The Bangalore to SF founder pipeline is one of the strongest in tech. Here is the practical guide.
Visa reality (2026)
- O-1 is the most common founder route. Requires evidence of extraordinary ability: press, patents, funding, awards.
- H-1B is a lottery. Do not plan around it.
- L-1 can work if your Indian company has a qualifying US entity and you meet the qualifying employment and role requirements.
- International Entrepreneur Parole is back and usable if you have raised $311,071+ from qualified US investors.
We do not give visa advice. Talk to a real immigration lawyer.
Banking without SSN
- Mercury works before you have an SSN (business account, if you are incorporated)
- Personal banking: harder. Chase and BofA sometimes accept ITIN + passport. See the starter pack
Where the Indian founder community is
- Sundar Pichai, Parag Agrawal, and a large slice of YC S25 are Indian founders or tech executives. It is the largest founder diaspora in SF.
- South Park Commons and YC have concentrated Indian founder networks
Housing
Expect to pay $3.5K to $5K for a 1BR. Landlords ask for 2.5x rent in income or 6 months prepaid if you do not have US credit yet.
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