Ask HN: Advice on starting my own company?

I've been wanting to break out on my own and start a company for the past several years but have yet to dare it. I've got several projects and ideas I think could be successful, but the financial risk is holding me back. I wouldn't want to freelance, but really just want to bring my ideas into fruition. Is there any advice you can give me on starting up or getting funding for a project? What do I need besides ideas and the skills to make them happen? I would really appreciate also any advice from guys in the european sector since that's where I'm at.

Thanks in advance!