The Vertical

As Aarthi Ramamurthy, a seasoned tech exec and angel investor, says: "Don't be afraid to put yourself out there!" This advice is such a powerful reminder. Whether it’s starting that project you've been dreaming of, reaching out to a mentor, or even stepping into a new role—take that leap. Being bold and taking risks isn’t always easy, but it’s the only way to truly grow and unlock new opportunities. So as you head into the weekend, think about one bold step you can take in your career or personal life. What’s holding you back? Let’s go get it. #FridayMotivation #CareerGrowth #TechLeaders #Inspiration #BoldMoves

In a recent feature on The Vertical, I had a chance to discuss how evolving U.S. immigration policies impact international entrepreneurs. For founders, stability and predictability are vital to building here, and frequent policy changes make planning difficult. I’m inspired by founders like Ysiad Ferreiras (Fullmind), Chris Van de Voorde (Juunoo), and Aditi Bhargava Tandon (Maroon Oak), who continue to innovate despite these challenges. We must create pathways that truly support global talent and help them succeed in the U.S. Read more on The Vertical and keep pushing for policies enabling diverse entrepreneurial success!

Trump vs. Harris: What the Election Means for International Tech Founders The Silicon Valley is watching the U.S elections closely, especially international founders who rely on the U.S. for funding, scaling, and market access. Victoria Zavyalova in our latest publication breaks down what each candidate’s policies might mean for immigrant entrepreneurs, focusing on visa changes, startup funding, and economic policies that impact the tech ecosystem globally. Whether you’re a tech founder, investor, or just passionate about the future of innovation, this is a must-read. Understanding the potential shifts in U.S. policies could help you make strategic decisions for 2025 and beyond. Read the full article to see how this election could shape the future for international tech founders. 👇 https://lnkd.in/euVDdS9e Let’s discuss: What policy changes do you think would most impact international tech founders? Share your thoughts in the comments below

🗳️ For international tech founders the way Americans cast their ballots have big implications. I’ve talked to immigration lawyers, entrepreneurs, and VCs about what could change depending on who wins. Despite my best efforts to keep things balanced, I’ll admit – the article ended up leaning in one direction. Here are a few key insights: 1️⃣ Yes, BUSINESS immigration will be affected too. 2️⃣ A layer of unpredictability is never ideal for any venture. 3️⃣ Early-stage startups and founders from diverse backgrounds may feel the greatest impact. A huge thank you to everyone who had the time and courage to share their thoughts and concerns Paul Walker Chris Van de Voorde Anastasia Lykova Ysiad Ferreiras Michael Cataliotti Katya Stelmakh Victoria (Vicka) Ter-Ovanesyan Aditi Bhargava Tandon Kalyan Gautham, and others. Your perspectives make all the difference. 🙏 Link in comments. Pictures from The Vertical event to attract attention. #Elections2024 #ImmigrantEntrepreneurs #USPolitics #BusinessImpact #StayInformed

Maybe you know someone who is asking, "How do I make it in the U.S as an immigrant in Tech?" Well, to put it frankly, it is not easy and also not a straight forward journey either, considering the challenges immigrants at the start of their career face in the tech scene – but it’s not impossible either. Aarthi Ramamurthy, a product advisor, tech exec, and founder, profers that to make it in a foreign land like the U.S, “put yourself out there” and take big risks in a foreign land. Coming to a new country, facing cultural differences, navigating the tech industry – these are challenges many immigrants face. Aarthi did it by being bold, staying curious, and leaning into her unique experiences. Her incredible story is proof that you can start from the scratch and make waves in the U.S. tech world, your background notwithstanding. Her journey reminds us that your background, your accent, and your experiences are not obstacles – they’re your superpowers. So, if you’re an immigrant wondering how to break into tech, remember: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there! If you’re looking to make an impact, start by believing in your story, showing up authentically, and building a network that celebrates who you are. Video Credit: [Lenny Ratchisky via Tiktok] #immigrantintech #tech #founder #immigrant #startup

"We can't create the promise of tech and scale in Africa if we don't have access to cheap and affordable clean power... we can't put food on the table of Africans if we're not going to address climate resilience." — Natalie Paida Jabangwe, MBA DIC, at the Vertical Climate Tech event. Wow. That right there is a striking statement, and bores into the crux of Africa's tech-driven future. During her speech, Natalie brought such energy to the room, her succinct submission on the subject of #Africa's climate #tech future, reminds us that tech isn’t just about innovation; it’s about creating real impact. If Africa’s going to grow as a tech hub, affordable #clean #energy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. And beyond the tech sphere, #climate resilience means empowering #communities, strengthening #food security, and creating #sustainable growth for everyone. She also shared the amazing vision of and the work she's doing with timbuktoo Africa. Here's a short video of her speech👇

The Vertical's Founder Insight: Saeed Amidi's journey is a masterclass in global entrepreneurship and venture capital. Originally from Iran, Saeed moved to Silicon Valley and worked in his family’s businesses, including a bottled water company and real estate. His big break came when he rented office space in the family’s building at 165 University Avenue, Palo Alto—a "lucky address" that hosted early teams from Google, PayPal, and Logitech. Inspired by this wave of tech success, Saeed pivoted his focus to supporting and investing in startups. In 2006, he launched Plug and Play Tech Center in Sunnyvale, California, creating a thriving hub for innovation. Today, Plug and Play has a global network of over 500 corporations and 50,000 startups, with international partnerships across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, driving regional innovation worldwide. Saeed’s vision continues to champion entrepreneurship across fintech, sustainability, healthtech, and beyond. See our previous post to hear his thoughts on why immigrants entrepreneurs are making an impact in the Silicon valley. #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #GlobalStartups #PlugAndPlay #SaeedAmidi

Why so many startups in Silicon valley have immigrants entrepreneurs? Saeed Amidi, CEO of Plug and Play had this to say 👇 As Amidi explains, immigrants personal journey is a source of strength and that fuels them to succeed. He also hinted how the U.S tech ecosystem supports, gives access access to capital, and also promotes a culture that encourages bold visions and taking risks has been very instrumental in making immigrants an important part of the success story of the silicon valley. What's your take? How has immigrant innovation influenced the startup space around you? 🎥001 ventures [via TikTok] #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #SiliconValley #ImmigrantEntrepreneurs #Startups #Diversity

From Silicon Valley boardrooms to startup hubs across the U.S., Indian professionals are making waves, driving innovation and growth. So, what’s the secret sauce? Tushar Makhija shares the secret in this video, highlighting the combination of background, community, resilience, and relentless innovation as some of the characteristics behind the success of Indians in the U.S tech space. For many Indian professionals, the journey started with a strong foundation—a culture that celebrates education and entrepreneurship. This background, woven with a deep commitment to learning, has empowered them to tackle complex challenges and contribute innovative solutions to the industry. Indian professionals are setting the bar high, and their journey is a reminder that a strong foundation and a supportive community can shape the future of tech. How has community influenced your career? #Innovation #TechCommunity #Inspiration Video credit (growandtell) via TikTok

🚩 What do you think is the biggest red flag when it comes to mentor-founder relationships? For many immigrant founders navigating the startup space, finding the right mentor can be a game-changer—but not all mentor relationships are created equal. Misalignment in values, conflicting visions, or even lack of genuine support can slow down progress or derail growth entirely. As founders, it’s crucial to trust your instincts and ensure the mentor is truly invested in your journey, not just their own agenda. What red flags have you noticed in mentor relationships? Drop your thoughts in the comments. #Startups #ImmigrantFounders #Mentorship #Entrepreneurship