Sophie’s mission is to overcome borders, expand opportunity, and connect the world by practicing compassionate, visionary, and rigorous immigration law in service of the betterment of humanity. She believes that immigration fuels innovation and is inspired by amazing women and men who reach beyond the status quo to create their dreams. The Sophie Alcorn Podcast features inspiring interviews that empower global leaders to influence change, regardless of their geographic location, place of bir ...
…
continue reading
The Digital Economist Speaker Series drives radical collaboration between global action leaders on the most urgent topics and challenges we face today: climate, health, society, economics. With the global population facing multiple man-made crises that threaten our existence and the wellbeing of the planet, using science and technology to serve human needs is no longer a choice – it's a necessity.
…
continue reading
1
180: Investing in the Final Frontier: Insights from Chris Reichelt
35:35
35:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:35
What if you could be at the forefront of the next industrial revolution – this time, in space? Join us as we sit down with Chris Reichelt, the dynamic VP of Operations at Mach33 Financial Group, who seamlessly transitioned from an Air Force pilot flying missions to the Arctic Circle to becoming a leading investment strategist in the space sector. C…
…
continue reading
1
179: From Law to Tech: Roman Zelichenko's Journey to Innovating Immigration Compliance
32:08
32:08
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:08
Discover the powerful intersection of law, technology, and entrepreneurship as we sit down with Roman Zelichenko, an ex-immigration attorney turned tech innovator. Roman’s journey is nothing short of inspiring – from his early days in finance, finding a surprising passion for immigration law, to becoming a key player at Fragomen. Learn how his expe…
…
continue reading
1
178: Empowering Global Innovation: Immigration Challenges and Solutions with Sam Newbold
38:45
38:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:45
What inspired a leading New York City immigration attorney to carve out a niche in the startup ecosystem? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Sam Newbold, whose passion for international human rights led him to the intersection of law and entrepreneurship. Discover how Sam turned his interest in humanitarian work into a thriving career, n…
…
continue reading
1
177: A Discussion on Rebelling, Innovation, & Smarter Immigration Policies with Jonathan Grode
47:34
47:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:34
When immigration law expert Jonathan Grode stops by, we don't just talk policy – we dissect the very fabric of American innovation and its lifeblood: immigration. Jonathan brings to the table a wealth of knowledge, passionately delving into how entrepreneurs thrive in the U.S.'s unique culture of risk and resilience. Our conversation spans the crit…
…
continue reading
1
176: Foreign Workers & Export Controls in the Space Industry: Insights from Jack Shelton
56:07
56:07
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
56:07
Venture into the enthralling realm of space law and export controls with our latest episode, featuring Jack Shelton, co-founder of Aegis Space Law. Jack began his career in maritime law, working for ocean carriers, and he currently focuses on export controls and contracts for the commercial space industry. Jack takes us on a stellar journey from hi…
…
continue reading
1
175: The Importance of Self-Advocacy: Deb Dutta’s Journey from Product to Founder
44:58
44:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:58
As I sat down with Deb Dutta, the visionary behind Criya, her story unfolded like a tapestry of resilience and innovation. From her early days on an F1 visa to becoming CEO of a groundbreaking AI startup, Deb's journey is a powerful narrative of an immigrant founder's rise in the tech world. Deb opens up about the meticulous dance of securing an EB…
…
continue reading
1
174: Authentic Connections: Lior Klisman's Journey to Building Borderless
44:27
44:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:27
When the entrepreneurial spirit calls, few tales resonate as deeply as Lior Klisman's ascent with Sentant, his IT security startup. On today's show, Lior shares the thrills and spills of the startup journey, from the seed of an idea to the cusp of a significant company exit. It's a dance of determination and serendipity, where networking isn't just…
…
continue reading
1
173: In Orbit with Alice Carruth: Insights on Space Exploration, Communication, and Innovation
42:45
42:45
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:45
When Alice Carruth's voice first graced the airwaves with the T-Minus Space Daily podcast, little did she know it would skyrocket in popularity, much like the industry she meticulously reports on. Her journey from quiet beginnings to producing daily space news captures the essence of our latest conversation, where she captivates us with tales of sa…
…
continue reading
1
172: Turning Adversity into Opportunity: Faris Alami's Path from Refugee to Entrepreneur
44:16
44:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:16
