Titan Capital Launches Program for H-1B Visa Holders to Build Startups in India
New Delhi / Bengaluru, September 2025 — With the recent surge in H-1B visa costs and growing uncertainty around U.S. immigration rules, thousands of Indian professionals and students are facing an uncertain future. In response, Titan Capital, the early-stage venture capital firm backed by Snapdeal founders Kunal Bahl and Rohit Bansal, has launched a dedicated support program for H-1B visa holders and aspirants.
The initiative will provide seed funding, mentorship, and access to a large founder network — helping professionals turn their ideas into startups in India rather than being limited by U.S. visa policies.
Why Titan Capital’s Program Matters
- The U.S. recently announced a $100,000 H-1B visa application fee for companies sponsoring talent.
- India sends ~70% of H-1B visas issued globally each year, primarily to tech professionals.
- Rising costs could force Indian IT and startups to cut down on U.S. hiring, potentially displacing over 50,000 professionals annually.
- At the same time, India’s startup ecosystem has grown to over 100,000 DPIIT-recognized startups and 111 unicorns (2025), making it an increasingly viable destination for entrepreneurship.
Titan Capital is positioning itself at this inflection point to retain top Indian talent within the country.
What the Program Offers
Titan Capital’s H-1B support initiative provides:
- Seed Funding – Initial capital (₹50 lakh – ₹2 crore, depending on idea and stage).
- Mentorship – Direct access to successful founders and Titan’s investment team.
- Network Access – Entry into a community of 500+ founders funded by Titan Capital.
- Sector Focus – Consumer internet, SaaS, AI, fintech, healthtech, and logistics.
- Hands-on Guidance – Support with company registration, compliance, fundraising, and scaling in India.
How to Apply & Claim Support
Titan Capital has streamlined the process for eligible candidates:
- Prepare Your Pitch
- A 5–10 slide deck covering idea, problem, market, business model, and team.
- Include your H-1B status or background (visa applicant, student, or returnee).
- Submit Application
- Email or apply directly via Titan Capital’s official website or LinkedIn.
- Use the subject line “H-1B Founder Program – Application.”
- Initial Screening
- Titan’s team will review pitches weekly. Shortlisted founders will be invited to a call.
- Mentorship & Seed Round
- Selected startups will receive seed funding and be onboarded to Titan’s network.
- Founders also gain access to Titan’s playbook for scaling.
- Ongoing Support
- Regular check-ins, investor connects, and demo days to help raise larger rounds.
📌 Tip: Even if you don’t yet have a full-fledged business, strong technical or market expertise can make you eligible. Titan encourages early-stage ideas.
Impact on India’s Startup Ecosystem
This initiative could accelerate:
- Reverse brain drain – Professionals choosing India over the U.S.
- Boost in innovation – Particularly in AI, SaaS, fintech, and healthtech, where global talent has an edge.
- VC collaboration – Other investors may launch similar H-1B talent programs.
- Government push – Policymakers may create tax breaks or special startup visas for returnees.
Already, Indian unicorns like Razorpay, Urban Company, and Ola (all Titan portfolio firms) showcase how early-stage support can lead to billion-dollar outcomes.
FAQs on Titan Capital’s H-1B Founder Program
Who is eligible?
H-1B visa holders, applicants, or Indian students/professionals impacted by U.S. visa changes.
What stage of startup can apply?
Idea-stage, MVP, or early-revenue startups are welcome.
How much funding can I expect?
Typically between ₹50 lakh – ₹2 crore in the seed stage. Larger follow-on funding possible.
Do I need to relocate to India?
Yes, the program is designed for building startups within India’s ecosystem.
How long does the process take?
Initial screening within 2–3 weeks; funding decisions may take 4–6 weeks.
Is equity taken in exchange?
Yes, as standard seed investment. Terms depend on stage and valuation.
Can non-technical founders apply?
Yes, but strong domain expertise or a co-founder with technical skills is preferred.
Final Thoughts
By launching this program, Titan Capital has become one of the first VCs to formally support H-1B holders amid U.S. visa turmoil. For thousands of professionals reconsidering their future abroad, this initiative offers a pathway to entrepreneurship in India, backed by one of the country’s most respected early-stage investors.
This move could mark the beginning of a larger shift in global talent flows — with India no longer just exporting talent but also nurturing world-class startups at home.
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