An H-1B might still be an option. Ownership is not a bar unless it rises to a controlling interest.
So would something like this work?
Owner 1 (<50% ownership, say 49%) on H1b
Owner 2 (<50% ownership, say 49%) on H1b
Investor 1,2 (>0% ownership, say 2%)
(I understand that things vary from case to case but trying to get general idea here)
Get an angel check. One share in a billion leaves neither cofounder with a controlling interest.
For what it's worth, I recommend giving more like 2% for a sole angel, assuming their contribution runs little further than satisfying this control problem. But technically speaking, whatever somebody agrees to should solve the control problem.
Because failure is not an option. If then, `he` will have to find another job in 10 days or leave the country.