Development | The Vertical

Immigration Restrictions Fuel Surge in U.S. M&A Activity

U.S. mergers and acquisitions are surging in 2025, with Q3 bank deals hitting a four-year high and Goldman Sachs reporting a 42% jump in investment banking revenue. Beyond market confidence, tightening immigration policies are pushing companies to acquire smaller firms to secure skilled talent they can no longer hire directly. Recent research confirms that firms facing immigration restrictions are more likely to pursue domestic M&A, especially in tech and consulting.

Credit: Shutterstock. This photo was generated by AI.

Almost 50% of Israel’s Startups Incorporate Abroad, NYC Emerges as Top Destination

The center of gravity for Israeli tech is shifting across the Atlantic. According to a new study, 45% of about 460 startups established this year incorporated abroad, primarily in the U.S.

Computer scientist in data center uses AI neural networks. Credit: Shutterstock

International Investors Rethink Energy Strategies as AI Spurs Demand

As AI’s energy demands surge, international investors are doubling down on grid reliability and supply chain resilience.

OCTOBER 15, 2016, EDISON, NJ - Donald Trump speaks at Edison New Jersey Hindu Indian-American rally for "Humanity United Against Terror." Credit: Shutterstock.

Trump’s Megabill: What It Means for International Founders and VCs

On Tuesday, the Senate passed the latest version of the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’ (OBBB), with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. So, what does this mean for international entrepreneurs, startup founders, and foreign investors doing business in the U.S.?

Young woman in ethnic dress with blue ornament and hat spread hand infront of blue Kalta minor minaret in Itchan Kala ancient city of Khiva in Uzbekistan. Credit: Shutterstock

From the U.S. to Uzbekistan: How Truss Powers Tech Outsourcing

In the early 2000s, serial entrepreneur Eric Hoopman discovered Uzbekistan while seeking help with a new venture. Today, the developers he met are building Truss, a platform connecting U.S. entrepreneurs with Uzbek tech talent.

Emma Limor and Sunrit Panda, co-founders of Nirvana Carbon, at Princeton University. Credit: Nirvana Carbon.

First-Gen Founders Limor and Panda Work to Decarbonize Their Heritage Regions

Nirvana Carbon, a startup launched by Princeton students Emma Limor and Sunrit Panda, helps communities in India and Kazakhstan combat environmental damage.

Swiss Pharma Giant Roche Expands U.S. Footprint With $700M Obesity Drug Facility

Swiss pharmaceutical giant Roche is investing $700 million to build a drug manufacturing plant in North Carolina, part of a broader $50 billion commitment to expand its U.S. operations over the next five years.

Left to right: Nik Storsnoky and Vlad Yatsenko, co-founders, Revolut. Credit: Revolut

Immigrant Founders Behind Revolut, $45 Billion Neobank Eyeing U.S. Expansion

Revolut, the $45 billion neobank, is having a moment. The company reported a $1 billion net profit for 2024 and revealed plans to pursue a U.S. banking license.

From left to right: Abhishek Das (co-CEO), Devi Parikh (co-CEO), and Dhruv Batra (chief scientist). Credit: Abhishek / Yutori

Meta Veterans of Indian Origin Raise $15M to Build Advanced AI Assistants

Former Meta executives Devi Parikh, Dhruv Batra, and Abhishek Das have secured $15 million in funding for Yutori, an AI startup developing autonomous personal assistants.

European Startups Move to the U.S. for Looser Tech Regulations

As Europe faces stricter regulations on AI and technology, an increasing number of startups are seeking a more favorable environment elsewhere.

Mira Murati, CEO, Thinking Machines Lab. Credit: Microsoft

Who is Mira Murati, the Albania-born founder of OpenAI’s new rival?

Mira Murati, an Albania-born former CTO at OpenAI, has unveiled her new startup, Thinking Machines Lab. The company recruited about 30 top researchers and engineers from competitors including OpenAI, Meta, and Mistral.

What drives ClimateTech in Africa amidst the global funding gap?

In 2024, startup funding in Africa is seeing a clear shift toward ClimateTech, with about a third of all venture capital coming from U.S. investors. What’s attracting American VCs to the continent?

Curly-coily and cool: The UK app Frobelles seeks to empower kids in the U.S.

The demand for diversity and inclusion in America is attracting Black-focused international entrepreneurs from around the globe. Frobelles, an app game developed by a mother and daughter to celebrate afro-textured hair, recently launched in the U.S.

Top 5 Mistakes Immigrant Entrepreneurs Make on LinkedIn

Many international founders in the U.S. hesitate to express their voices on social media. Skylar Steudter, an expert in LinkedIn branding, pinpoints mistakes that hinder immigrant entrepreneurs from building their digital presence.

Three international startups eye U.S. expansion amid a tough market

Founders globally are coming up against a capital-raising plateau. However, some international startups have spotted an opportunity in the U.S. during the market downturn.

The Vertical announces IMMIGRANT FOUNDERS REPORT 2024. Showcase your leadership in supporting diversity

The Vertical’s Immigrant Founders Report is the first in-depth examination of international talent in the U.S. startup ecosystem.

2023 Recap: The Vertical’s top 20 stories for immigrant tech entrepreneurs

Last year was a nonstop rollercoaster ride featuring AI hype, the startup scamming pandemic, SVB apocalypse, and the WeWork bankruptcy. Check out some of the top stories we covered in 2023.

3 Tips to help founders build productive bonds with mentors

Great mentorship is often a game-changer for international founders launching a new business in unfamiliar terrain. Whether you are looking for an expert in your industry or someone who appreciates the nuances of your immigrant background, you need the right strategy. Katja Wald, an expert in coaching programs for entrepreneurs, shares three tips for building exceptional synergy with a mentor.

3 immigrant female techpreneurs shaping the future of work

These three ambitious immigrant women were inspired by their adversity. They launched businesses that now help others avoid having to suffer through the same tribulations.

5 immigrant women entrepreneurs driving the future of health

In the wake of the Elizabeth Holmes scandal, more than ever women HealthTech entrepreneurs and innovators find it challenging to succeed in a male-dominated industry. Here are five determined and resolute women who overcame tremendous personal and professional obstacles to build a successful HealthTech startup.