How Supply Chain Tech Is Bracing for Trump’s Trade War
For international supply chain startups, navigating the tariff uncertainty is becoming increasingly complex, with higher stakes on the line.
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?
Three international startups eye U.S. expansion amid a tough market
Founders globally are coming up against a capital-raising plateau. However, some international startups have spotted an opportunity in the U.S. during the market downturn.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
The Arrow Information Paradox: How to sell without giving away your secrets
To explain their technology, many startup founders have to reveal proprietary information. This puts their intellectual property at risk and sometimes leads to a loss in its value. How to manage the delicate balance of pricing your product and sharing information about it?
6 top startup accelerators for immigrant founders
Choosing the right accelerator can sometimes determine success or failure for international entrepreneurs who rarely have a strong support network. Which is right for you? Here are some diversity-focused accelerators that support immigrant founders.
3 immigrant fempreneurs reshaping North America’s creative and media industries
These three women stand at the center of a major technological shift, changing how the creative economy operates. In their pursuit of success, they first needed to rewire their minds and cultivate new beliefs.
Why Uber is actually a law firm: How stealth business models shape the U.S. tech industry
In the highly saturated U.S. market, hidden narratives are shaping the competitive landscape. Many innovative tech companies are not what you think they are. Immigrant founders should learn to rewrite the rules of the game, recommends lifelong entrepreneur and startup consultant Michael Burtov.