The Vertical | Practical inspiration and cultural guidance for international entrepreneurs

Permissionless innovation: How to survive the Wild West of entrepreneurship

When it comes to new technology, America still has a “Wild West” culture, where the line isn’t always clear between pioneers and outlaws. Mike Burtov, a star entrepreneur and mentor who brought multiple startups from their initial idea to millions in revenue and funding, believes that “fortune favors the bold” who have a worldview with no limits. He recommends immigrant startup founders to embrace the concept of “permissionless innovation” if they want to succeed.

Are startup accelerators a bad idea for immigrant tech entrepreneurs?

Accelerators assist founders with fundraising and help foster relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and mentors. But many also have toxic cultures, unrealistic expectations, relentless focus on fundraising, and simply waste your time with unproductive activities. This begs the question: Are accelerators bad for you? Mike Burtov, a star entrepreneur and founder, reflects on the dark side of the innovation ecosystem in the U.S.

5 immigrant women entrepreneurs driving the future of health

In the wake of the Elizabeth Holmes scandal, more than ever women HealthTech entrepreneurs and innovators find it challenging to succeed in a male-dominated industry. Here are five determined and resolute women who overcame tremendous personal and professional obstacles to build a successful HealthTech startup.

Revisit the Pivot: How international startups can “make lemonade” out of their failures in America

Many tech companies are moving to the U.S. after enjoying success in their local European, Asian, or LatAm markets. But the American reality turns out to be different than expected. Products, approaches, and sometimes business concepts that worked well at home often fail in the U.S. After pouring resources into the world’s most competitive market, many leave disappointed. But there’s a way for them to change this. Star entrepreneur Mike Burtov, who has helped multiple startups grow, recommends immigrant founders to “make lemonade out of lemons” and embrace the pivot.

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.

Ideas worth stealing: Advice for immigrant founders from lifelong entrepreneur Mike Burtov

The key to success in business often lies in the culture. Many immigrant entrepreneurs are struggling in the U.S. because they lack sufficient understanding of their customers’ hidden motives to drive sales and innovation. Michael Burtov, serial venture-backed founder and the author of Evergreen Startup, a book that helps entrepreneurs raise capital, recently discovered an unusual and innovative approach to consumer behavior in a cup of coffee. He shared his observations in this exclusive article for The Vertical.

Mexican supply chain unicorn, Nowports, opens their first U.S. office in Miami

Nowports, the Mexican startup with a $1.1 billion valuation that was launched by 23-year-old Alfonso de los Rios and Maximiliano Casal, has announced the opening of its new office in Miami.

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 immigrant founder makes virtual objects a reality to educate children

Toly Sherbakov is working with more than 25 U.S. educators to develop content for his app, Magic Kids.

From busboy to millionaire: How this Bangladeshi immigrant made his big break in the U.S. restaurant industry

Lunchbox founder Nabeel Alamgir has worked his way up from bussing tables at a fast food chain to being featured on Forbes’s ‘30 Under 30’ list and securing $20 million in VC funding.

How Indian American Clubhouse co-founder Rohan Seth started a global audio revolution

Launched in April 2020, the audio-only app Clubhouse now has more than 10 million weekly active users around the world. Its success has led to Twitter introducing Spaces, Spotify launching Greenroom, and Facebook announcing live audio rooms. Despite the Clubhouse boom, few users are aware that one of the app’s co-founders, Rohan Seth, was born in India and raised in its capital city, Delhi.

Sri Lankan immigrant entrepreneurs bring taste of home to NYC’s Staten Island

Demand for spices, curry powder, and the taste of home Sri Lankans crave has kept Staten Island’s restaurants and groceries afloat during the pandemic.

How South Asian women are breaking into the U.S. entrepreneurship scene

Entrepreneurship, especially for women, has traditionally been shunned as “risky” in South Asian culture, but times have changed. A new generation of immigrant women business leaders is rising in the U.S.

India’s “untouchable” Dalits find liberation in American entrepreneurship

Dalits, the lowest caste in the Hindu hierarchy, are victims of thousands of attacks in India each year. In the U.S., Dalit immigrants are escaping discrimination from fellow Indians by creating their own businesses.

How Sikhs are living the great Indian trucking dream in the U.S.

In the 1980s, a large number of Sikhs fled a violent insurgency in their home state of Punjab for the U.S. They began their American careers in the trucking and logistics business, where many had worked before in India.

Global scaling for startups: How to build a multibillion-dollar business?

The coronavirus pandemic has shone a spotlight on the importance of global scaling for entrepreneurs. Most of the top performing companies are operating in multiple markets: global businesses are better able to weather the storm.

Lessons from the ups and downs of investing in international startups

Marvin Liao, a former partner at 500 Startups, has been a pre-seed and seed stage investor for more than seven years. In this article for The Vertical, he shares some tips for international founders on how to succeed in the U.S.

How South Indian classical music entrepreneurs make it in America

With Indian immigration rising in the U.S. over the last several decades, Carnatic music, a classical system associated with southern India, is thriving.

Pitching in the time of corona: How to succeed on Zoom

The COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the traditional ways in which businesses raise investment and acquire new clients. Although tech savvy founders are likely to have adjusted quickly, online communication isn’t always easy. How can you make the most of this time?

Jordi Greenham: Here’s how your startup can succeed with international teams

Global conditions have led to more and more startups resorting to remote work in a short period of time. These new forms of organization bring new challenges, especially when working with multicultural teams.