How do startups protect early inventions without overspending?

I’m working on a small project exploring how founders handle early-stage IP protection, and I’m trying to understand the real-world problems people face. Would love input from the HN community.

We’re validating a new way for startups and innovators to protect their inventions affordably — while maintaining freedom to operate in today’s fast-moving AI era. When innovation happens at machine speed, patenting every idea isn’t practical, but leaving inventions unprotected can open the door to IP fencing by competitors. Your answers will help us shape a solution built specifically for founders and incubators like you.

If you’d like to contribute, here’s the link: https://forms.gle/KSSWGc68RkNT9G8n6