Bootstraped until we had traction: proof-of-concept, small proof-of-market and users.
Make sure you did your networking all the way through.
A local accelerator funded my company called Koalah. They gave us $25,000 for 8%. We applied via their online application and knew the founder of the firm.
Did it help?
Customers.
Grant from a college followed by acceptance into accelerator fund
I know some folks here probably lead you to YC. But I am currently building something with my saving as a developer. If I got my prototype right, I will call my richest auntie.