Receiving non-compensatory stipend on F1/OPT-EAD towards starting a business?

[varshith47]

I was accepted into a program where they will help you validate an idea and raise funding in return for equity. The first 3 months will only be preliminary activities like finding a co-founder, brainstorming, market research and forming a legal entity which I believe do not count as 'work' under immigration law. Regarding the stipend, the MoU states: "Please note that this is part of our potential investment in your company and is not to be treated as salary or employment income." . The stipend is only for 3 months to support myself till I find a co-founder and decide on an idea. If they like the idea, only then will they invest in our company for 10% equity. So the stipend is neither compensation/income nor investment and I have no obligation to repay it. I will start working towards something and will be employed only after I register a business (related to my field of study) which will be around mid August.

I'm currently on F-1 and will be graduating next week. The program starts from May 18 and my OPT-EAD will start from June 15. Should I wait for my OPT or will taking a stipend at any point require me to report back anything to my school or USCIS?