Ask HN: Have to invest 500K in a business – what can I do?

I am a not so successful software entrepreneur. Have tried my hands at a few startups but haven't made it yet.

I am planning to file for US green card using the $500K investment EB5 visa. The KEY requirements for EB-5 direct investment visa are that: - one invests $500K in a existing or new business - generate and sustain 10 NEW full time jobs for 2 years. this is key! - located in a TEA ( targeted employment area) - should have active role in management of the business (at least on paper!)

I don't want to invest in my own company because - 1. 500K would be insufficient to sustain 10 jobs as tech salaries are too high. 2. 500K is all i have, and with my track record so far, can't risk the startup failing and loosing both my investment and consequently the green card.

So any advise on safe business ideas or startups that one can invest in considering the above requirements!

Quick Service Restaurant. Specifically a boba tea shop. This is how it's done here in California.

Can you qualify for a loan? SBA loans require 25% down. 7 year payment plan.

That can get you a $2M business. Preferably tech related since you have experience in it.

Otherwise, start a tech software consulting business. $500K is plenty to bootstrap, hire a few key employees, biz development… to land some key clients…

I worked for a company getting EB-5 investors and had to run multiple financial models for potential businesses as a MBA Grad Student. 100% a restaurant will get the most bang for your buck (job wise). I know what a TEA is and how we obtained those to cover what we were working with. Contact me @ raouldukenc@gmail.com and we can work something out.