The little inventor seemed nervous, Altair realized almost instantly. He carefully modulated his voice to the tone he used for calming skittish animals. "I apologize for coming up to you uninvited and without having been properly introduced," he said gently, "but I think that this could be a good opportunity for both of us. I would give you the money to finance your inventions and cover your expenses. When you invent something you're willing to sell, I will manage that aspect, and we will use the profits from those sales to finance future innovations."
He smiled and straightened up, adding, "Rest assured, I do not need you to commit to anything right now. Take my card, think about it, and contact me when you've decided."