Why are immigrants drawn to entrepreneurship? The statistics are quite staggering: according to the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP), immigrants have launched over half of America’s startup companies valued at $1 billion or more, and almost 80% of America’s unicorn companies (privately-held, billion-dollar companies) have an immigrant founder or an immigrant in a key leadership role. This episode’s guest is Mike P. Davis, successful technology serial entrepreneur-turned-investor who is passionate about education, financial well-being, and bridging the gender- and immigrant-wealth gaps. The episode draws upon Mike’s own immigrant background and focuses on why immigrants make excellent entrepreneurs and why we should invest in them and their ideas.
Episode Themes:
Mike’s early global personal and educational journey and what sparked his interest in dabbling in entrepreneurial projects.
Mike’s reflections on his transformational educational journey at INSEAD in France
Why Mike has been inspired to found companies like MPOWER and Olive Tree Ridge
Opportunities and barriers for immigrant and women entrepreneurs in the U.S.
Why immigrants make for great entrepreneurs and why so many businesses are immigrant-owned
Mike’s top advice for immigrant entrepreneurs
Episode Resources:
Mike's interview in Authority Magazine
Follow Mike on Twitter and LinkedIn
Listen to Episode 19 with Ronit Avni
Check out MPOWER Financing's Social Impact Report
My book: America Calling: A Foreign Student in a Country of Possibility
Sign up for America Calling: my take on the intersection of education, culture and migration
Connect with me: LinkedIn, Twitter
Episode sponsor:
This episode was made possible by the generous support of MPOWER Financing which provides no-cosigner loans and scholarships for international, DACA, and refugee students. Headquartered in Washington DC, MPOWER has to date helped tens of thousands of students fund their educational dreams and journeys.
