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Aware of this, just less common. Usually startup founders don't have money of their own to make a "substantial investment." It's my understanding that the investment should exceed $200,000 USD, and some consulates require $500,000. The amount is also evaluated based on the type of business being invested in, etc.

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Information point : I got an E-2 for my software startup in 1999, investing $100k for 100%. I've been renewing ever since, and (post angel round), I'm now at 72%. Of course, renewal require that the business passes various other tests.

The E-2 visa is really a two-stage thing : The company needs approval, and then the individuals get their E-2s on the back of the company.

FWIW, I've done all the legal work for myself.

Do you have to invest individually, or as a whole?

Yeah, I'm aware of the amounts. However, they do vary. I recall reading of 100k being considered a 'substantial investment' for software. The main problem is that the investment most likely should not be made in the startup since the investor also needs to own an equity stake according to the "inverted rule". For amounts in the 100k range, this is > 75%.

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