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Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

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Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#21

Post by iamelgringo »

ojbyrne wrote: post #3

All I can say is I find category 2 - Workers on an H-1B visa, or graduates from U.S. universities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, or computer science—if they have an annual income of at least $30,000 or assets of at least $60,000 and have had a U.S. investor commit investment of at least $20,000 in their venture. Two years later, the startup must have created three new American jobs and either have…

Craig Montuori set up a tumblr to tell stories of Entrepreneurs that haven't been able to start companies in the US because of visa issues. Contact him at http://startupvisa.tumblr.com/, or cmontuori@gmail.com

Help us get this off the ground.

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#22

Post by HistoryInAction »

iamelgringo wrote: post #17

I've been _soooo_ frustrated by this, running http://www.hackersandfounders.com . I can't tell you how many amazing entrepreneurs I've seen come into the area, and then have to leave because of visa issues. So, even though I'm way oversubscribed right, now, I'm burning a bit of bandwidth on the startup visa movement. Votizen (I have no attachment other than knowing the founders) is coming up with a crazy cool platfor…

Thanks :)

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#23

Post by iamelgringo »

corin_ wrote: post #15

When asked six weeks ago whether the Yuri Milner / SV Angel offers would affect which startups YC accepts, pg said "No, of course not." I would imagine that, if this legislation does pass, it might change his answer to that question, as all of a sudden that extra $150k becomes the difference between foreigners being able to get a Startup Visa to be accepted into YC or not. If you read this Paul, care to share any upd…

Or, if you have decent product, team, traction, pitch and social proof, you can apply to Angel List, and pick up the investment.

Come to the area on a tourist visa, hang out at local meetups like 106 miles or Hackers & Founders, and we'll try to get you guys plugged into the scene. Hopefully, you'll make enough connections that if and when you have to go back, you'll be able to have enough connections to raise an angel round, get a visa and move.

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#24

Post by tomjen3 »

The only problem with this is the requirement that it has to generate jobs - there are so many ways this can cause a small business to fail that are outside the control of those who are running it. That is in addition to all the ways a business can fail without employees.

All it really takes is that you overlook a little provision or somebody gets mad and sue because you didn't hire them and they turned out to be some minority that was protected. Even if you win the suit most likely your business is already done for and you lose everything.

The fact that legislation like this is cause for celebration is the measurement of how far the US has fallen.

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#25

Post by tomjen3 »

petercooper wrote: post #2

Foreign entrepreneurs whose business has generated at least $100,000 in sales from the U.S. Now that's more like it! If US consumers are sending lots of dollars out of the country, it makes sense to bring those entrepreneurs into the country and keep the dollars at home. Not all of us need funding so this proviso could help us out without having to go looking for arbitrary angel cash.

Wouldn't it makes sense to get those who sell outside the US even more? that could potentially get the trade deficient back to zero, which this measure won't.

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#26

Post by HistoryInAction »

tomjen3 wrote: post #24

The only problem with this is the requirement that it has to generate jobs - there are so many ways this can cause a small business to fail that are outside the control of those who are running it. That is in addition to all the ways a business can fail without employees. All it really takes is that you overlook a little provision or somebody gets mad and sue because you didn't hire them and they turned out to be som…

It's an OR requirement within the bill. Jobs is one way to convert the visa into a green card within 2 years, but it's not the only way.

EDIT: Corin_ is right, and I was working off of the old bill, which had jobs as an OR. Interesting that this change was made, probably to sell it more effectively on the Hill.

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#27

Post by ck2 »

Help me understand this?

Is there a shortage of startups in the USA?

Can startups (that in reality have an online-only product) not occur outside the USA?

These are honest questions, I'm trying not to be biased, why come here?

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#28

Post by HistoryInAction »

noelsequeira wrote: post #13

I'm an Indian entrepreneur, and much as I'd love to see #3 see the light of day, I have this sinking feeling it's just way too ripe for exploitation. Foreign entrepreneurs whose business has generated at least $100,000 in sales from the U.S. Two years later, the startup must have created three new American jobs and either have raised over $100,000 in financing or be generating more than $100,000 in yearly revenue. A…

What are some ways that this clause could be misused? I'll pass these examples along.

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#29

Post by PostOnce »

ck2 wrote: post #27

Help me understand this? Is there a shortage of startups in the USA? Can startups (that in reality have an online-only product) not occur outside the USA? These are honest questions, I'm trying not to be biased, why come here?

Easier to obtain capital, easier to obtain additional talent, easier to obtain tools/tech/expertise. The market a startup wants to enter here may not even exist in their country. Also, depending on where you are from, taxes may be less harsh, laws more understandable, our market is large (300 million), etc; the outlook is just brighter.
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