$60K in debt to Bootstrapping My Startup in the U.S. as an Immigrant

Over the years, I’ve been asked numerous times about my journey as an immigrant student bootstrapping a startup in the U.S. Today, I want to share my story—a journey filled with challenges, risks, and a relentless passion for entrepreneurship.

The Dream Begins Early

At the age of 13, I promised my grandfather that I would one day start my own business. Today, I'm proud to say that I've fulfilled that promise, although the journey has been far from easy. It's taken grit, determination, and perhaps a touch of madness to overcome the numerous challenges I've faced. But that's the essence of entrepreneurship, a path I wholeheartedly embrace.

From India to Silicon Valley

Hailing from Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India, and with my deep-seated desire to create something of my own, I arrived in Silicon Valley to pursue my Master's degree in Computer Engineering at San José State University. On my first day of class, I stumbled upon an opportunity: it took me a frustrating 30 minutes to find a parking spot. The problem was clear, and so was the potential solution. Why not develop a parking app similar to Airbnb? And just like that, my entrepreneurial journey began while I was still a student.

Comparing a casual snapshot from 2018 to 2022, reflecting the growth and transformation of ParkStash & myself over the years

While our current venture, ParkStash, does not relate to my original idea, it's a testament to startups' dynamic nature. Pivoting and adapting to changing circumstances is a crucial skill for entrepreneurs.

Facing Immigration Challenges

One of the most common questions I receive is about my immigration journey. Before moving to the U.S., I had little understanding of the intricate immigration system. I remember telling my parents that I would consider relocating if I didn't obtain a green card within five years. While I eventually secured permanent residency, it took a year longer than I had anticipated.

My immigration journey from 2016 to 2022, navigating multiple visa statuses—F1, OPT, STEM-OPT, O1A, and EB1A—before securing permanent residency (PR)

Navigating the immigration process was daunting, involving multiple visa types, such as OPT, STEM OPT, O1, and EB1A. My EB1A petition alone was over 1,000 pages long. The complexity and overwhelming nature of the process made it easy to feel lost and discouraged.

My EB1A petition—a culmination of hard work and persistence that played a crucial role in my path to securing permanent residency.

My successes with ParkStash and other accomplishments during college played a significant role in my immigration journey. If you're currently navigating the immigration system, I encourage you to reach out for a consultation. I'm happy to share my experiences and offer advice based on my journey. I have also written a post on LinkedIn on my journey.

Funding the Dream

In the startup world, there's a constant fascination with massive fundraising rounds and rapid growth. However, these stories often overshadow the fundamental principle of building a sustainable business: generating profit. Silicon Valley's culture can be seductive, drawing you into the fundraising vortex and diverting your attention from what truly matters: creating exceptional products, connecting with customers, and making a lasting impact.

Fundraising the unconventional way: Selling sandwiches on campus to raise the initial funds needed to bootstrap ParkStash.

I chose a different path: bootstrapping. It was a risky decision as an immigrant with limited financial resources and student loan debt. At one point, I was $60,000 in debt, turning down a promising job offer. My family was understandably concerned, but my passion and determination prevailed. I remained focused on my core principles: selling products, building customer relationships, and generating revenue.

I talked to students and early users to spread the word about ParkStash during its initial days, building a customer base one conversation at a time.

The freedom, fulfillment, and joy I've experienced through bootstrapping have been immeasurable. I'm a firm believer in taking calculated risks and embracing the unknown. A life of monotony doesn't excite me.

Showcasing our product to property managers at FPI Management in 2023

A common question is: How do you scale quickly while bootstrapping? Would a company with more resources overshadow you? Take a look at the picture above—that was an invitation from FPI Management to present our product to property managers across California. Bootstrapping allows you to reach a wider audience organically and unlock new opportunities by leveraging customer feedback without the need to spend $$$.

If you're considering bootstrapping your startup, I'd happily share my insights on staying lean, overcoming challenges, and building a sustainable business. Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn or get in touch here. I'll be writing another article on this topic soon.

Surviving the Bootstrap

Bootstrapping a startup is a grueling experience. The constant stress and exhaustion can be overwhelming, and there will be times when you'll question whether you can continue. However, the challenges you face can also forge resilience and resourcefulness.

Are you a Founder? Do sales!! 

Sales is more than a skill—it’s about building relationships. Talking to customers, understanding their needs, and solving their problems is always a founder’s job.

Sales, in particular, can be a defining aspect of bootstrapping. The repeated rejections can be humbling, but they can also help you develop a thicker skin and better understand your customers' perspectives. Over time, you'll learn to appreciate the value of perseverance and the importance of building strong relationships.

You'll gain a sense of invincibility through the trials and tribulations of bootstrapping. The challenges you overcome will prepare you for anything that comes your way—even beyond entrepreneurship.

Support

Building a startup is a challenging journey filled with uncertainty and obstacles. Feeling overwhelmed and isolated is easy, especially when facing constant setbacks. A robust support system can be a lifeline during these times.

A strong support system is essential for any founder’s journey. Grateful to have my partner Priya by my side through every challenge and milestone.

I was fortunate to have the unwavering support of my partner and family. Their belief in me and my vision provided invaluable emotional support and practical advice. A network of people who understand your struggles and celebrate your successes can significantly impact your entrepreneurial journey.

Remember, you don't have to face the challenges of building a business alone. A supportive network can help you navigate the ups and downs, maintain motivation, and ultimately achieve your goals.

Team

In the fast-paced world of startups, it's often said that "failing fast" is vital to success. Similarly, it's equally important to quickly recognize when a working relationship isn't a good fit when building a solid team. Prolonging mismatched partnerships can lead to significant damage, both professionally and personally.

With my cofounder Abhaya—where sales expertise meets technical prowess. A perfect blend of skills to tackle any startup challenge.

Always strive to find team members who complement your skills and work styles. Building a positive rapport and establishing clear expectations from the outset is crucial. Over time, you may develop strong friendships with your colleagues, but it's essential to prioritize the business relationship first.

A successful startup requires a motivated and rewarded team for their contributions. As Naval Ravikant wisely noted in "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant," a powerful combination for entrepreneurship is strong sales skills and technical expertise. If you possess both, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that come your way.

Looking Ahead

In six years, I’ve built something I’m incredibly proud of as an immigrant entrepreneur. It wasn’t easy, but the rewards have been worth every challenge. I hope my journey inspires you to pursue your dreams, no matter how daunting they seem.

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Stay tuned—there’s more to come with new ventures.