New York Opens Doors to Global Startups Through SOSA Program
SOSA Accelerator is now accepting applications for growth-stage startups to join its International Landing Pad Network (ILPN), in partnership with NYCEDC.
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.
ICE raid at Hyundai-LG battery plant highlights U.S. visa risks for global tech
More than 300 South Korean workers detained by U.S. immigration authorities last week have returned home, but the incident has unnerved investors. Immigration lawyers insist most workers complied with U.S. law, raising questions about how the arrests were handled.
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.
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.?
LA’s ‘Most Flammable’ Car: Why Waymo’s Founder Sebastian Thrun Supports Immigration
Burned and vandalized Waymo robotaxis have become symbols of LA’s outrage over Trump’s immigration crackdown. Less widely known is that Sebastian Thrun, Waymo’s German-born founder, has been a longstanding advocate for immigration.
Immigration in Flux: 12 Countries Barred from U.S., Trump’s Gold Card Plan in Limbo
President Donald Trump is doubling down on hardline immigration policy, introducing a travel ban targeting 12 nations while promoting a $5 million “Gold Card” visa aimed at ultra-wealthy foreigners. One blocks the desperate; the other courts the elite — yet both face backlash and legal hurdles.
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.
American Dream Attorney: How the Startup Visa Became Tahmina Watson’s Life Mission
For over a decade, Tahmina Watson, an immigration lawyer, bestselling author, and podcaster, has been advocating for the startup visa. Her books became testimony in Congress, helped shape new policies, and guided founders through the complexities of U.S. immigration.
Immigration Updates: What’s Next for International Founders?
The most significant development to watch is the introduction of a new extreme vetting process, which, according to legal experts, is a de facto travel ban.
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.
How Immigration Attorney Erin Elliott Works to Make Atlanta the Tech Capital of the South
When Erin Elliott first started her legal practice, she worried it would be all about ‘filing papers’ and lack excitement. Fortunately, she was wrong. Today, Erin is at the forefront of shaping immigration policies and driving Atlanta’s rise as a tech hub for international entrepreneurs.
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?
This Hiring Platform Empowers Immigrants, Single Parents, and Seniors
Holly Diamond, a first-generation Korean immigrant raised in New York City, never planned to be a startup founder. But the challenges that her parents faced as restaurant owners in the pandemic pushed her in a new direction. Holly launched her hiring platform, WorkOnward, to connect small businesses with underserved job seekers.
Trump vs. Harris: What the Election Means for International Tech Founders
With E-day upon us, immigrant entrepreneurs — many of whom cannot vote — must navigate the implications of how Americans cast their ballots. What is to be expected depending on who wins?
H1B Hustle: Immigrant Founders’ Playbook for U.S. Visa Success
Katya Stelmakh, a leading business immigration attorney, offers key insights for aspiring entrepreneurs navigating the H1B visa process.
From refugee to fintech trailblazer: How Lamine Zarrad is improving America’s credit scores
Born in Azerbaijan during its time as a Soviet Republic, Austin-based entrepreneur Lamine Zarrad has learned to not take freedom for granted. He now aims to liberate Americans from the burden of poor credit, a problem that plagues half of the U.S. population.
Connecting the dots: How an Indian-Ukrainian team links international students with U.S. universities
The founders of Kandor, an AI-powered marketplace helping Indian students apply to graduate programs in the U.S., have never met in person. How did they build their product amidst global disruptions, across continents and time zones?
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.
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.