entertainment, food etc.
There is a really cool Vodka company in Alaska, Alaska Distillery, that might interest you. They have a cool product and want to expand internationally. They make Salmon Vodka which is a niche product. There are three partners and maybe you can buy one out.. (I don't have any ownership in this company) They have amazing sales that are strong and steady and they have a great leader running the company.
You don't have to buy stocks on the stock market, you can find a stable smaller company with good growth and invest money in it without too much risk and get a nice income in return.
Also, you don't have to worry if someone got their product out before you. The initial media coverage will not make the product.
Also share your idea with school and parent groups.. they will like your idea (I am a parent)
Also, contact teen magazines etc. The would find your application interesting and applicable cause teen girls are always having crushes on guys...
Hope that helps a bit.
I suffered a clinical depression and by changing my diet, running and learning to breath correctly (most of us don't take in enough o2), I was able to recover without using drugs and have not suffered another depression even under extreme pressure etc.
Go first to your doctor and make sure you don't have anything wrong. If the Doc clears you, change your diet and do a bit of sports (even walking) and take a few singing classes or yoga classes (To learn how to breathe correctly)
I am currently reading The China Study which is a pretty good book about nutrition.. I know you probably don't have time to read, if you want more info just contact me and I will send you some links.
I live in Europe and suggest using paypal if you are targeting Europeans. Many Europeans do not have credit cards and need to do bank transfers to pay for things online which is why they use paypal.
I can tell you what I am bringing to the table so maybe you can understand why someone who is non-technical is helpful in a start-up.
1. I came up with the idea and keep generating ideas. 2. I have Specific knowledge of the market we are targeting and what they need. I forecasted where the market would go and I am comfortable that I will still be able to do this in the future. 3. I am not afraid to approach anyone about anything. 4. Happy to do work outside my comfort zone. 5. Writing and researching and design skills. 6. I hack things outside of technology. 7. Entrepreneurial background. I know what I am getting into and what it takes to succeed. 8. Business experience on three continents giving me a global perspective of what is needed by our users in different areas of the world in relationship to our project. 9.Graduate degree that saves our company money. 10. Ego in check.
So that is what I bring to the company. Find someone like that and you will be super happy because you will be able to focus more time on the stuff that you love doing which is technical.