Strategy 2 | The Vertical

The startup scamming pandemic: How not to get screwed as a startup

- Ideas
- Strategy

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

- Strategy

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

- 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.

What’s up with the ten immigrant-led unicorns 500 Global invested in?

- Entrepreneurs
- Strategy

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

- Ideas
- Strategy

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

- 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.

The Arrow Information Paradox: How to sell without giving away your secrets

- Sales
- Strategy

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

- Immigration
- Strategy

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

- Entrepreneurs
- Strategy

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.