Faris Alami's incredible life story unfolds in this episode, as he recounts his transformation from a Palestinian refugee to a notable entrepreneur and leader. His narrative is a testament to the indomitable human spirit and showcases the profound impact of vision and hard work. In a revealing conversation, Faris takes us through his early adversit…
…
continue reading
1
171: Navigating Space Governance, Peace, and Inclusive Leadership
38:50
38:50
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:50
Embark on a transformative journey with Cynda Collins Arsenault, the philanthropic mind behind Secure World Foundation and Our Secure Future, as she shares her inspiring vision for a world where outer space serves as a conduit for global peace. This episode traverses Cynda's voyage from activism to entrepreneurship, revealing how she meshes the pur…
…
continue reading
1
170: Strategic Expansion for Founders: Lessons from Serial Entrepreneur David Rose
44:35
44:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:35
Ever wondered how to crack the code of US market expansion? Join us as David Rose, CEO of US Expansion Partners, shares the playbook for international founders to hit the ground running in the competitive American business landscape. His stories from scaling startups to lucrative exits are packed with wisdom on market timing, intuition, and the art…
…
continue reading
1
169: Startup Sustainability: Legal Lessons and the Climate Crisis with Sam McClure
1:01:35
1:01:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:01:35
How do startups maneuver through the complex intersection of law, sustainability, and innovation? Sam McClure, a beacon of environmental advocacy and Stanford Law lecturer, joins me to unwrap this intricate puzzle, sharing his transition from a government career to fostering eco-conscious businesses. As we traverse Sam's journey and the evolution o…
…
continue reading
1
168: Into the Cosmos: Space Startups, Regulatory Hurdles, and Pioneering Tomorrow with Bryce Kennedy
42:21
42:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:21
Have you ever envisioned the vast reaches of space as humanity's next frontier? Bryce Kennedy, the visionary at the helm of the Association of Commercial Space Professionals, joins us for an enthralling journey through the evolving cosmos of space exploration and regulation. From the inception of a specialized Space Regulatory Bootcamp to his perso…
…
continue reading
1
167: Charting the Path for Global Growth: Candid Conversations on Successful U.S Expansion with Brian Frumberg
44:54
44:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:54
Let’s delve into the world of international startups and their journey to mastering the U.S. market. In this episode, I’m thrilled to have Brian Frumberg, the CEO and founder of VentureOut. We unlock the strategies and insights necessary for global startups to thrive in the competitive landscape of American business. Whether you're an entrepreneur …
…
continue reading
1
166: IP Insight: Safeguarding your Startup with Sanjay Prasad
40:44
40:44
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:44
Unlock the secrets of intellectual property law and elevate your startup with the wisdom of Sanjay Prasad, a maestro in the IP legal field. If you're an entrepreneur looking to stand your ground in the innovation arena, this is the essential listening you've been searching for. Our engaging discourse delves into the dynamic realms of IP, from trade…
…
continue reading
1
165: Foreign Roots to Silicon Valley Heights: The Exit Journey of International Founder Alfonso de la Nuez
49:09
49:09
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
49:09
Embark on an entrepreneurial odyssey with Alfonso de la Nuez, the visionary co-founder behind UserZoom's jaw-dropping $810 million acquisition by Thoma Bravo. From the roots of a modest Spanish startup to the fruits of a $100 million ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue) behemoth, Alfonso's tale is one of grit, innovation, and the cultural bridges crossed…
…
continue reading
1
164: REPLAY: What Makes a Strong H-1B Petition
29:56
29:56
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:56
It's the H-1B season! Therefore, it's very important to create a comprehensive legal plan at the beginning of any case before filing any documents. But how can you prepare a really strong H-1B petition? In this episode, we discuss the legal elements of what an H-1B requires, the process, the timeline, and how to avoid Requests for Evidence. We also…
…
continue reading
1
163: Disrupting the System: Deconstructing U.S. Labor Markets and Immigration with Lindsay Milliken
45:00
45:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:00
Imagine a world where the brightest tech minds from around the globe converge in the United States to innovate and drive our industries forward. That's the future Lindsay Milliken of the Institute for Progress envisions, and she sits down with us to outline how revamping Schedule A can make this a reality. As we traverse the landscape of US tech im…
…
continue reading
1
162: From Earth to Orbit: A Dialogue on Startups, Export Control, and Space Law with Bailey Reichelt
43:32
43:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:32
