How EB-5 Can Help Indian Entrepreneurs Build Unicorn Companies

The global startup ecosystem has witnessed an impressive rise in unicorn companies—privately held startups valued at over a billion dollars. Many of these successful ventures have been founded by entrepreneurs from India, whose ambition and ingenuity have made them key players on the international stage.

But behind their stories of success lies a crucial factor: the ability to access a global business landscape without the constraints of visa limitations or bureaucratic red tape. For Indian entrepreneurs, the U.S. offers a unique pathway to achieving these dreams through the EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

Unicorns Founded by Indian Entrepreneurs

The influence of Indian entrepreneurs on the global startup scene is undeniable. From the Silicon Valley tech giants to innovative financial services firms, many unicorns were founded or co-founded by Indian nationals who utilized their U.S. residency status to expand their businesses globally.

In each of these examples, the entrepreneurs had access to the resources and support systems that allowed them to innovate and scale their businesses. Whether through funding, talent, or infrastructure, the U.S. provided the fertile ground for their success.

But the question remains: How can Indian entrepreneurs who aspire to achieve similar success gain access to this environment?

The EB-5 program can serve as the crucial gateway for Indian entrepreneurs who wish to enter the U.S. business ecosystem. By securing U.S. permanent residency, Indian entrepreneurs can take full advantage of the myriad opportunities available in the U.S., from high-tech sectors like artificial intelligence and software development to emerging industries such as renewable energy and biotechnology.

Moreover, the U.S. has long been a global hub for business education and innovation. The influence of institutions such as Stanford University cannot be overstated. Stanford’s ecosystem has nurtured countless entrepreneurs, many of whom have gone on to create multi-billion-dollar companies. Notably, Sam Silverman, Managing Partner at EB5AN, attended a class at Stanford Business School taught by thought leader Raj Chinai, alongside some of the top minds in entrepreneurship and business. He saw firsthand how exposure to this type of environment can catalyze an entrepreneur’s growth and success.

The below chart, created by Ilya Strebulaev and shared by Raj Chinai on LinkedIn, shows the impact of Indian-born unicorn founders in the U.S., and it is clear how even their closest competitor is significantly behind:

This is where EB-5 investors can truly benefit. With the ability to live, work, and operate their businesses in the U.S., they can leverage the business education, mentorship, and opportunities for expansion that come with being part of the U.S. economy.

The Importance of Flexibility and Stability for Entrepreneurs

Building a billion-dollar company is no small feat. The challenges are numerous—market competition, talent acquisition, product innovation, fundraising, and regulatory hurdles. One of the often-overlooked but critical factors that influence the success of entrepreneurs is the freedom and stability to make long-term decisions without the fear of visa expiration or restrictions on mobility.

For Indian entrepreneurs, one of the most significant roadblocks to scaling their businesses has traditionally been the immigration process. Indian nationals, especially those seeking to enter the U.S. for work or business, face long waiting periods for H-1B visas, an issue compounded by the complex and lengthy Green Card process. This creates a major bottleneck that prevents many talented entrepreneurs from fully pursuing their dreams or expanding their businesses in the U.S.

The solution to this challenge? The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program.

The EB-5 Program as a Gateway for Indian Entrepreneurs

The EB-5 visa offers a straightforward and efficient pathway to U.S. permanent residency (Green Card) through investment. By investing a minimum of $800,000 (in a targeted employment area) in a U.S. new commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs for U.S. workers, foreign investors can receive a Green Card for themselves, their spouse, and unmarried children under the age of 21.

This provides Indian entrepreneurs with several critical advantages:

Mobility and Stability

With U.S. permanent residency, Indian entrepreneurs are free to manage their businesses in the U.S. without worrying about visa renewals, work visas or travel restrictions.

Access to Funding

The U.S. has a vast network of venture capital firms, angel investors, and other funding sources that Indian entrepreneurs can tap into, making it easier to secure the resources needed for rapid expansion.

Business Ecosystem

The U.S. offers a dynamic and well-developed business ecosystem that fosters innovation, collaboration, and networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and industry leaders.

Talent Acquisition

The ability to recruit top-tier talent from around the world, including skilled workers from the U.S., becomes more feasible with a Green Card.

In essence, the EB-5 program can offer Indian entrepreneurs the freedom to innovate, scale, and succeed without the looming pressure of immigration issues.

EB5AN Can Help You With the Path Forward

For Indian entrepreneurs dreaming of creating the next unicorn, the EB-5 program offers a viable pathway to U.S. permanent residency and the opportunity to grow their businesses in a thriving, globally connected economy. By securing the flexibility and stability that comes with a U.S. Green Card, entrepreneurs can access the tools, networks, and capital necessary to build companies that transcend borders.

The stories of Indian-born entrepreneurs and CEOs highlight how U.S. residency can open doors to unimaginable success. With the help of the EB-5 program, Indian entrepreneurs can begin their own journey toward building the next generation of unicorns and reshaping the global business landscape. However, it is crucial to take the first step with the assistance of an experienced EB-5 team.

EB5AN has helped more than 2,300 families from 70+ countries become lawful permanent residents of the United States. Our team has more than a decade of experience and offers clients first-rate, low-risk EB-5 regional center projects with a 100% USCIS project approval rate.

If you would like to know more about how an EB-5 investment can unlock your future success in the United States, book a free call with our expert team today.