A recent study reveals a powerful driver behind American innovation: nearly half of all
founders of U.S.-based unicorns — private companies valued at $1 billion or more — were
born outside the United States. This study was carried out in collaboration with Stanford
University’s Graduate School of Business, and it emphasizes how important immigrant entrepreneurs are in forming the U.S. startup and tech scene.
According to the research, founders of U.S. unicorns come from 65 different countries,
demonstrating the global appeal and allure of the American business ecosystem. Among
these, several countries stand out for producing a significant number of unicorn founders who
choose to launch in the U.S. as opposed to their home country.
The data collected shows that the United Kingdom leads with 31 unicorn founders in Europe,
followed by Germany (18), France (17), Russia (14), Ukraine (12), and Ireland (10).
However, Asia dominates the rankings, with India alone accounting for 90 unicorn founders
in the U.S., followed by Israel with 52, China with 27, and Taiwan with 12.
Meanwhile, Canada contributes the highest number of unicorn founders from the Americas (42).
Although, South America lags slightly behind, with Brazil boasting 9 founders. Africa and
Australasia do not yet have countries with 10 or more unicorn founders in the U.S., though
South Africa (5), Australia (8), and New Zealand (6) are notable contributors.
READ: Indian immigrants set up most US billion-dollar startups (July 27, 2022)
What drives these immigrant founders’ success in the U.S. is a matter of inquiry. Many are
drawn by the United States’ entrepreneurial culture, access to funding, and thriving networks of investors, mentors, and visionaries. These elements, often lacking in their home countries, make the US. an appealing launchpad for ambitious enterprises. However, supporting policies have the potential to magnify the impact of this wave of entrepreneurial talent. For instance, expanded visa programs and expedited green card pathways for highly skilled entrepreneurs could make it easier for foreign-born founders to navigate the immigration system.
As immigration policy remains a point of debate, the contributions of these pioneers
emphasize the vital role immigrants play in maintaining the United States’ competitive edge.
The findings suggest that prioritizing immigrant-friendly policies may result in even greater
innovation and job growth.