OPT to CEO
Turn your OPT into an opportunity to launch and scale your startup with our proven launch accelerator program. Whether you’re looking to secure funding, navigate visa requirements, or scale your business, our accelerator equips you with the resources, mentorship, and network to turn your vision into reality.
Believe in Yourself
Unlock Your Entrepreneurial Potential with Opt Accelerator
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm IST
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm IST
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm IST
6:30 pm - 9:30 pm IST
Launch and Scale Your Startup on OPT with Ivy Entrepreneurs
Designed for F-1 visa holders, our program meets all legal and compliance requirements to ensure your startup business journey is secure.
- 1:1 Mentorship with Experts
- Ivy E Labs as Your “Co-Founder”
- Access to Seed Funding & Investor Introductions
- 100% of Our Founders Launch within 4 Months
- OPT Visa Compliance & Legal Support
- Global Entrepreneur & Investor Network
- De-Risking Your Startup Journey
- Future-Proof Your Career
Key Features
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CPT
Work While Studying: Gain hands-on experience during your academic journey.
OPT
Launch & Build Your Business: Start your venture and stay USCIS compliant
STEM OPT
Extend & Scale: Unlock 24 months to grow and innovate.
Which is Your Path?
CPT (Work While Studying)
- For students looking for hands-on work experience while studying
- Part-time/full-time internships
- University-compliant internships
- Industry mentorship & job readiness
OPT (Launch Your Business)
- Graduates launching a startup
- 12-month work permit after graduation
- Startup funding & business support
- Visa compliance guidance
STEM OPT (Extend & Scale)
- Graduates in STEM fields
- 24-month extension for STEM grads
- More time to scale your startup
- Flexibility for long-term visa
For 1-Year OPT Participants
- Focus on Launch
- An 3-month intensive accelerator program to ideate, validate, and launch a startup before the OPT expires.
- Access to legal and visa-compliant business formation services.
- Short-Term Goals:
- Building a prototype.
- Launching beta versions of the product/service.
- Securing initial customer acquisition.
- Develop transferable skills
- Unique Offerings
- Startup-to-Hire Pathway: If the startup doesn’t work, participants can transition to related job opportunities within Ivy E’s network (subject to availability)
- Early Revenue Models: Focus on creating startups that generate income within the first 3–6 months.
- Workshops and Training
- Topics: Fundraising 101, rapid MVP development, marketing strategies, and pitch deck creation.
- Optional: Quick-launch strategies for e-commerce, lifestyle or consulting businesses
For 3-Year STEM OPT Participants
- Focus on Scaling
- A 2-3 year structured accelerator program that builds on the fundamentals to help participants scale their startups.
- STEM-specific mentorship, with assistance for advisors matching from AI, biotech, digital asset, analytics, renewable energy, and other STEM fields.
- Support for technology patents or R&D funding applications.
- Unique Offerings
- Growth & Scalability Focus:
- Advanced workshops on scaling a team, operational efficiencies, and expanding internationally.
- Access to Technical Talent: Partner with Ivy E’s talent network to recruit developers, engineers, and scientists to build your team.
- Innovation Challenges: Compete for additional funding through challenges in STEM-based industries
- Immigration Support
- Transition pathways for participants exploring the International Entrepreneur Rule, E2 or other H1B alternatives.
- Personalized guidance on remaining OPT- compliant while running a business.
- Ivy E Labs can be your U.S. based co-founder.
- Funding Support
- Dedicated partnerships with STEM-focused VC funds and angel investors
- Workshops and Training
- Topics: Tech integration, AI/ML for startups, scaling software platforms, intellectual property, and licensing.
Path
CPT (Work While Studying)
OPT (Launch Your Business)
STEM OPT (Extend & Scale)
Who It's For
Students looking for hands-on work experience while studying
Current graduates launching a startup or gaining work experience
Graduates in STEM fields who want to extend their OPT and continue working or growing their business
Work Authorization
Part-time/full-time internships while enrolled in school
12-month work permit after graduation
Additional 24-month extension for STEM degree holders
Key Benefits
University-compliant internships Industry mentorship & job readiness
Ivy E Labs as your co-founder Startup funding & business support Visa compliance guidance
More time to scale your business or career Extended work authorization & funding access Flexibility to transition to a long-term visa
Best For
Students who want internships & practical training before graduation
Entrepreneurs ready to launch their startup while staying OPT-compliant
STEM graduates looking to continue working, growing their startup, or securing a sponsor for a long-term visa
What You’ll Unlock with Ivy Entrepreneurs
F1 Visa-Compliant Startup Roadmap
Step-by-step guidance on building a startup while staying within CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT regulations.
