I’m on an F-1 visa — can I launch a startup while studying?

Yes and no. You can launch the startup (ie form or register a company structure) but you can’t be employed or work while on a student visa unless you have a work permit that permits this. If you’d like to do this, the best thing would be to speak with an immigration attorney that specializes in Business Immigration about how to switch status from an F1 to another status that would allow you to work and earn income.