Every good idea sooner or later degenerates into hard work.

In my mentoring I find almost all the “ businesses are capable of being a little scrappier”. The effort to chase money instead of the “real thing” is really a sign of mental laziness. Many times the entrepreneur needs this lesson not in indirect terms but head on as you have done. I love that line and will use it often.

As Calvin Trillin said, “Every good idea sooner or later degenerates into hard work.” . You are more direct, “ideas are shit, and execution is everything”. All mentors are far more interested in helping someone take it to the next level.

You are conscientious investor and have given the entrepreneur two direct suggestions. If they rather look for some other investor than follow this sage advice, they are playing into the hands of predators. See https://medium.com/@rajivtandon/entrepreneurs-are-you-marrying-a-partner-or-a-rapist-55ad38d5a50