Funding | The Vertical

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

- Funding

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

- Community
- Development
- Entrepreneurs
- Funding
- Ideas
- Immigration
- Life
- Sales
- Strategy

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

- Funding
- Strategy

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

- Funding
- Ideas
- Strategy

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

- Entrepreneurs
- Funding

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.

- Entrepreneurs
- Funding

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

- Entrepreneurs
- Funding

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…