It's an extremely capital-intensive endeavour, and alot's gone into it. I recently inherited 6 digits after both my parents died, and I figured it was a better idea to try to build a money making machine than to just live off it for as long as I could, so I created an LLC, and started building a sound system.

So far after 2 years, I'm just over halfway through building the sound system, and a little less than halfway through building the backoffice IT infrastructure. And I've already spent $160k!

I'm working with a SCORE counselor, and intend to get an SBA loan to cover what I need to finish the sound rig- the IT's in a state where it's just enough to get by until I make some money, so I don't need to spend anymore on that thank goodness.

Money and hours spent:

10$ + 2 days - domain+naming

9$/m - hosting

0$ - 1 week - webdesign  (~ 3000$ value)

0$ - 1 day - front-end development (~ 300$ value)

0$ - 1 week - development (~ 1500$ value)

0$ - 6 days - copy writing (~ 500$ value)

- Facebook official page created 05.05.2011

- Money and hours spent on advertising :  ~ 200 $ + 1 month work (~ 4000$ value)

- Over 800 emails received and replied

-  12 paying costumers. (450x12=5400 euro)

-  3 refund (250x3=750 euro)

-  Profit - 4650 euro

P.S. Actually I should spend 10000$ for the launch, but because I did everything myself, I didn't spend so much money. I spent too much time learning graphic design, marketing, seo and my expertise on my startup subject. And some coding skills. But because all of them were already familiar to me as a hobby, I dont't count the time spent on learning developing my startup.

The biggest question is what do you consider spent on the startup? Do living costs count or just direct expenses?

I'd say most of the cost has definitely been in the living costs. My total bill for direct costs (not living costs) so far is probably under <5k.

What have you been working on for a year without launching?