Yes, you may start a business while on an H-1B visa, but you cannot actively work for your company unless it sponsors your H-1B. Your work authorization is tied to the sponsoring employer, so you must be careful not to violate your visa terms.

H-1B visa holders are tied to their sponsoring employer. If you want to start your own company, the business must become your H-1B sponsor and comply with Department of Labor and USCIS regulations. This includes filing a Labor Condition Application (LCA) and ensuring that the company has the legal right to control your employment. Without this structure, working for your own business would be a violation of H-1B rules.