<Gbatteries founder 1> We need to patent our technology before we can talk to to anyone, otherwise they can steal our tech.

<Gbatteries founder 2> Great, let me check our startup bank account. We have... uh... $3000.

<Gbatteries founder 1> What? Filling a patent in the US and EU cost $5000 each including agent fees. Even if I use all my personal savings, how do we eat in the 6 months that it takes to get the patent approved?

<Gbatteries founder 2> ...