/ About this event
For international students and recent graduates, the path from university to startup founder—or early employee—can feel unnecessarily opaque.
This practical session brings together founders, startup operators, and immigration professionals to discuss the transition from student status into the US startup ecosystem. We will cover what founders and early employees should understand about common options such as OPT, STEM OPT, H-1B and O-1, along with the operational choices that can make a young company more prepared to support talent.
The focus is not on “finding a loophole.” It is on building responsibly: understanding the rules, planning early, and making better career and company decisions.
Topics to be covered:
> Building a company while on OPT or STEM OPT
> H-1B realities for startup founders and early employees
> When an O-1 may become relevant for a founder
> What early-stage companies need in place to sponsor and employ talent
> Common mistakes students and startups make when moving too quickly
How to create a credible career narrative while building a venture
This event is a part of #SFTechWeek—a week of events hosted by VCs and startups to bring together the tech ecosystem. Learn more at www.tech-week.com.
