Well, if he got some leads, even if nothing was finalized, he could tell shareholders something like the following:
"I got some leads but nothing was finalized. But I am optimistic that we will be able to look back and conclude the trip was a success and well worth the expense."
Of course, he would not be able to give specifics about who the funding may come from.
Instead, he tells us he is working a second job.
Duh?