Framing a startup as a Dhanasar endeavor
The proposed endeavor is the company's mission, not the founder's job title. A clearly-scoped endeavor — 'develop and deploy a reliable U.S. supply of next-generation lithium iron phosphate cells for grid-scale storage' — performs far better than a generic 'be the CEO of a tech company.'
USCIS guidance explicitly recognizes entrepreneurship as carrying substantial merit; the petition needs to show the specific national-interest dimension of the endeavor.
Evidence types for founders
Pitch decks, business plans, term sheets, investor letters, customer letters, revenue and hiring metrics, media coverage, patents, and partnership letters all contribute. The strongest evidence shows the venture is making real progress: signed customers, hired employees, raised capital, shipped product.
- Letter from each lead investor confirming the investment thesis and the founder's role
- Customer letters showing real adoption and impact
- Cap table and Form D filings demonstrating capital raised
- Hiring records demonstrating U.S. job creation
- Patents, trademarks, technical whitepapers
- Press coverage in trade publications and major media
Special considerations for solo and pre-seed founders
Pre-revenue founders need to substitute traction with credentials and a credible plan. Evidence includes prior exits, prior senior roles, recognized accelerator participation (YC, Techstars, Antler), and detailed milestones with realistic timelines.
Solo-founder petitions should emphasize the founder's unique fit: why this specific person is well-positioned to advance the endeavor (Prong 2).