Ask HN: Founders on Different Continents?

Hi HN,

I recently have started working on a startup idea that I think has a lot of potential. I am based in Europe (Germany) and I am working on this idea with an old friend who is currently in the US. We are both on student visas in our respective countries (however we are both of Indian nationality).

We have a prototype and we want to start monetizing this as soon as possible as a company, however, I am a bit lost with regard as to how to go about setting up a company and accepting payments in such a situation. Our target market is in the US and western Europe and we would like the company to be based in either of these.

Does anyone here on HN have any experience with such a situation of split founders? What is the recommended way to manage such a situation legally? Do we both need to first obtain work visas before embarking on this? Should we just set up the company in our home country for minimizing hassle?

Looking forward to your responses! Thanks so much!