Sophie Alcorn Podcast

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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/immigration-law-for-tech-startups/id1497746915]. 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/in/acoppola/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/prospera-women [https://www.linkedin.com/company/prospera-women] https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-market-access-center [https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-market-access-center] Website - https://www.prosperawomen.com/ [https://www.prosperawomen.com/] https://usmarketaccess.com/ [https://usmarketaccess.com/] Alcorn Immigration Law: * Subscribe [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/788fed606c] to the monthly Alcorn newsletter * Sophie Alcorn Podcast: * Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees [https://www.alcorn.law/immigration/016-e-2-visa-for-founders-and-employees/] * Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3 [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/019-australian-visas-including-e-3/] * Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/020-tn-visas-and-status-for-canadian-and-mexican-citizens/] * Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/d823a42847] * Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/56ccd401fc]

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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/immigration-law-for-tech-startups/id1497746915]. 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/in/capellak/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/geckomaterials [https://www.linkedin.com/company/geckomaterials] www.geckomaterials.com [http://www.geckomaterials.com/]  info@geckomaterials.com [info@geckomaterials.com] https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/sap225/ [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/sap225/]  https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/sap185/ [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/sap185/] Alcorn Immigration Law: * Subscribe [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/788fed606c] to the monthly Alcorn newsletter * Sophie Alcorn Podcast: * Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees [https://www.alcorn.law/immigration/016-e-2-visa-for-founders-and-employees/] * Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3 [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/019-australian-visas-including-e-3/] * Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/020-tn-visas-and-status-for-canadian-and-mexican-citizens/] * Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/d823a42847] Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/56ccd401fc]

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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/immigration-law-for-tech-startups/id1497746915]. 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/in/bkenney/] https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-expo-&-event-team [https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-expo-&-event-team] Website - https://meetroi.com/ [https://meetroi.com/] bill@meetroi.com [bill@meetroi.com] Alcorn Immigration Law: * Subscribe [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/788fed606c] to the monthly Alcorn newsletter * Sophie Alcorn Podcast: * Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees [https://www.alcorn.law/immigration/016-e-2-visa-for-founders-and-employees/] * Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3 [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/019-australian-visas-including-e-3/] * Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/020-tn-visas-and-status-for-canadian-and-mexican-citizens/] * Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/d823a42847] * Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/56ccd401fc]

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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/immigration-law-for-tech-startups/id1497746915]. 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinrauchbauer/] Website - www.tech-diplomacy.org [http://www.tech-diplomacy.org] www.djerassi.org [http://www.djerassi.org/] https://www.amazon.com/End-History-Last-Man/dp/0743284550 [https://www.amazon.com/End-History-Last-Man/dp/0743284550]  Alcorn Immigration Law: * Subscribe [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/788fed606c] to the monthly Alcorn newsletter * Sophie Alcorn Podcast: * Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees [https://www.alcorn.law/immigration/016-e-2-visa-for-founders-and-employees/] * Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3 [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/019-australian-visas-including-e-3/] * Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/020-tn-visas-and-status-for-canadian-and-mexican-citizens/] * Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/d823a42847] Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/56ccd401fc]

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 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/immigration-law-for-tech-startups/id1497746915]. 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/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/krishna-mohan-mmm-mba-ms-7065666/]  Website - www.geniusvisionaryinc.com [https://www.geniusvisionaryinc.com/] Schedule a Consultation:https://calendly.com/krishnagenius [https://ablink.send.calendly.com/ls/click?upn=c5OwkUgJwe619-2FtJe2Huae7MOQgk3Q2U0qC-2FSev1bgQ1I9PYbPSx3kpkhvfK7qvLeWuyprPOR9GOWoomwBkvfViPmNOFBP-2BFeHkxbghmX0DZuFzQB1cNDoqd1n4ACDGVPKGT6vxNW6GFI-2BwNdiJvUypUMpiq0K-2BVK0MofYPO-2BUpvyr4-2BLeYLXD-2FBFGu-2BTW51Aeqgacf1icXc0Oi1xWoq2jqtqGnnf6PYRsr4UpHVPUo-3DZEFq_khXQQ57cvumTN2yh-2FKCFN8GV4B9XLcT5-2FzubaXbszbbPNwzxcO9nYVY9Orys-2Fll7qvH18Pco-2FhId33B6Iye26v8xTCiNvHE9amRvGNDMGtjVZixeG3uNMhyn7ahdi9EMVMziLJT71UC2vBiLmSirEHE0EXmDotFRi13JkSHqFq1IDkyyxZAtuAvxjrVQ0A-2FqM-2Bnke3UGyEbY0-2Fxu0Q1kQyOcHWIQCEIVlTz3eF8zAX14NRkW96FEFGJxn4zMXceE8AC-2FA4OxjsFAnQgDZIqEP-2FgMDEirgeN8zKHxjEP0f53vN6ilUl8VxcOZmLRC5NTGN50DJPEe62cgiySQrifE4Xo-2FtO1fMHbje-2BSRyzj1Axa-2BYgGm6ynaH7bwQSjEOpsPytT9Mk2vGMuElkbcOBTM61pnW5t5zdTGM1f9vVY9ale6XU9R3h-2BenChR-2FpX6SEYYRtwzu2UUi4JMLyEqk9aKhAfr3w3UBRpuefrweDynVSL6z6bYc-2FSNX3mc3xKF4NNa9z0b3DLIxU7P599vFVDkF7CnLNPQbcbGW30JoaPa0GX3zd5oLuJXsfUeT95Qxq-2Bf-2BJ8cJ6TURWG3p4CrXvJkMdFYDOyRbR8HQV0OLHmSylfRSf77UHUtoLlwRJoqQoSeFdYpZfvqVodY4U3XbhhkyOtCOibThA2AqGcVI-2BZqhqdteksUOIHMB6QNCNUy2rFl7zw3Gk9AjDB-2FzlOBuO-2F4Pwi-2BKAN-2Bgaf-2BB7jJ6hbdX7miYfErriBqdNX-2FXJh6e85q]  email: krishna@geniusvisionaryinc.com [krishna@geniusvisionaryinc.com] Alcorn Immigration Law: * Subscribe [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/788fed606c] to the monthly Alcorn newsletter * Sophie Alcorn Podcast: * Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees [https://www.alcorn.law/immigration/016-e-2-visa-for-founders-and-employees/] * Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3 [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/019-australian-visas-including-e-3/] * Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens [https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/020-tn-visas-and-status-for-canadian-and-mexican-citizens/] * Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/d823a42847] Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook [https://witty-author-184.ck.page/56ccd401fc]