


Founders Without Limits - How Technical Founders Can Navigate the O-1 Visa: A Practical Session
Understanding how to launch a startup in the U.S. as an international founder can be complex, especially when navigating different visa options. This interactive session will break down what it takes to qualify for the O-1 “Extraordinary Ability” visa, especially for technical innovators building high-impact companies.
[RSVP REQUIRED] - IN PERSON ONLY
In this session, you will learn:
The 8 key eligibility categories for the O-1A visa
Common founder paths and real-world case studies
Actionable steps to build a compelling application (press, research, judging, etc.)
Insights from immigration experts, experienced VCs, and founders who’ve done it
Ideal for:
Engineers and researchers on F-1, OPT, STEM, or H-1B visas exploring startup opportunities
Early-stage founders looking to understand what qualifies under “extraordinary ability”
Anyone building toward a longer-term status while staying focused on innovation
Speakers:
Manan Mehta, Founding Partner at Unshackled Ventures
Manan Mehta is the Founding Partner of Unshackled Ventures, a pre-seed fund designed to support immigrant founders in the U.S. Since launching in 2014, Unshackled has backed 100+ companies, helped create over 1,000 jobs, and supported teams that have raised more than $1B. A husband to a nurse and father of two, Manan is a collegiate national dance champion, mindfulness practitioner, coach, and lifelong sports enthusiast.
Jeff Goldman, Founding Partner & CEO Goldman & Partners Immigration Law & Co-Founder of Open Avenues Foundation
Jeff Goldman practices exclusively in the area of business immigration law. He has 31+ years of extensive experience representing technology, life science, and entrepreneurial businesses regarding all visa matters, as well as permanent residency applications. After managing the immigration law sections at two nationally recognized law firms for 11 years, Jeff opened his own practice in 2011.
Minn Kim, Founder at Lighthouse
Minn Kim is the Founder and CEO of Lighthouse, the fastest immigration solution for the world's top technical talent. Previously, she served as Partner at On Deck, where she built a global accelerator supporting thousands of international founders, and as Principal at Bloomberg Beta, investing in AI, machine learning tools, and robotics startups. She is based in San Francisco and is an avid triathlete and dinner party host.
📍 Hosted by Unshackled Ventures at Shack15
📅 Tuesday, July 23 | 3:30–5:00 PM PT - DOORS OPEN AT 3:15 PM
🥂 A networking reception hosted by Open Avenues will follow at 5:00 PM | Light bites and drinks
🎟️ RSVP required - You will not be able to enter the event location if you have not RSVP'd
This event is 21+
Please review our House Rules and Guest Code of Conduct.
About SHACK15
SHACK15 is a community for Founders, Innovators and Changemakers. Located in the iconic San Francisco Ferry Building with panoramic views of the Bay, SHACK15 provides the stage for a diverse global community to gather and connect.
SHACK15 Location
We’re located on the 2nd floor of San Francisco's Ferry Building. Please use the elevator to come to the 2nd floor in the Ferry Building’s “Office Lobby” - located underneath the giant clock tower, on the left side of the main market entrance.