The Vertical

Is biotech funding getting harder to secure, or are startups just looking in the wrong places? Biotech startups are feeling the funding crunch right now. Deals are taking longer, lead investors are backing out, and valuations are getting a reality check. For startups in China, it’s even tougher. Many don’t have a U.S.-based clinical team, making it hard to attract American investors. What's more? Europe isn’t much better—rising clinical trial costs (thanks to factors like the war in Ukraine) are forcing companies to get creative with collaborations. Remember when everyone jumped on the mRNA wave? Now, with markets shifting, investors are playing it safe, focusing on later-stage deals. But here’s the thing—the U.S. still has the most capital waiting to be deployed. The challenge? Navigating high interest rates and economic uncertainty. The key now is smart strategy, because the money is there—you just have to know how to get it. Read our latest article to find out how international biotech startups are turning to the U.S for funding. See comments for link to read ???? #BiotechFunding #StartupFinance #VCFunding #BiotechStartups #HealthTech #InvestmentTrends #Entrepreneurship #FundingChallenges #BiotechInnovation #StartupGrowth

What is the #1 Skill Immigrants Need to Succeed in the U.S.? Supreet Kaur puts it best—if there’s one skill every immigrant must master, it’s the ability to navigate uncertainty. And let’s be honest, uncertainty is pretty much the theme of the moment in the U.S. From shifting immigration policies to economic turbulence, job market fluctuations, and even cultural adjustments, uncertainty is everywhere. But here’s the thing—immigrants have been built for this. Adapting, pivoting, and finding ways to thrive in unpredictable environments is second nature. The key? Embracing flexibility, staying resourceful, and leaning into communities that offer support. Uncertainty isn’t a roadblock—it’s an opportunity to grow, innovate, and carve out new paths. How have you learned to navigate uncertainty in your own journey? Drop a comment, we'd love to hear your thoughts.

Ever wake up from a dream that felt too real? Sansan Fibri did—and it changed her life. Inspired by her own movie script, she created Wakefully , an app that helps people decode and reshape their dreams to overcome fears and limiting beliefs. One powerful dream — where she faced two versions of herself, one fearful, one wise — gave her the confidence to move forward. Days later, she secured a $200,000 investment. Now, Wakefully is more than an app; it’s a tool for transformation. With features like DreamDecoder, it helps users turn bad dreams into opportunities for growth. To read more about her journey, see link ?? in the comments. #DreamsToReality #Wakefully #MindsetShift #DreamAnalysis #SelfGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #EntrepreneurMindset #TechForGood #Innovation #Startups #MentalWellness #DreamDecoding #SuccessStory #TheVertical

What’s next for immigrant founders in the U.S.? If you’re an entrepreneur navigating the U.S. immigration system, you know the game keeps changing. Some new updates just dropped, and they could shake things up for startup founders like you. Let’s break it down: ?? A $5M "Green Card Plus" – The new "Gold Card" aims to replace the EB-5 visa, scrapping the job creation requirement. Good news? Maybe. But some argue it could overlook how the old system helped underserved areas. ?? H-1B Gets a Makeover – Founders who co-own their startups can now self-sponsor for an H-1B visa. A win? Yes! But be ready to meet the wage and role criteria. ?? Travel Bans Return – Some founders from certain countries may face extra scrutiny due to "extreme vetting." Check out the article to learn more. A huge thank you to Elizaveta "Lisa" Eisenberg of Eisenberg Law Firm, Katya Stelmakh, and Elizabeth Maruyama of America Visa Advisory,?for sharing their insights. A special shout-out to FirstGen and Mat Kaliski for hosting an insightful event for immigrant founders, featuring Jonathan Grode of Green and Spiegel. The immigration landscape is shifting, and for immigrant founders, staying informed is key. How are these changes affecting your startup journey? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ???? #ImmigrantFounders #StartupLife #VisaUpdates #BusinessImmigration #EB5 #H1B #goldcard

Should startups leave Europe to succeed? Job van der Voort, CEO of Remote , thinks so. In a recent interview, he didn’t hold back—telling startups to "leave Europe if they want to succeed." His argument? Europe is becoming increasingly unattractive for founders due to heavy bureaucracy, taxation, and regulatory hurdles that make scaling a business a nightmare. While some might see this as controversial, he’s not alone in this thinking. Many startup founders struggle with red tape that slows down innovation, making other regions—like the U.S. or emerging markets—more appealing. But is leaving the only solution? Or should European policymakers be doing more to create a friendlier startup ecosystem? Read the full piece on The Next Web and let’s discuss—would YOU relocate your startup for better opportunities? #Startups #Entrepreneurship #Europe #BusinessGrowth #Innovation

I met Victoria Zavyalova from The Vertical at Columbia Startup Lab on January 2025 . Very honored to have our story published in the vertical. America Visa Advisory #Avamigration #O1A #O1B #H1B #EB1A #USImmigrationConsulatant

??Meet Elizabeth Maruyama — an entrepreneur on a mission to help Thai community innovate and thrive in the U.S. ?????????? She started small, giving advice in Facebook groups, helping people write letters, and guiding them through the visa process. During COVID, Elizabeth helped 30+ people file their immigration paperwork. Then she built something bigger. Elizabeth launched America Visa Advisory, showing Thai entrepreneurs smarter ways to immigrate. Instead of the usual restaurant route, she encourages high-margin, innovative businesses. Elizabeth is proof that sometimes the best way forward is to create your own path. ?? Curious about her journey and the work she’s doing? Read the full story - link in comments. #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #Immigration #Empowerment #ThaiCommunity #VisaAdvisory

Can you start a business in the U.S. while on an H-1B visa? Yes!, but with limitations. In one of our most read blog post, Business immigration attorney, Katya Stelmakh shares insights and guidelines on how immigrant founders can navigate visa restrictions while building a startup. It covers key points like: ? The legal ways to own a company without violating H-1B work restrictions ? How a co-founder, U.S. citizen, or H-4 spouse with an EAD can help manage operations ? The concurrent H-1B option, which allows you to work for both your employer and your startup ? Choosing the right business structure (LLC vs. C Corp) and handling legal requirements ? Timing your transition from H-1B to other visa options like O-1, EB-2, or EB-3 If you’re an immigrant entrepreneur looking to launch a business in the U.S., this guide is for you. Read the full article on our website!

What is the difference between a founder who struggles and the one who thrives? Take for instance, Two founders. Same industry. Same level of brilliance. Different outcomes. One secures funding, lands key partnerships, and scales. The other struggles to break even. The difference? Access. Access to: ?? Investors who actually write checks. ?? Networks that open doors. ?? Knowledge that accelerates growth. It’s not always about working harder, No, it’s about getting in the right rooms and knowing the right people. So the real question is: How do you gain access when you don’t have it? Would love to hear your thoughts. What has worked for you? Video Credit: (Afro Tech via Instagram) #StartupLife #Entrepreneurship #Networking #AccessMatters

How are supply chain startups adapting to trade war challenges? With new tariffs reshaping global trade, supply chain startups are shifting focus from pure efficiency to resilience and adaptability. The latest round of tariffs has put pressure on businesses, making it crucial to rethink supply strategies. Noramay Cadena, Managing Partner at SupplyChange, highlights how startups are now prioritizing tech-driven solutions to navigate these disruptions. Also companies like Supply Pay are stepping up, offering financial tools to help importers manage working capital and mitigate risks in an unpredictable trade environment. The ability to diversify and stay flexible is becoming essential for businesses operating in global supply chains. How is your company adapting to these changes? Share your thoughts in the comments! Read more on how startups are tackling these challenges. Link in comments.