Your Launchpad to
Silicon Valley
SF Startup Labs helps international startups prepare for, move to, and succeed in San Francisco — from online prep to on-the-ground support.
The Challenge
Coming to SF Is Hard.
It Doesn't Have to Be.
You have a great startup. You know Silicon Valley is the place to be. But the path from where you are to building in San Francisco is full of unknowns.
Visa complexity
Which visa do you need? O-1, E-2, L-1? Each has different timelines, costs, and requirements.
Where to live & work
SF neighborhoods vary wildly. The wrong choice can cost you time, money, and access to the ecosystem.
No warm introductions
Cold emails don't work in SF. You need someone to open doors to investors, partners, and talent.
Unwritten rules
The SF startup ecosystem runs on norms that locals take for granted — SAFEs, pitch etiquette, culture fit.
We've been through this ourselves. That's why we built SF Startup Labs.
Our Programs
Two Programs. One Goal.
Whether you're still preparing from home or ready to land in San Francisco, we have a program for your stage.
SF Preparation Camp
For startups preparing to come to SF
- Silicon Valley culture & ecosystem orientation
- Visa strategy & legal pathways
- US investment agreements (SAFEs, priced rounds)
- Where to live in SF (and where not to)
- Where to meet investors & founders
- Practical logistics & cost planning
SF On-Ground Program
For startups physically coming to SF
- 1:1 mentorship with experienced SF operators
- Group sessions with mentors & fellow founders
- Warm introductions to founders & investors
- Accommodation assistance & neighborhood guidance
- Curated local events for your cohort
- Deck & pitch preparation for US investors
Many founders start with the Preparation Camp and then join the On-Ground Program. You can do one or both.
Why San Francisco
The World's Startup Capital
For international founders, SF is where your ambition is the norm and the investor you need is 10 minutes away.
of all global VC funding flows through the Bay Area
higher density of technical talent than any other US metro
unicorns built in San Francisco in the last decade
Being in SF means running into your next investor at a coffee shop, hiring world-class engineers who want to work on hard problems, and being surrounded by people who think building a company is a completely normal thing to do.
How It Works
Your Journey to SF
Apply
Tell us about your startup, your stage, and your goals. Takes under 10 minutes.
Get Matched
We recommend the right program for your stage — Prep Camp, On-Ground, or both.
Prepare
Online sessions covering visas, culture, housing, and ecosystem navigation.
Land & Launch
Join the On-Ground Program in SF. Get mentored, get introduced, and build your company.
Your Mentors
People Who've Done This Before
Our mentors are operators, founders, and investors who have built companies in SF and helped international founders navigate the ecosystem.
Elena Vasquez
Serial Founder
Founded 2 YC companies. Helped 20+ international founders relocate to SF.
David Kim
Investor & Advisor
Partner at a top SF fund. Invested in 30+ international startups entering the US market.
Priya Sharma
Immigration Expert
Tech immigration attorney. Guided 100+ founders through O-1 and E-2 visa processes.
James O'Brien
Growth Operator
Former VP Growth at a unicorn. Specializes in go-to-market for B2B startups entering the US.
From Our Founders
What They're Saying
“The Prep Camp was invaluable. By the time I landed in SF, I already knew which neighborhood to live in, how to structure my SAFE, and who I needed to meet. It saved us months.”
Sarah Chen
Founder, DataFlow · Originally from Berlin
“The mentor network alone was worth it. Within 3 weeks of the On-Ground Program, I had warm intros to 12 investors and closed our seed round two months later.”
Marcus Rivera
Co-founder, Nimbus AI · Originally from São Paulo
“As a first-time founder from India, SF was intimidating. My 1:1 mentor made it feel like home. She'd done the exact same journey 10 years earlier and knew every pitfall.”
Anika Patel
Founder, Veridian · Originally from Mumbai
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
The Prep Camp is fully online, so no visa is needed. For the On-Ground Program, you'll need a US visa. The Prep Camp includes visa strategy sessions to help you choose the right path (O-1, E-2, B-1, etc.) and connect with immigration attorneys.
Yes, and many founders do exactly that. The Prep Camp is designed to flow naturally into the On-Ground Program. Complete the prep remotely, then join us in SF when you're ready.
We don't provide housing directly, but we help with accommodation assistance — recommending neighborhoods, connecting you with housing options, and helping you avoid common mistakes international founders make when choosing where to live in SF.
The Prep Camp is ideal for early-stage startups still exploring whether SF is right for them. The On-Ground Program works best for startups with a product and some traction that are ready to scale in the US market. Not sure? Apply and we'll help you figure it out.
Yes, all sessions, materials, and mentorship are conducted in English. You'll need working proficiency in English to participate effectively, as this is also the language of SF's startup ecosystem.
You become part of the SF Startup Labs alumni network — a growing community of international founders building in SF. You'll continue to have access to events, introductions, and peer support long after the program ends.
Ready to Build in
San Francisco?
Whether you're exploring from abroad or packing your bags, we'll help you find the right path.