Can/do US startups hire non-American citizens?
Dlev_: I'm a grad student currently working for a startup in the bay area and let me say you need to be QUITE lucky to get sponsored. Most startups don't have the time or experience to drive the h1b process and, on the other hand, somebody mentioned it is a pain to have your work stability depending on a young firm that cab easily and quickly go underwater. If the company tanks, you need to get responsored immediately or leave. 
I love what I'm doing, but it IS quite stressing...particularly if you have a loan to repay.