European Founders in the Bay Area

Helping European Founders and Companies succeed in the US
✓ free comprehensive guide
✓ community of exceptional founders
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Get connected

50+ free networking events dedicated to AI & startups every week and a ton of different startup accelerators. Most of them are a waste of time, we will help you pick the ones that matter.

European Founders organizes invite-only events on a regular basis.

Find housing

The housing market in the Bay area is intransparent. Prices vary a lot. Some landlords/sellers overcharge despite average price levels having gone down.

Hacker houses, and co-living communities provide the best opportunity to get immersed in the tech scene.

The area you live in can make or break your experience. San Francisco is known for its microclimates. And some areas should be avoided at all cost.

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Staying active

The mild weather allows for various sports all year around. And there are many active workout groups.

In San Francisco you can reserve tennis and pickleball courts for free.

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U.S. Visa

There are a multiple ways to get a work permit in the USA. Together with the right lawyers this can be more easily solved, than most think.

Many founders choose to start their company in the US with an O-Visa. And to gain practical experience working the J-Visa can be an option for up to 18 months. However there are a variety of other options, including the B or E Visa categories, or OPT Extension for students.

Application criteria

✓ living or relocating to the Bay Area
✓ proven to be an outstanding individual
✓ working on their own startup/side projects
✓ committed to make a positive dent in the universe

Apply Now

applications reviewed on a rolling basis

Why the Bay Area?

Home to 6 of the 10 most valuable companies in world. More available venture capital than anywhere else. Deep industry knowledge, startup accelerators, and a willingness to take bets on the young, make it the best place to scale your startup.

50% of all unicorns are based in the United States, the worlds largest economy measured by GDP.

Selection of Europeans who made it here
Abstract illustration of Jan Koum Founder of WhatsApp.
Jan Koum
WhatsApp
Ukraine
Abstract illustration of Sebastian Thrun Founder of Udacity.
Sebastian Thrun
Udacity
Germany
Abstract illustration of the Collison Brothers Founders of Stripe.
Collison Brothers
Stripe
Ireland
Abstract illustration of Adi Tatarko Founder of Houzz.
Adi Tatarko
Houzz
Israel
Abstract illustration of Jan Peter Thiel Founder of Paypal and Palantir.
Peter Thiel
PayPal, Palantir, Investor
Germany