Immigration Law for Tech Startups

Join Sophie as she sits down with Joe Foster, the co-founder of Reebok, who takes us through the riveting transformation of a family legacy into a global powerhouse in the sports industry. Joe shares candid stories of how he and his brother Jeff bravely stepped away from tradition, defying their family's resistance to change. Their early days, influenced by national service and an unwavering belief in their vision, set the stage for Reebok's meteoric rise. This episode is a treasure trove of insights into the strategic division of responsibilities, with Jeff focusing on production and Joe steering other facets, a strategic partnership that became the backbone of their success.

Joe Foster is the grandson of Joseph William Foster, the young athlete credited with inventing the spike running shoe in 1895. Joe and his late brother Jeff, left the family business in 1958 to set up their own company, which would become Reebok in 1960. 

Under Joe’s stewardship, the company grew from $9 million to $900 million dollars in the late 80’s and overtook Nike and Adidas to become the number one global sports brand.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Joe Foster's journey from a family business to co-founding Reebok and transforming it into a global sports brand

• The strategic division of responsibilities between Joe and his brother Jeff, laying the foundation for Reebok's success

• Overcoming financial challenges and navigating global expansion, including a pivotal winding-up order and entering the American market

• The impact of grassroots marketing and innovative thinking on building Reebok's brand recognition and market presence

• The rise of aerobics in the 1980s and Reebok's pioneering introduction of a women's aerobics shoe, revolutionizing the sports footwear market

• Reflections on the Foster brothers' legacy and the rich family history in shoemaking, dating back to their great-grandfather

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Website - https://www.jwfosterheritage.com/

Other Guest URLs - https://onegoldennugget.com/share-your-nugget-special/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Sandra De MonchiPaw, an executive business partner and mindfulness educator with a unique flair for blending leadership coaching with a dog-friendly approach, shares her transformative journey in our latest episode. Sandra recounts her personal experiences from an anxious executive assistant to a mindful leader, inspired by her late dog, Monchi, whose behavior reflected her energy. This realization pushed her towards a profound understanding of how managing energy, not just time, is crucial for leaders who aim to create a positive work environment. Her stories offer a refreshing perspective on leadership and mindfulness, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in personal growth and professional transformation.

Sandra De MonchiPaw is an Executive Business Partner and mindfulness educator who believes your calendar is like a dog—it repeats what you reward. With 10+ years supporting C-level leaders, she helps people see the habits behind the chaos and redirect their calendars with intention and calm.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Sandra De MonchiPaw's journey from anxious assistant to mindful leader, inspired by her dog Monchi.

• The significance of managing energy over time for effective leadership.

• Transformative power of shifting negative thought patterns to create positive vibes in life and work.

• Insights on executive calendar management and energy alignment for increased efficiency.

• Techniques for effective communication and delegation in startups, drawing parallels to dog training.

• Energy management and mindfulness practices for maintaining optimal executive performance.

• Building the MonchiPaw brand, combining mindfulness and dog coaching for personal and professional growth.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-de-monchipaw/

Website - https://www.monchipaw.com/calibration

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Philipp Wehn, the co-founder and CEO of Nexxa.ai, shares how he transformed his fascination with technology into a successful entrepreneurial journey from a small German village to Silicon Valley. Inspired by a book about Silicon Valley, Philipp paved his way into the tech industry despite not having a technical background. His story is a testament to the power of self-awareness and determination in overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome and leveraging strengths in creativity, strategy, and sales to succeed in the startup world.

Philipp is the Co-Founder & CEO of Nexxa.ai, the AI startup defining Agent Augmented Engineering in Heavy Industries. He is a German immigrant and follows his dream of becoming a serial entrepreneur in the USA. He belongs to Germany's Top40under40 and is part of the upcoming Andreessen Horowitz Speedrun Batch.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Philipp Wehn's journey from a small German village to becoming a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley.

• Overcoming challenges like imposter syndrome and leveraging strengths in creativity, strategy, and sales.

• Creation of Nexxa.ai, focusing on AI solutions for productivity in heavy industries, inspired by experiences in the rail industry and Siemens.

• The power of networking in Silicon Valley, emphasizing the importance of giving more than receiving.

• Strategies for securing early customers and investors, highlighting resilience and adaptability in the competitive funding climate.

• Insights into maintaining an athlete's mindset, focusing on discipline and consistent effort to achieve success.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippwehn/ 

Website - Nexxa.ai 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwckKi2lJuc 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCOgkBg75fw 

https://www.amazon.com/Finite-Infinite-Games-James-Carse/dp/1476731713 

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Caroline Winnett, the Executive Director of Berkeley Skydeck, joins Sophie to share her extraordinary story of transforming UC Berkeley's startup accelerator into a global powerhouse. Caroline's unique journey from professional violinist to innovative entrepreneur sets the stage for an insightful exploration of Berkeley Skydeck's explosive growth, from its humble beginnings with just 50 applicants to attracting over 3,000 hopeful startups. We discuss the groundbreaking $90 million Berkeley Skydeck Fund, a revolutionary initiative that returns half of its profits to the university, merging the worlds of academia and venture capital in a way that had never been done before.

