If he's got a degree and a decent resume, look into TN-1 status as a "Computer Systems Analyst". When doing this, however, you have to be very careful with the

If he's got a degree and a decent resume, look into TN-1 status as a "Computer Systems Analyst". When doing this, however, you have to be very careful with the job description - the CBP manual specifically excludes programmers from the CSA definition. CSAs can do some programming as a part of their job, but that cannot be their principal function. If your cofounder has an engineering degree (and is a EIT), they may be able to get a TN-1 under the much-broader classification of "engineer".