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 ...
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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.
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200: The Visa Visionaries: Forging America's Future with Connor O’Brien
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Connor O'Brien is a Research & Policy Analyst at the Economic Innovation Group, where he focuses on immigration and innovation policy. He has written on these topics for City Journal, Newsweek, National Review, and on his personal Substack, Regions. He is a graduate of Rutgers University and the University of Chicago. In this episode, you’ll hear a…
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199: How To Hit A Homerun in Startups with Sheryl Root
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Based at Carnegie Mellon University's Silicon Valley campus, Sheryl Root is an Associate Professor in technical ventures. Sheryl develops curriculum and teaches courses that merge technology with entrepreneurship taking ideas to commercialization. She created a Master’s degree in Technical ventures that has resulted in successful startup ventures. …
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198: Immigration Frontlines: Teaching, Testifying, and Transforming with Stephen Yale Loehr
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Stephen Yale Loehr, a luminary in immigration law, shares his unexpected journey from international trade to finding his calling in the deeply human realm of immigration law. Join us as Stephen recounts his path to becoming a foremost expert and educator, weaving personal anecdotes with professional insights. At the heart of our conversation is the…
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197: The Fine Print Fiasco: Legal Pitfalls That Can Haunt Founders with Matt Kirmayer
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Matt Kirmayer has more than 30 years of experience in the emerging company and venture capital ecosystem, including numerous seed and venture financings for technology and life science companies. Matt represents emerging technology companies and the investors who fund them across a range of industries, including software, educational technology, di…
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196: AI Crossroads: Where Technology Meets Social Responsibility
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Congressman Jerry McNerney, a former 16-year Congressman from California now serves as a Senior Policy Advisor at Pillsbury Winthrop, LLP where he is in the process of creating an AI trade association, The AI Trust Foundation. In Congress, McNerney focused on energy, technology and veterans’ issues, was the author of the AI in Government Act, and w…
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195: Brain Gain: How Immigration Shapes U.S. Tech Innovation
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What drives someone to leave their home country and overcome immense challenges to achieve academic and professional success abroad? Join us as we chat with Angel Contreras Cruz. Angel is from Oaxaca, Mexico. He received his B.S. in Industrial Engineering (2004) and M.S. in Regional Development (2015) from the Oaxaca Institute of Technology. Angel …
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194: From the Fields to the Stars: Exploring Space, Immigration, and Diversity with Maria Varmazis
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Maria Varmazis is the host of T-Minus Space Daily Podcast, co-host of the Hacking Humans podcast, and a frequent guest on numerous technology and cybersecurity podcasts. She is an artist, podcaster, journalist, and content creator with over 15 years of experience in telling stories that engage and delight. She is always happy to geek out over space…
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193: Thriving in a Challenging Early Stage Venture Market for Startups with Lindsey Mignano
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Join us for an in-depth exploration of the complex world of tech startup funding. This podcast delves into the intricacies of early-stage financing, from pre-seed to Series B rounds, offering invaluable insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike. In this episode, you’ll hear about: The overview of funding stages in this current market environme…
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192: Are Countries Going To Start Bidding For Immigrants? AI, Immigration and the Future of Lawyers
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Jonathan Grode serves as the U.S. Practice Director and Managing Partner for Green and Spiegel. Jonathan has worked continuously in the U.S. business immigration law field since 1999 and has amassed considerable experience obtaining nonimmigrant and immigrant visas for new company start-ups, professional workers, artists and entertainers, athletes,…
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191: Cybersecurity and Compliance: Data Stewardship for Startups with Ryan Bonner
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Join us as we delve into the world of cybersecurity and compliance with Ryan Bonner, helping startups navigate the complexities of federal contracts and grants. In this episode, Ryan briefly discusses NIST and then dives into data stewardship as an asset for early stage startups. He focuses particularly on those working with Controlled Unclassified…
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190: Startup Struggles, Funding Trends, and Global Entrepreneurship with Kevin Holmes
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In this podcast episode, Kevin, the founder of Founders Network, shares his journey from an MBA graduate to creating a thriving peer mentorship organization for tech startup founders. Founders Network, established in 2011, supports 650 members across 25 chapters worldwide, focusing on connecting founders with support, capital, hosting retreats, and…
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189: AI, Energy, and Economy: Policy Perspectives with Congressman McNerney
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In our conversation with Representative McNerney, we explored the latest trends and challenges in the field of Artificial Intelligence and its policy implications. We touched on various pressing issues, such as employment displacement, social unrest, and public policy, which AI has the potential to transform. To address these concerns, Representati…
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188: Navigating Complex Immigration Paths with Dan Berger: From DACA to Tech Visas
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Explore the secrets of immigration law with Dan Berger, a partner at Curran, Berger & Kludt, and an immigration fellow at Cornell Law School. Learn how Dan's personal journey and professional experiences have shaped his approach to immigration issues, and how innovative ideas can still emerge amidst Congressional stalemates. Discover the fascinatin…
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187: Patent Insights, AI, and Space Frontiers: A Founder’s Guide to Innovation and Commercialization with Steve Wood
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What if the future of AI could mimic human consciousness? Sit down with us for an enlightening conversation with Steve Wood, a prominent US patent attorney who brings a unique blend of geology, electrical engineering, and space law expertise to the table. Learn how Steve’s early passion for space evolved into a distinguished career in tech commerci…
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186: The Future of Immigration Law: Technology and Trends with Jason Susser
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Imagine pivoting from a culinary career to becoming a prominent immigration lawyer. That's exactly what Jason Susser did. From growing up with an esteemed immigration lawyer mother to making a dramatic career shift from the culinary arts to law, Jason's story is a testament to following one's true calling. We also discuss the critical role of commu…
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185: Transforming Space Sustainability into a Viable Business: Insights from Daniel Porras
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Can space debris trigger an international crisis? Join us as we uncover the intricate world of space law and policy with Daniel Porras, Corporate Counsel and Director of International Government and Regulatory Affairs at Rogue Space Systems. Daniel shares his expert insights on the escalating participation of private enterprises in space and the la…
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184: Beyond the Atmosphere: Understanding Space Governance with Michelle Hanlon
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In this episode, we’re joined by Michelle Hanlon, the Executive Director of the Air and Space Law Program at the University of Mississippi and co-founder of For All Moonkind, to discuss the burgeoning field of space law. Michelle offers a unique glimpse into the legal landscape governing our cosmic ambitions. Learn about the challenges and implicat…
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183: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Insights from Dr. Gena Gorlin on Founder Psychology
48:31
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Ever wondered how successful tech founders keep their mental game strong? Dr. Gena Gorlin, a clinical associate professor turned psychologist for ambitious innovators, joins us to share her unique journey and insights. We discuss overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing our identities as founders, and the importance of identifying and leaning into o…
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182: Transatlantic Ventures: Daniel Glazer on Scaling Tech Companies Globally
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Unlock the secrets to successful transatlantic startup expansion with insights from Dan Glazer, the dynamic leader of the US Expansion Group at Wilson Sonsini's London office. Listen to Dan's personal narrative of moving from the US to the UK and his early love affair with London, as well as his instrumental role in initiatives like Tech Nation and…
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181: Balancing Business and Justice: Fiona McEntee on U.S. Immigration and Startup Law
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What if compassion and entrepreneurship could go hand in hand? Join us as we sit down with Fiona McEntee, an Irish immigrant and the managing attorney of McEntee Law Group, to explore how her journey to the United States shaped her career in immigration law. Fiona shares her inspiring path, from participating in an exchange program and studying law…
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180: Investing in the Final Frontier: Insights from Chris Reichelt
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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…
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179: From Law to Tech: Roman Zelichenko's Journey to Innovating Immigration Compliance
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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…
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178: Empowering Global Innovation: Immigration Challenges and Solutions with Sam Newbold
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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…
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177: A Discussion on Rebelling, Innovation, & Smarter Immigration Policies with Jonathan Grode
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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…
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176: Foreign Workers & Export Controls in the Space Industry: Insights from Jack Shelton
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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…
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175: The Importance of Self-Advocacy: Deb Dutta’s Journey from Product to Founder
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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…
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174: Authentic Connections: Lior Klisman's Journey to Building Borderless
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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…
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173: In Orbit with Alice Carruth: Insights on Space Exploration, Communication, and Innovation
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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…
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172: Turning Adversity into Opportunity: Faris Alami's Path from Refugee to Entrepreneur
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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…
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171: Navigating Space Governance, Peace, and Inclusive Leadership
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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…
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170: Strategic Expansion for Founders: Lessons from Serial Entrepreneur David Rose
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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…
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169: Startup Sustainability: Legal Lessons and the Climate Crisis with Sam McClure
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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…
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168: Into the Cosmos: Space Startups, Regulatory Hurdles, and Pioneering Tomorrow with Bryce Kennedy
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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…
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167: Charting the Path for Global Growth: Candid Conversations on Successful U.S Expansion with Brian Frumberg
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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 …
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166: IP Insight: Safeguarding your Startup with Sanjay Prasad
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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…
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165: Foreign Roots to Silicon Valley Heights: The Exit Journey of International Founder Alfonso de la Nuez
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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…
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164: REPLAY: What Makes a Strong H-1B Petition
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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…
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163: Disrupting the System: Deconstructing U.S. Labor Markets and Immigration with Lindsay Milliken
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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…
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162: From Earth to Orbit: A Dialogue on Startups, Export Control, and Space Law with Bailey Reichelt
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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…
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161: From Campus to Capital: Understanding Silicon Valley with Jeff Wallace & Ann Lee
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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…
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160: Startup Acceleration and Immigration Insights with SV Veteran Miles Randle
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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…
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159: From Founding to Funding: Understanding Venture Capital Potential with Kristen Ostro & Nicole Fuller
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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…
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158: Linda Moore, TechNet CEO, on Immigration Advocacy
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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…
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157: Space is Our Future, with Christopher Hearsey
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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…
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156: Moving at the Speed of Trust: Tech's Role in Immigration Reform with Carman Nareau
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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…
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155: Scaling Success: Leading Multicultural Tech Teams in the U.S. with Trista Taylor
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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…
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154: The Deep Tech Investment: Inner Space, Outer Space, and Startup Investing with Danny Crichton
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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…
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153: Beyond Handshakes: Networking in the Silicon Valley Startup Ecosystem with Shawn Flynn
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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…
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152: Startup Funding Decoded: Securing the Investment with Michael Avent
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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…
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151: Exploring Global Growth Strategies for EU Founders with Daniel Zawarczynski
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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…
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