Caroline Winnett is Executive Director of Berkeley SkyDeck, UC Berkeley’s flagship startup accelerator. She led the creation of the $90M Berkeley SkyDeck Fund, a groundbreaking model that shares half of the fund's profits with the university.

A serial entrepreneur, she co-founded NeuroFocus, the leader in neuromarketing, acquired by Nielsen. Caroline is a frequent speaker on innovation, entrepreneurship, and consumer neuroscience, and has been recognized with the Forbes 50 Over 50 and Bay Area Power 100 awards. She holds an MBA from Berkeley Haas and a Violin Performance degree from Indiana University.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Caroline Winnett's unique journey from professional violinist to leading UC Berkeley's startup accelerator, Berkeley Skydeck.

• The innovative $90 million Berkeley Skydeck Fund, which shares half its profits with the university, merging academia and venture capital.

• Explosive growth of Berkeley Skydeck, expanding from 50 to over 3,000 startup applicants, including international founders.

• Challenges and successes in launching the Skydeck Fund, with key partnerships from leaders like Chancellor Rich Lyons and firms like Sequoia Capital.

• Importance of relentless, creative, and coachable mindsets for startup success, along with the impact of immigration policies on entrepreneurship.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caroline-winnett-5574933/

winnett@berkeley.edu 

https://skydeck.berkeley.edu/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Alfredo Coppola, Co-CEO of the US Market Access Center, shares his invaluable insights about the intricate landscape of Silicon Valley for international startup founders. Alfredo unravels the common misconceptions about the allure of easy venture capital and underscores the necessity for global entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in the Valley's dynamic environment. We dissect the rapidly evolving investment climate, spotlighted by innovations such as OpenAI, and explore the significant role immigrant founders play in the technology sector's success. Our conversation also touches on the urgent call for European countries, particularly Italy, to amp up their digital innovation through more robust government investments.

Alfredo Coppola is Co-CEO at US Market Access Center (USMAC), the longest-standing startup accelerator in Silicon Valley, which helps international startups with global market expansion.

Alfredo is also the co-founder of Prospera Women, a global platform that equips women entrepreneurs with the skills and resources needed to grow beyond local markets and succeed on a global scale.

Alfredo is also an executive member of Marin-Sonoma Impact Ventures, an angel investor organization based in the San Francisco Bay Area that invests in both American and global startups.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Alfredo Coppola's insights on the Silicon Valley landscape for international founders
• Misconceptions about easy access to venture capital in Silicon Valley
• Importance of securing customers early over seeking capital, especially for B2B vs. B2C
• Think Big, Start Smart, Scale Fast program fostering global entrepreneurial mindset
• Significant role of mentorship and accelerators in startup success
• Impact of immigrant founders and the multicultural dynamics of Silicon Valley

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/acoppola/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/prospera-women

https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-market-access-center

Website - https://www.prosperawomen.com/

https://usmarketaccess.com/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter
• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:
• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees
• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3
• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens
• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders
• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Trailblazer in biomimicry, Dr. Capella Kerst, joins us to share her inspiring journey from Stanford mechanical engineering PhD student to founder of geCKo Materials, a company revolutionizing industries with its nature-inspired Dry Adhesive technology. Learn how Dr. Kerst's fascination with gecko feet led to a breakthrough that is not only impacting fields like space exploration and dentistry but is also redefining the future of industrial materials. Her story is a testament to innovation born from simplicity, starting from her mom's garage and quickly capturing the intrigue and support of investors.

Dr. Capella Kerst is an entrepreneur and engineer leading sustainable innovation as the founder of geCKo Materials. Inspired by nature's genius, she developed the groundbreaking geCKo Materials Dry Adhesive (gMDA) technology, which is revolutionizing industries from space exploration to manufacturing. Driven by a passion for biomimicry and social impact, she is committed to building a greener future and mentoring the next generation of changemakers in STEM.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Dr. Capella Kerst's journey from Stanford PhD student to founder of geCKo Materials

• Breakthrough in Dry Adhesive technology inspired by gecko feet, revolutionizing industries like space exploration and dentistry

• Overcoming startup challenges as a solo founder, securing investments, and collaborating with major industry players like TSMC, Samsung, and Intel

• geCKo Materials' commitment to ethical entrepreneurship as a Public Benefit Corporation focused on societal and environmental welfare

• Pioneering space debris cleanup efforts in collaboration with NASA, including participation in REACH and Astrobee projects

• geCKo Materials' innovative approach to manufacturing and sustainability, aiming to be the next industrial Velcro

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/capellak/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/geckomaterials

www.geckomaterials.com 

info@geckomaterials.com

https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/sap225/ 

https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/sap185/

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Unlock the secrets to successfully navigating the intricate U.S. market with insights from Bill Kenney, a visionary entrepreneur who runs his business from a sailboat. Discover how Bill guides B2B and B2G companies through the complexities of U.S. policies on foreign investment, manufacturing, supply chains, and tariffs. With a focus on customer and industry density, Bill offers invaluable advice on targeting specific geographic areas and industry verticals, promising listeners a strategic approach to thriving in the competitive U.S. landscape.

