[HistoryInAction]

If you want to be a founder, consider this state level program: http://www.colorado.edu/news/releases/2015/03/30/cu-boulder-...

Various states who have launched or are considering launching have different requirements. CO does require either an undergrad or masters' degree, so work experience wouldn't count. MA is Masters' only.

Keep in mind that the H-1B itself does offer work equivalency, but it's 3 years work experience → 1 year of academic training, which means that 5+ years is unlikely to meet the USCIS test requirements.