Prepare for a voyage across the galaxies as we journey into the heart of space tech and export control regulations with our special guest, Bailey Reichelt. Bailey is a renowned space lawyer and founding partner at Aegis Space Law. She expertly guides us through the labyrinth of legislation surrounding commercial space technologies, revealing the in…
…
continue reading
1
161: From Campus to Capital: Understanding Silicon Valley with Jeff Wallace & Ann Lee
45:41
45:41
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:41
Prepare for a deep dive into the world of startups as we explore the global startup ecosystem with industry experts Jeff Wallace and Ann Lee. In this intriguing episode, we kick things off with Jeff's unique Silicon Valley experiences, including his encounters with iconic figures Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak. You'll also hear about my recent tour o…
…
continue reading
1
160: Startup Acceleration and Immigration Insights with SV Veteran Miles Randle
33:42
33:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:42
Join us for a compelling chat with Miles Randle, a seasoned Silicon Valley start-up veteran, HR enthusiast, and tech nerd. Listen in as Miles unravels the Venture Seed Studio model, an innovative approach that aids founders in launching businesses with an all-rounded team of researchers, recruiters, and a portfolio team to support the initial stage…
…
continue reading
1
159: From Founding to Funding: Understanding Venture Capital Potential with Kristen Ostro & Nicole Fuller
43:34
43:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:34
Join us on a thrilling exploration of the venture capital universe with special guests, Kristen Ostro and Nicole Fuller from Strut Consulting. Promising to unlock the mysteries of emerging fund management, we'll guide you through the challenges, opportunities, and game-changing trends sweeping across this dynamic industry. We shed light on the impo…
…
continue reading
1
158: Linda Moore, TechNet CEO, on Immigration Advocacy
47:32
47:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:32
From TechNet's beginnings, founded by John Chambers of Cisco and John Doerr of Kleiner Perkins, TechNet's members have been passionate about education and immigration. How can the U.S. attract and retain the best and brightest talent from around the world? Join us as Sophie interviews TechNet CEO Linda Moore, a 30-year veteran of The White House, C…
…
continue reading
1
157: Space is Our Future, with Christopher Hearsey
54:37
54:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
54:37
Have you ever pondered the legal implications of life beyond our earthly borders? Buckle up, as we take a deep dive into the cosmic intersection of space and immigration law with Christopher Hearsey, founder and CEO of OSA Consulting and chair of Space Court Foundation. Our discussion hovers around some touchy subjects, like extraterrestrial operat…
…
continue reading
1
156: Moving at the Speed of Trust: Tech's Role in Immigration Reform with Carman Nareau
38:24
38:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:24
Meet Carmen Nareau, the spearhead of immigration technology at the famed Emerson Collective. Carmen's role at this influential organization thrives at the intersection of technology and policy, seeking to harness the power of tech to create systemic change in the complex field of immigration. As the orchestrator of groundbreaking tech solutions, ra…
…
continue reading
1
155: Scaling Success: Leading Multicultural Tech Teams in the U.S. with Trista Taylor
32:01
32:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:01
Ever wonder what makes a team highly effective? We're revealing the secrets with Trista Taylor, founder and CEO of Regroup and a former Google guru. Trista's deep dive into Project Aristotle, a landmark study at Google, unveiled five key factors essential to a team's success - psychological safety, structure and clarity, dependability, meaning, and…
…
continue reading
1
154: The Deep Tech Investment: Inner Space, Outer Space, and Startup Investing with Danny Crichton
36:24
36:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:24
We're taking you on a thrilling journey into the world of deep tech and hard science, with none other than Danny Crichton, an early-stage VC investor and editor-in-chief of securities at Lux Capital. With a compelling personal immigration story and a resume filled with cutting-edge tech investments, Danny's insights and experiences offer a fascinat…
…
continue reading
1
153: Beyond Handshakes: Networking in the Silicon Valley Startup Ecosystem with Shawn Flynn
46:22
46:22
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
46:22
This week, I am joined by Shawn Flynn, an award-winning podcaster and business connoisseur who is an expert in the world of mid-market investment banking. We're rewinding the tape to our initial meeting and reminiscing about the extraordinary individuals who've transformed their dreams into reality right here in the dynamic Silicon Valley. Our expl…
…
continue reading
1
152: Startup Funding Decoded: Securing the Investment with Michael Avent
41:37
41:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:37