Since 2012, Bill and his team at MEET have specialized in helping B2B & B2G companies scale in the U.S. through trade shows, events, and strategic connections. Their proprietary system and tools help clients perform better and sell more through trade shows and events. Bill and his wife Kelly live on and operate their business from a sailboat.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Bill Kenney's insights on navigating U.S. market entry for B2B and B2G companies.

• Importance of customer and industry density in U.S. market expansion.

• Effective sales techniques focusing on empathy and customer motivations.

• Challenges of international salespeople and strategies for successful trade show engagement.

• Strategic sales expansion focusing on smaller wins and agility in tech sector growth.

• Market strategies using a fishing metaphor for targeted geographic focus and adaptability.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bkenney/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-expo-&-event-team

Website - https://meetroi.com/

bill@meetroi.com

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

• Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Austrian diplomat Martin Rauchbauer takes center stage in our latest episode, sharing his journey as a pioneer in tech diplomacy. Rauchbauer's career, rooted in the rich diplomatic traditions of Austria, has led him to bridge the gap between diplomacy and the ever-evolving tech world. Through his initiative, Open Austria, Martin has established vital connections between Austria and the bustling innovation hub of Silicon Valley, addressing challenges from creative diaspora dynamics to complex geopolitical landscapes.

Martin Rauchbauer is an Austrian-born senior diplomat and recognized expert in diplomacy, the arts, and tech governance. For over a decade, he has shaped the field of tech diplomacy—serving as Austria’s first “Tech Ambassador” in Silicon Valley (2020–2021), and co-founding Open Austria, the official Austrian representation in San Francisco. Currently he is Executive Director of the Djerassi Resident Artists Program in California and co-founder of the Tech Diplomacy Network.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Martin Rauchbauer's pioneering role in tech diplomacy and the establishment of Open Austria in Silicon Valley
• Evolution of diplomacy with the rise of tech giants and the emergence of tech ambassadors
• The intersection of tech diplomacy with traditional diplomatic efforts, highlighting global cooperation needs
• Importance of fostering innovation, negotiating regulatory frameworks, and supporting startups internationally
• The role of arts and cultural diplomacy in bridging global divides and inspiring collaboration
• Digital humanism's emphasis on maintaining human dignity amid technological advancements

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinrauchbauer/

Website - www.tech-diplomacy.org

www.djerassi.org

https://www.amazon.com/End-History-Last-Man/dp/0743284550 

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Krishna Mohan, an influential entrepreneur known for his work with Fortune 500 companies, joins Sophie for a compelling exploration of entrepreneurship and business transformation. Krishna shares his journey from a corporate career to becoming a serial entrepreneur, detailing the challenges small business owners face, such as marketing and people skill gaps. He delves into the importance of understanding a founder's vision in mergers and acquisitions and reveals the untapped potential found within personal aspects of business evaluations.

Krishna Mohan is an Award-Winning Serial entrepreneur, Investor, Business Mentor, Speaker, #1 Best-selling Author, as seen on FOX TV and multiple media outlets. He is a highly successful Senior Business Leader with extensive turnaround experience in helping 3 Fortune 500 companies and several start-up organizations. He has built and successfully exited businesses in 10 different industries over the past 28 years. Krishna has a master’s degree in marketing management MMM, an International Business, and an MS in Finance.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Krishna Mohan's journey from corporate career to serial entrepreneurship

• The significance of understanding a founder's vision in mergers and acquisitions, with a focus on personal aspects of business evaluations.

• Strategic planning in the healthcare sector, aiming to increase a product's valuation from $50 million to a billion-dollar exit through acquisitions.

• Navigating the evolving AI landscape, with a focus on strategic positioning for achieving substantial valuations.

• The role of mergers and acquisitions as a strategic entry strategy for global startups, particularly in the US market.

• Insights into building a global company with a stable portfolio of billion-dollar ventures, emphasizing the importance of starting with a clear end-goal.

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Supporting Resources:

LinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishna-mohan-mmm-mba-ms-7065666/ 

Website - www.geniusvisionaryinc.com

Schedule a Consultation:https://calendly.com/krishnagenius 

email: krishna@geniusvisionaryinc.com

Alcorn Immigration Law:

• Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter

• Sophie Alcorn Podcast:

• Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees

• Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3

• Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens

• Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders

Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook