$20k is on the low side for what you're trying to do - good chance it will run out as you're just getting started. On average both of these options work out to basically burning $20k, maybe learning stuff along the way, maybe not. Which could be fine depending on your financial situation and risk tolerance.

But don't do either if that's your only $20k. Certainly don't go into it with the expectations that you'll get a reliable return on the investment.

Since you're asking about other options - you can always invest in stocks and other assets but it's hard to give advice about it without knowing your financial situation and goals.

Depending on where you live, you can get away with your cost of living expenses quite a while. So, why not take a time off, invest in your tech skills and start building the project ideas on your own?

Even if your ideas fail (which is quite likely - as for all startups), you still have a return on your investment in employability.

You could invest in US Tech Companies that you understand well via a brokerage firm - the FAANG list is one example. Or ETFs that cover the best tech companies.

[Not an investment advice, markets are risky, losses are probable - you know the usual disclaimers]

$20k is a bit low to get into angel investing. For that budget, would look for Eastern European or South American dev shops. Consider index funds, stocks, and crypto. Best of luck.

I told people to buy btc and decentraland here on HN 2 years ago and now you'd be up x100.

now I'd tell you, trading NFTs should be your full time job

What is your Goal ? do you only want to invest in/build companies ?