Navigating the complex terrain of intellectual property is daunting, but essential for any startup looking to make headway in today's technology landscape. Mike Avent, a partner from Perkins, joins us to break down this crucial aspect, discussing the importance of invention assignment agreements, strategies to protect IP when developing on personal…
…
continue reading
1
151: Exploring Global Growth Strategies for EU Founders with Daniel Zawarczynski
33:28
33:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:28
Imagine navigating a foreign terrain as you venture to launch your startup. Daniel Zawarczynski, Austrian Trade Commissioner for San Francisco and co-director of Open Austria takes us on a journey through the intricate landscape of the US tech ecosystem and his role in aiding Austrian startups to successfully penetrate it. He provides invaluable in…
…
continue reading
1
150: Real Connection: Engage Your Talent Pool with Hubert Dagbo & Jide Osan
30:06
30:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:06
What happens when two brilliant minds from the finance and tech sectors come together to revolutionize the way we connect talent and companies? In today’s episode, we sit down with Hubert Dagbo and Jide Osan, the co-founders of Equipt, to discuss their inspiring journey and vision behind their innovative startup. Learn how Hubert and Jide's long-la…
…
continue reading
1
149: Tech for Good: Impact Investing in the Digital Age with Chintan Panchal
41:01
41:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:01
What if your investments could change the world for the better? Join us as we explore the power of impact investing in tech with attorney and entrepreneur lawyer Chintan Panchal. Listen in as Chintan shares his journey from working at a prestigious international law firm to founding his own practice, RPCK, in New York. Discover how his experience w…
…
continue reading
1
148: Scaling Success: Hiring for Startups with David Hardwick
37:10
37:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:10
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I’m joined by David Hardwick to talk about the state of the economy and jobs – and everything going on for startups in terms of hiring and recruiting. There have been so many changes in this area over the last six months that’s why I’m excited to have this conversation. David is the principa…
…
continue reading
1
147: Navigating the EB-2NIW Journey with Nadia Zaidi
41:32
41:32
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:32
On this episode of the Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I am joined by Nadia Zaidi to discuss EB-2 second preference employment-based immigrant visa I-140 petition. The petition allows individuals whose work is in the national interest to skip the PERM process and obtain an EB-2NIW green card. This type of green card is unique because it …
…
continue reading
1
146: Access to Innovation: Founders and the Blockchain with Samuel Ekpe
29:52
29:52
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
29:52
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I’m joined by Samuel Ekpe, the CEO and co-founder of Grupa.io, with a mission to democratize access to innovation. Grupa strives to get startups to work with the best talents and the best products built on Grupa – making it an entire ecosystem rather than a marketplace. At Grupa, you can hir…
…
continue reading
1
145: Financial Freedom and the Near-Future of Venture Capital with Asra Nadeem
38:35
38:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
38:35
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I’m joined by Asra Nadeem, the co-founder of Opus AI, a streaming platform powered by proprietary technology that turns text into movies in real time. She is also the CEO of Entrepreneurship Programs at Draper University where she has invested in over 30 early-stage companies. She is the fir…
…
continue reading
1
144: F-1 Students and Entrepreneurship with Rolando Villalobos
30:12
30:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:12
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I’m joined by Rolando Villalobos, former Director for the Bechtel International Center of Student Affairs at Stanford University where he helped international students for over 32 years. He has reviewed and directed all of the services to almost 6,000 international students and their family …
…
continue reading
1
143: Free Money and Funding Your Startup with Sedale Turbovsky
35:28
35:28
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:28
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I’m joined by Sedale Turbovsky, the CEO of OpenGrants, a company that makes grants and public funding more equitable, accessible, and transparent, especially for businesses and early-stage startups. If you’re an international founder, whether in the U.S. or outside, and looking for startup f…
…
continue reading
1
142: Successfully Financing Your Startup in the U.S with Matteo Daste
33:19
33:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:19
Post-pandemic, we’re now seeing a large influx of entrepreneurs and startup founders coming over to the U.S. But what does it take to raise money in the U.S.? Maybe you’re thinking of getting venture capital in the U.S., or perhaps creating a company in your home country and expanding it in the U.S. In this episode, Matteo Daste joins us today to t…
