Israel InsurTech Map Points to the U.S. Venture Ecosystem
FinTLV, a global VC fund, has unveiled a new interactive Israeli InsurTech Map, which includes U.S.-based companies.
Navigating Networking: A Guide for Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Aditi Tandon, an expert at building teams and connections, has both personal experience and a front-row seat to the challenges of fitting in while growing a business. She shares her networking tips as an immigrant founder and a talent advisor.
How VRAL Games CEO Rodolfo Saccoman developed “inventiveness because of necessity”
In early June, VRAL Games, a new developer run by an all-immigrant team, released their first game called VRider SBK. This multi-sensorial racing thrill is already a hit on Meta Quest mixed reality headsets. What’s the driving force behind this startup’s success?
Sales and Exits: International Founders Shake Up NYC Tech Week
As a part of NY Tech Week, The Vertical hosts its ‘Sales and Exits’ panel at Civic Hall, the largest entrepreneurial skill builder in the U.S.
Curly-coily and cool: The UK app Frobelles seeks to empower kids in the U.S.
The demand for diversity and inclusion in America is attracting Black-focused international entrepreneurs from around the globe. Frobelles, an app game developed by a mother and daughter to celebrate afro-textured hair, recently launched in the U.S.
Top 5 Mistakes Immigrant Entrepreneurs Make on LinkedIn
Many international founders in the U.S. hesitate to express their voices on social media. Skylar Steudter, an expert in LinkedIn branding, pinpoints mistakes that hinder immigrant entrepreneurs from building their digital presence.
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?
Why hunger is necessary for innovation: How Parkinson’s Law hinders startup success
Staying “hungry” is a critical mindset for founders. But what is ‘hunger’ and why is it important? It’s not necessarily a craving to be innovative or a desire to push forward. As paradoxically as it sounds, for early-stage startups, having limited resources can actually be their most important advantage.
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?
Driving disruption: Amazon’s expansion into car sales and what startups can learn from it
Amazon’s new partnership with Hyundai represents a seismic shift for the auto industry. Can brand extensions be a growth strategy for diverse startup founders with their limited resources?
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.
Surviving the 2024 AI Hype Cycle 3 Strategies
Startups that are now jumping into the AI gold rush will most likely fall victim to the hype and eventually crash, believes the lifelong entrepreneur and mentor Michael Burtov. As we head into 2024, what can founders learn from the tech bubbles of the past in order to survive and prosper?
SAFE for VCs, not so safe for startups
In recent years, “SAFE” notes have become one of the most common ways for early-stage startups to raise capital in the U.S. Still, most international founders have never heard of them. Lifelong entrepreneur and innovation consultant Michael Burtov explains the challenges these notes present to startups and angel investors.
Lessons from WeWork: When real estate pretends to be a tech startup
The recent bankruptcy filing of WeWork, the shared office space company once valued at $47 billion, offers a sobering lesson for startup founders tempted by packaging traditional business models as earth-shattering ideas.
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?
The startup scamming pandemic: How not to get screwed as a startup
From fake investors and obscure media to false mentorship and compliance threats — the list of scams that startup founders face in the U.S. is endless. Lifelong entrepreneur Michael Burtov explains how to navigate the dark waters of the scamming pandemic and steer clear of traps.
Using Middle-out innovation strategy, Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos became tech moguls
Rather than trying to break into their target markets with limited resources, immigrant founders can “build bridges” — create platforms, communities, and shared tools. According to lifelong entrepreneur and mentor Michael Burtov, this “middle-out” approach empowers broader innovation. That’s what Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos did, turning obstacles into opportunities.
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.
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.
Why you shouldn’t expect anyone to sign your NDA
Many immigrant startup founders believe that a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) is a sophisticated method for safeguarding their ideas. Lifelong entrepreneur Michael Burtov explains why this is a detrimental practice that is likely to hurt your startup’s fundraising prospects.