Entrepreneurs | The Vertical

WMF Returns to Italy with Record 800 Exhibitors and 3,000 Startups

We Make Future (WMF) will hold its largest edition to date in Bologna, Italy, from June 24–26, bringing together more than 800 exhibitors and 3,000 startups from around the world. The event will feature more than 20 international pavilions, including the U.S., and 50 trade delegations representing countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Australian Defense-Tech Startup Arkeus Raises US$18M to Expand in U.S.

Melbourne-based Arkeus has raised US$18 million in Series A funding to accelerate its expansion into the U.S. and global defense markets, as demand grows for next-generation sensing systems in autonomous military platforms.

The Vertical Joins WMF 2026 as Media Partner for Global Innovation Gathering in Italy

The Vertical joins WMF – We Make Future 2026 as a media partner for one of Europe’s largest international innovation events, taking place June 24–26 in Bologna, Italy.

The Vertical’s Investor Breakfast Explores Africa’s AI Education Boom

Investors, founders, and ecosystem leaders gathered last week at Civic Hall for The Vertical’s ‘Investor Breakfast: Opportunities in Africa’s AI Education Boom’ to explore how technology is reshaping education across the continent.

Immigrant-owned startups barred from SBA loans starting March 1

Under revised guidance, a small business will be ineligible for an SBA loan if a noncitizen, including a green card holder, owns even 1% of the company. How will this change affect startups with foreign-born co-founders or investors?

Not ‘the Masters of the Universe’: How Trump’s Policies Affect International Founders

Startups are feeling the impact of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, as attorneys report that international founders face longer processing times and ‘crazy’ reasons for visa denials.

RoBee M, Oversonic’s healthcare-focused humanoid robot. Credit: Oversonic

Italian Robotics Firm Oversonic Opens LA Hub, Expands U.S. Reach via NantWorks

Oversonic Robotics, an Italian developer of cognitive humanoid robotics, has opened a 5,000-square-foot office in Los Angeles to support its expansion into the U.S. market. The site will serve as a hub for medical robotics development and national growth.

Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026. Credit: CES

12 International Innovations That Stole the Show at CES 2026

From panda-shaped caregiving robots to ultra-thin batteries, Consumer Electronics Show (CES) showcased a new wave of international innovation. Here are our top global picks from this year’s show.

Tonino Lamborghini launches healthy lifestyle ecosystem with SuperBrain

The Italian luxury brand Tonino Lamborghini is moving into cognitive well-being through a collaboration with neurotechnology startup Earable Neuroscience. At CES 2026, the companies unveiled the limited SuperBrain Edition, a next-generation wearable for sleep and focus, marking the first of planned partnerships.

French Monitor for Dyslexic Adults to Launch in U.S. in February

Lili for Life, a French startup specializing in visual technology, plans to bring its monitor for people with dyslexia to the U.S. in February, following its debut at the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

International Tech Eyes U.S. Chip Market. What’s Standing in the Way?

New semiconductor mega-projects — including Micron’s $100  billion megafab in New York and TSMC’s $165  billion expansion in Arizona — are drawing international companies to the U.S. But potential deals remain tentative amid political uncertainty and a tight labor market.

Ksenia Iliuk and Andriy Kusyy, co-founders, LetsData. Credit: LetsData

LetsData: From Fighting Disinformation in Ukraine to Stopping AI-Driven Threats for Fortune 500s

Ksenia Iliuk co-founded LetsData as a passion project to combat disinformation amid wartime Ukraine. After raising $1.6M, the startup now helps companies stop digital threats before they go viral and has expanded from Europe to 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.

Canadian Fintech Is Feeling the ‘Stay Home’ Mood

Cross-border tensions fueled by Trump’s trade war are forcing Canadian startups to hit pause on U.S. expansion. Amid the uncertainty, fintech is gaining traction as businesses look for tools to navigate the chaos.

Colombian entrepreneur challenges LinkedIn with a human-centric networking platform

Christian Benavides, a musician, philosopher, and techpreneur, is on a mission to revolutionize professional networking with Januus, a platform for authentic connections.

Dreampreneur Sansan Fibri transforms limiting beliefs through sleep patterns

While exploring her subconscious, screenwriter and producer Sansan Fibri developed technology to help others unlock their own minds. Her AI-powered app, Wakefully, transforms personal narratives by decoding dreams.

Elizabeth Maruyama, founder, America Visa Advisory. Credit: America Visa Advisory.

How Elizabeth Maruyama Helps Thai Community Innovate and Prosper

Elizabeth Maruyama, founder of America Visa Advisory, has opened a new pathway for Thai entrepreneurs in the U.S. — one that goes beyond traditional restaurants. She encourages them to “immigrate smarter” by launching innovative, high-margin businesses that succeed in today’s tech-driven economy.

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.

Emmanuel Obasuyi, co-founder, Onye. Credit: Emmanuel Obasuyi

Emmanuel Obasuyi, Founder of AfricaTech NYC, Scales His Startup in Nigeria

Emmanuel Obasuyi, co-founder of Onye, is on a mission to bridge the digital divide in healthcare. He is now scaling his health-tech startup in his home country of Nigeria. Along the way, Obasuyi has also built an Africa Tech community in New York, connecting innovators and fueling new ideas.

How Supply Chain Tech Is Bracing for Trump’s Trade War

For international supply chain startups, navigating the tariff uncertainty is becoming increasingly complex, with higher stakes on the line.