Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

techcrunch.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

51–60 of 121 posts

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#51

Post by iamelgringo »

tptacek wrote: post #41
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…

How exactly does the message delivery work?

Back and forth between you and votizen, is text messages. They ask you for your name and zip code, and if you're a registered voter. They verify that with voter registraion databases.

Then, if you are a registered voter, they tell you who your representative and senators are, and then they hand carry a print out of your support to the physical offices of those senators and representatives.

The last mile of the message delivery is in meat space, foot work.

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#53

Post by gridspy »

noelsequeira wrote: post #47
HistoryInAction wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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

The answer depends largely on intent (is the bill meant to be exclusively for startups or are the terms more inclusive) and consequently, on how you define a 'startup'. Let's assume a hypothetical company in operation for 15 years outside the US with > 100000$ in revenue from the US market. 3 American hires now effectively represent an immediate ticket to a Visa for the founders. If I might hazard a guess, there'll b…

If the founders are working in their own company, contributing to the local economy, is this really a problem for the U.S?

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#54

Post by samstokes »

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…

You don't need a work visa to get into to YC. They require you to move to the Bay Area for the duration of the scheduled YC programme, but don't have conditions on where the company operates from thereafter (I believe they prefer you to incorporate in the US, but I doubt that's a hard requirement).

YC lasts three months, which is a lot easier from an immigration standpoint than moving here to work long term.

It's still conceivable that YC might become more attractive to foreigners, because the $150k would allow them to apply for a Startup Visa. I doubt that would affect YC's application policies, however.

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#56

Post by iamelgringo »

stefanobernardi wrote: post #7

I just WISH we had such politicians in my country. It is just mind blowing to me that a politician actually took the time to read a TC article and modify a bill accordingly.

Votizen has been doing a lot of the political push on the startup visa issue. And, there's a number of big super angel/VC names that are attached to the movement as well. A lot of those guys are pretty connected. I'm sure that helped.

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#58

Post by VladRussian »

noelsequeira wrote: post #47
HistoryInAction wrote: post #28

Earlier quoted context omitted.

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

The answer depends largely on intent (is the bill meant to be exclusively for startups or are the terms more inclusive) and consequently, on how you define a 'startup'. Let's assume a hypothetical company in operation for 15 years outside the US with > 100000$ in revenue from the US market. 3 American hires now effectively represent an immediate ticket to a Visa for the founders. If I might hazard a guess, there'll b…

i don't see why founders of such business wouldn't be a welcomed addition to the US population?

Re: Finally, a Startup Visa That Works

#59

Post by blizkreeg »

crux_ wrote: post #44

Doesn't this give investors a rather disproportionate amount of negotiating power, particularly for the 2nd round? "Agree to our terms ... or lose your visa!"

Not really. Except for the first category, it's 100K in financing. Not penny change, but not a big amount either. Of course, you can also generate 100K in revenue (two years is plenty enough time to get there) and then financing isn't a requirement.
Post reply on HN