…
continue reading
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I’m joined by Lynda Hagerty, our Chief Legal Officer for Excellence at Alcorn Immigration. We talk all about the H-1B lottery and we'll be covering everything you need to know to tackle the H-1B lottery in 2023. If you have not started already, your preparation begins now! Whether you're hea…
…
continue reading
1
140: Immigration Capital and Climate Change with Kieran White
27:29
27:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
27:29
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I am joined by Kieran White, CEO and co-founder of Return Protocol, a blockchain tech startup that empowers consumers, businesses, and communities to take transparent and value-aligned climate action. Kieran shares how his company has fundraised for his U.S. immigration journey, and what it'…
…
continue reading
1
139: Why Choose the L-1 for Startups with Nadia Zaidi
42:11
42:11
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:11
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I’m joined by Nadia Zaidi our expert on writing-intensive hard cases for startup founders, as we talk all about the L-1 visa and all it entails – the path to the green card, who qualifies and who doesn't, and more. The L-1 visa is for intracompany transferees, including managers, executives,…
…
continue reading
1
138: Re-introducing Alcorn Immigration Law!
26:04
26:04
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
26:04
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, we’re going to switch things up a bit since I’m the one being interviewed. I’m going to share who we are at Alcorn Immigration Law, why we began this podcast and the work that we do to support immigrants from all over the world to create wealth, abundance, and opportunities so they can enjoy…
…
continue reading
1
137: The Best Changes to Immigration in 2022
33:59
33:59
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
33:59
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I’m joined by Lynda Hagerty, our Chief Legal Officer at Alcorn Immigration. We're ringing in the holiday season with some gratitude. We are looking back at 2022 with an appreciation for all the good things that came to us in the air and yet another busy year for immigration. We're also shari…
…
continue reading
1
136: Jen Kodner Shares How to Identify, Attract & Retain World-Class Talent
37:24
37:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:24
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I’m joined by Jed Kodner, a talent partner for both DFJ Growth Venture Capital and Threshold Ventures, advising portfolio companies on identifying, attracting, and retaining world-class talent. Named on Business Insider's list of the 25 must-know recruiters at top VC firms, Jen is highly exp…
…
continue reading
1
135: The Future of Work with Dr. Sankar Venkatraman
40:36
40:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
40:36
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I am joined by Dr. Sankar Venkatraman. With over 14 years of leadership roles in Product Marketing, he is now a global workforce expert who built and managed award-winning marketing programs. A global evangelist for LinkedIn, Dr. Venkatraman educates us on, not only workplace transformation …
…
continue reading
1
134: Navigating the Mass Layoff in Silicon Valley
36:35
36:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:35
In this special edition of Immigration Law for Tech Startups, I'm joined by expert attorney Lynda Hagerty as we discuss the mass layoffs in Silicon Valley. Thousands of laid-off individuals are on work visas and it's definitely a stressful time. We’re going to talk about all of the ramifications and what all this means for the state of immigration …
…
continue reading
1
133: Navigating Visa Interviews with Mandy Feuerbacher
43:38
43:38
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
43:38
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I am joined by former U.S. diplomat and State Department Consular Officer, Mandy Feuerbacher, to talk about how you can navigate visa interviews. Mandy currently runs Argo Visa, a startup consisting of a team of 25 other former consular officers who work with immigration professionals and in…
…
continue reading
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I am joined by Lynda Hagerty, our Chief Legal Officer for Excellence at Alcorn Immigration Law, as we discuss everything you need to know about getting ready for the next H-1B season, which officially starts now. We talk about some of the most important frequently asked questions about H1-Bs…
…
continue reading
1
131: Immigration and the Future of Human Flight with Guanhao Wu
32:37
32:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
32:37
In this week’s Immigration Law for Tech Startups podcast, I am joined by Guanhao Wu, a leader in the future of human mobility. In immigration, we talked about visa mobility, and there are also self-driving cars that you might hear of for mobility in startups. But Guanhao has something very special in the future of human mobility. Guanhao is the fou…
…
continue reading