Funding | The Vertical

Israeli Aerospace Startup AIR Lands $23 M for U.S. Expansion

AIR has secured $23 million in Series A funding to accelerate its U.S. expansion and scale production of its electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. The round brings AIR’s total raised capital to around $50 million.

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.

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.

Most Digital Founders Don’t Need VC Investment. Here’s Why

Each year, thousands of international entrepreneurs head to the U.S. seeking funding from American VCs. Charles Leyte, a top financial strategy consultant, explains why investment may harm your business and suggests alternatives.

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.

International biotech startups set sights on U.S. for funding boost

The mood in biotech is grim as funding for early-stage startups is drying up. Why are European and Asian founders betting on U.S. investors?

The Startup Biobío program founders and participants in Miami Florida. Credit: Startup Biobío

Chilean Startup Program Bets on U.S. Market, Unveils New Fund Amid Uncertainty

Startup Biobío, the program backed by the Chilean Economic Development Agency (CORFO), is raising $5 million for a fund to invest in alumni scaling in the U.S.

How I Secured Capital for My Early-Stage Startup as an Immigrant

I came to the U.S. with a dream of building my own business. Like many immigrants, I lacked a strong network for a ‘friends and family’ round. How did I manage to secure 150K in funding with nothing but an idea, while still on an H1B visa?

Credit: The Vertical, the 'International Climate Innovators Meet U.S. Capital' event

How International Startups Can Seize Opportunities in Climate Adaptation

At a recent event hosted by Climate-KIC, investors, policymakers, and founders discussed the potential of solutions to threats such as hurricanes, rising sea levels, and extreme heat.

Over 50% of top climate risk software startups are led by international entrepreneurs

More than half of climate risk software companies, which collectively have raised over $930 million in the past

Underdogs Rising: Immigrants built 62% of U.S. and UK “unicorns”

A new study has found that 70% of U.S. and UK ‘unicorns’ — companies worth over one billion dollars — have “underdog founders” such as women and people of color. First or second generation immigrants built 62% of these startups.

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.

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?

News flash: Your startup’s investor pool just got way bigger

U.S. legislators are updating requirements for “accredited investors” — people or organizations that are allowed to invest in startups. The lifelong entrepreneur and consultant Michael Burtov explains how immigrant founders could benefit.

Board of Directors vs Board of Advisors: Startup’s Brain vs Soul

In essence, a board of advisors is more concerned with a company’s strategic interests, while a board of directors focuses on advancing the interests of shareholders. This distinction seems subtle, but for many companies that originate outside the U.S. startup ecosystem, this can be quite a foreign concept. Lifelong entrepreneur Michael Burtov explains the difference between the two.

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?

I almost joined the Newchip accelerator right before it collapsed. Was it a scam? Here’s what I recommend to other founders.

The recent collapse of Newchip, one of the world’s biggest accelerators, was a shock to the venture ecosystem. Bjorn Erik Hansen, founder and CEO at INTIEM, an AI-based SexTech solution, believes the organization’s business model was an intentional deception. Just a few days before news of the bankruptcy became public, his Miami-based startup had said “no” to joining Newchip’s new cohort.

What immigrant founders should know about raising capital in the U.S. post SVB apocalypse.

The recent collapse of Silicon Valley Bank has sent shockwaves across the startup world. How will panic in the VC industry impact international founders raising capital in the U.S.? Mike Burtov, a star entrepreneur and the author of Evergreen Startup, believes it’s time for founders to get out of the high valuations trap.

3 Reasons To Invest In Immigrant Founders During A Recession

As fears of recession grow, venture capitalists (VCs) are adjusting strategies and pushing their limits. More funds than ever claim they are looking to foreign-born founders as sound investments. What’s their reasoning?

This female entrepreneur wants Africa’s developers to find their place in the U.S.

Elohor Thomas, co-founder at an online talent marketplace for developers, says U.S. businesses are still surprised to discover