Entrepreneurs 2 | The Vertical

Olga Ayo, Founder and CEO, Citizen Concierge. Credit: Citizen Concierge

From attorney to startup founder: Olga Ayo challenges status quo with technology

More than six years ago Slovakia-born lawyer Olga Ayo found herself with a newborn, no means of income or work authorization. She navigated the complexities of U.S. immigration on her own — and succeeded. This experience inspired her to establish her own legal practice and launch a platform to simplify the visa application process for others.

Can technology end modern slavery? This Congolese founder holds brands accountable.

From baby pajamas to burgers, many items that we purchase are linked to modern slavery at some point in their supply chains. To tackle forced labor, Congolese-French entrepreneur Déborah Wanza launched a brand accountability startup in Miami. The country of her birth, the Republic of Congo, is the leading supplier of cobalt for smartphones, often mined by children who toil in inhumane conditions.

Top 5 organizations helping African entrepreneurs scale globally

There’s plenty of innovation in Africa. But why does it rarely make it across international borders? Who is helping African founders to overcome the barriers?

“Sam is the community”: How a Haitian-born entrepreneur runs five businesses

Serial entrepreneur Sam Jean began his journey helping children and adults with mental health issues and addiction. Today, he simultaneously runs several startups and nonprofits in Miami, striving to make an impact.

The pitfalls of mentorship and “Smart Money” in startups

Leaning too heavily on a mentor’s guidance can foster unhealthy dependency, impede necessary pivots, and stifle innovation, writes serial entrepreneur Michael Burtov. What are the red flags?

Israeli-American startups: When “business as usual” is not an option

The war in Gaza has hurt the interconnected American-Israeli tech ecosystem, but there’s still opportunity for growth, say entrepreneurs and experts.

Why is AI dominated by immigrant entrepreneurs?

Immigrants have founded or co-founded nearly two-thirds of the leading AI companies in the U.S. What’s driving so many foreign-born entrepreneurs to get into this field?

What’s up with the ten immigrant-led unicorns 500 Global invested in?

Over the years, the early-stage venture capital firm 500 Global (previously 500 Startups) has invested in early stage entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Some didn’t have ‘the right face’ for other VCs.

3 immigrant fempreneurs reshaping North America’s creative and media industries

These three women stand at the center of a major technological shift, changing how the creative economy operates. In their pursuit of success, they first needed to rewire their minds and cultivate new beliefs.

Are startups overly dependent on Big Tech? A case for digital sovereignty.

Startups have always been entwined in a complex web of reliance on tech giants. But this dependence seems to be growing as the global tech industry matures, writes serial entrepreneur Michael Burtov. What risks might immigrant entrepreneurs expect to face in the U.S.?

Underfunded, Underrepresented: Latinx founders forge paths in the U.S. venture ecosystem

Latinx-owned businesses are the fastest-growing demographic among all U.S. entrepreneurs, according to reports. However, less than 1% of funds from the top 25 venture capital and private equity firms have invested in Latinx-led enterprises. Why does this lack of Latinx-led business funding persist?

“We regret to inform you: You don’t fit into the box.” Which U.S. visa is best for immigrant techpreneurs?

For years, lawmakers have discussed the Startup Visa Act. Unfortunately, such a policy is still non-existent, leaving international tech founders without a clear immigration path to follow. Here’s how to fit into the right immigration box and improve the likelihood of an approved application, according to Michael Catalotti, an immigration lawyer.

Why Uber is actually a law firm: How stealth business models shape the U.S. tech industry

In the highly saturated U.S. market, hidden narratives are shaping the competitive landscape. Many innovative tech companies are not what you think they are. Immigrant founders should learn to rewrite the rules of the game, recommends lifelong entrepreneur and startup consultant Michael Burtov.

5 AI companies started by immigrant entrepreneurs

In “2019 AI 50”, the Forbes list of the most promising AI startups in the U.S., about 66% of the companies had at least one immigrant founder. How did these entrepreneurs make their way in the tech world and pioneer the future of AI?

Failing is good: Why a high failure rate is a sign of a healthy startup ecosystem

In the U.S., about 90% of startups fail, and only 1.5% of tech companies have a successful exit. In a mature startup ecosystem, failure is the expected and necessary outcome. And yet, it’s benefits are seldom ever discussed. Lifelong entrepreneur and consultant Michael Burtov elaborates on the taboo topic of failure and lessons for immigrant founders.

She who rules the data: 3 immigrant female entrepreneurs in Big Data

These immigrant women entrepreneurs are leaders in one of the world’s most significant, fastest-growing industries. The global big data market is projected to reach more than $473 billion by 2030.

Innovation in disguise: How “off-label” thinking fuels success

Most people are familiar with “off-label” drug use. Applying the same concept, with its ingenuity and problem-solving capabilities, to innovation could help immigrant entrepreneurs to succeed. But this mindset has potential drawbacks, says serial entrepreneur Michael Burtov.

The second mouse gets the cheese: The myth of “first-mover advantage.”

Startups from Asia and Eastern Europe have been borrowing and successfully localizing ideas from their U.S. counterparts for years. In fact, there are advantages to being a “second mover”, says serial entrepreneur Michael Burtov. This strategy can be especially beneficial for startups founded by immigrants.

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.

Female developer uses Tech to preserve ancient Asian language

When two-year-old Annie Vang and her family came to the U.S. from Southeast Asia, the Hmong refugees left their ancestral home and much of their culture behind. She later learned to code and created an app to keep her language and heritage alive.