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Bengaluru AI Founder Says US Visa Denied After Salary Question

The episode underscores how minimal founder pay can conflict with business-visa expectations.

Overview

  • NeoSapien co-founder and CEO Dhananjay Yadav said his B1/B2 application was refused after a February 3 interview in New Delhi.
  • He said he was invited by investor Hari Valiyath of US-based Pyxis for partner meetings and described the trip as company-funded.
  • Yadav recounted that the visa officer pressed him to state his personal salary, which he said is minimal as a founder, before the refusal.
  • He told reporters he carried bank statements, tax filings, and an invitation letter, noting he previously studied in the US and worked in Berlin.
  • Public reaction highlighted rigid screening that can misread founder compensation, while some commenters argued consular officers focus on personal financial capacity, and Yadav has not indicated plans to reapply.