1:1 Mentorship
Learn from entrepreneurs who built businesses on an F1 visa and navigated work authorization challenges.
Legal & Work Authorization Support
Turnkey company formation and operations, visa-friendly employment structures, and compliance for CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT.
Investor & Funding Access for Visa Holders
Connect with investors who understand visa restrictions and can help fund your startup legally.
OPT-Friendly Business Strategies
Learn how to structure your startup to qualify for OPT and STEM OPT extensions while growing sustainably. Do not just check the “self-employment” box!
Exclusive International Founder Network
A global community of both F1 visa and U.S. citizen founders sharing insights, resources, and legal strategies workarounds to scale your business.
From OPT to Founder: Your Startup Launch Roadmap
Week 3-4
Market Research & Pitching
Market research & Competitive analysis
Pitch Types & Strategies
Week 7-8
Growth & Sales
Marketing & customer acquisition
Pitch training & global expansion
Week 11-12
Funding & Long-Term Success
Investor readiness & visa-compatible funding
Networking & future visa transition
Week 1-2
Foundations & Ideation
Entrepreneurship fundamentals & soft skills
Visa-compliant business ideation (CPT & OPT)
Week 5-6
Legal & Business Formation
LLC vs. C-Corp for F1 founders
OPT/CPT-compliant business startup
Week 9-10
Revenue & Scaling
Revenue models & visa-friendly hiring
Tech integration & automation
Free Workshops & Events – Join us!
Join our free workshops and pitch events designed to help founders like you gain mentorship, refine your ideas, and connect with investors. Whether you’re exploring entrepreneurship or ready to pitch, there’s an event for you!
Making Entrepreneurship and OPT Utilization Accessible: Pricing & Scholarships
Flexible pricing designed for F1 visa holders
Core Program
- Standard Fee – Varies by Cohort
Installment Plan
- Flexible Monthly Plans Available
Scholarship Recipients
- Limited Spots Based on Merit
Equity-Based Program
- One-Time Upfront Fee with Equity Trade
Plan
Standard Fee
Early-Bird Discount
Scholarship Eligibility
Equity Option
Full Program
XXX
XXX
Available for eligible applicants
X% Equity
Installment Plan
Starts at XXX/month
Based on approval
Need-based options available
X% Equity
Scholarship Recipients
XXX-XXX
Varies
Limited spots based on need
X% Equity
Equity-Based Program
XXX Upfront
N/A
Limited spots available
X% Equity
Client Testimonials
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FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Find answers to the most common questions about our program, pricing, visa compliance, and more.
1. Can I start a business while on an F1 visa?
Yes, F1 visa holders can own a business, but you cannot actively work for it unless authorized under CPT or OPT. Our program helps structure your startup legally and visa-compliantly.
2. Does this program qualify for OPT or STEM OPT?
Yes! Our program is designed to help you build a business while remaining compliant with OPT/STEM OPT work authorization. We guide you in structuring your role and company to ensure eligibility.
3. Can I apply for scholarships?
Yes! We offer merit-based scholarships and installment plans to make the program accessible. Limited spots are available.
4. What happens after my OPT expires?
We help you explore long-term visa options, including STEM OPT extensions, O1 visas, and sponsorship pathways. Our network connects you with experts to plan your next steps.
5. How does Ivy Entrepreneurs support international founders?
We provide visa-compliant startup guidance, investor connections, legal structuring, and growth strategies specifically for F1 visa holders. You’ll also gain access to mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities.
Blogs
We take you from ideation to funding with a hands-on, step-by-step approach. We take you from ideation to funding with a hands-on, step-by-step approach.
Unlocking Success: Navigating OPT Job Search Challenges Through Entrepreneurship Education and Business Launch
In this detailed exploration, we unveil the challenges faced by international students on F-1 Visas hoping to utilize their Optional Practical Training “OPT” eligibility for 1-year (or 2-year STEM extension). We then delved into solutions, emphasizing the importance of continuous
Navigating the Startup Jungle: A Helpful Guide to Business Plans and Pitch Decks
When you’re setting out on the adventure of entrepreneurship, it’s like embarking on a safari through the dense jungle of the startup business world. You have your machete in hand, but what’s missing is your map and compass. That’s where
High School Entrepreneur Programs: Empowering Teens to Launch Startups and Get the Attention of College Admission Counselors
Introduction In today’s ever-evolving world, the path to success has many doors, and one of the most exciting ones leads to entrepreneurship. The concept of starting your own business and making your mark in the world is no longer limited
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