By Sophie Alcorn
4.8
2323 ratings
The podcast currently has 196 episodes available.
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 moved to the United States in 2015 and recently obtained his Ph.D. in Engineering Technology Management from Portland State University (06/2024). His doctoral dissertation proposes a hierarchical decision model to evaluate immigration policies for technology professionals.
Explore the potential of a hybrid immigration system that marries point-based and employment-based models, a topic Angel passionately advocates. Discover how such a system could meet both technological and economic demands while staying current with advancements. Angel discusses his ongoing research projects, including a book on immigration and entrepreneurship, and underscores the importance of collaboration between policymakers, industry leaders, and academic institutions. We wrap up with valuable resources for those interested in immigration research and advise listeners to stay informed through various platforms, ensuring they have the tools needed for a successful relocation journey.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Angel Contreras Cruz's journey from Oaxaca, Mexico, to earning a PhD in Engineering Technology Management at Portland State University.
The transformative impact of learning English and pursuing higher education in the United States.
Insights into Angel's research on immigration policy, focusing on social integration and economic contributions of immigrants.
Policy considerations to enhance diversity, inclusion, and retention of skilled immigrants.
Exploration of a hybrid immigration system combining point-based and employment-based models.
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/angel-contreras-cruz-a94b72109/
Website - https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=UEM-kb4AAAAJ
https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/6627/
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
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code EAB20 for 20% off the enrollment fee.
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 and cybersecurity, both professionally and personally!
In this episode, you’ll hear about:Influence of science and engineering in Maria's upbringing
Transition from dreams of astrophysics to a career in computer science
Navigating cultural and linguistic challenges as a child of immigrants
Diversity issues in the space and cybersecurity industries
Cultural norms and challenges in cybersecurity and space sectors
Future trends and advancements in global space exploration by 2030 and beyond
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 - linkedin.com/in/varmazis
Websites -
https://space.n2k.com
https://thecyberwire.com/podcasts/hacking-humans
https://mvarmazis.com/
https://space.n2k.com/podcasts/t-minus/278
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
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code EAB20 for 20% off the enrollment fee.
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 environment: Pre-seed, Seed, Series A, and Series B
Understanding SAFE notes vs. priced rounds
Navigating the current defensive investment climate
Key metrics investors look for at each stage
The impact of market corrections on valuations
Challenges faced by underrepresented founders
The importance of founder-market fit and team composition
Legal and financial considerations for startups
Whether you're a first-time founder or a seasoned entrepreneur, this podcast provides actionable advice on structuring deals, avoiding common pitfalls, and positioning your startup for success in today's competitive landscape.
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:https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsey-mignano-477a0167/
Website
https://www.ssm.legal/lindsey-s-mignano.html
URLs mentioned in podcast recording
https://nvca.org/model-legal-documents/
https://carta.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
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code EAB20 for 20% off the enrollment fee.
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, physicians, and scientific researchers.
In addition, Jonathan has significant experience dealing with Department of Labor and Department of Homeland Security enforcement actions as well as immigration related aspects of Mergers and Acquisitions.
If interested, reference the initial conversation with Jonathan Grode here.
In this episode, you’ll hear about: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:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-and-spiegel-us/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-grode-2556629/
Website
https://www.gands.com/en-us/contact-us/
Alcorn Immigration Law: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 Information, various types of government contracts and grants, including SBIR/STTR grants and Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs), as well as the significance of export controls for foreign nationals in your startup.
Whether you're a tech entrepreneur building commercial space technologies or focusing on AI, finance, healthcare, or any industry with data security concerns, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you stay ahead of the compliance curve while growing your business as an asset along the way!
In this episode, you’ll hear about:Importance of safeguarding intellectual property in defense contracts
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and FAR CUI rule impacts
Data stewardship strategies for startups handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
Department of Justice's focus on False Claims Act prosecutions in cybersecurity compliance
Navigating export controls for international tech startups
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/rybonner/
Website - www.defcert.com
[email protected]
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
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code EAB20 for 20% off the enrollment fee.
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 fostering a high-touch community. Kevin further reflects on his early experiences in the startup world, contrasting the dynamic and exhilarating environment of a startup with the more rigid corporate world. He emphasizes the unique challenges founders face, such as the intense commitment and the hidden costs of startup life, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining relationships and building a supportive community.
He also mentions 3 "unicorn" startup founders who are a part of Founders Network.
Solomon Hykes - Docker
Hubert Palán - Product Board
Ricardo Amper - Incode
Kevin shares more insights on the Founders Network Fund and how “Founders Network members have started 2000 companies; the top 10% raised $200M+ in funding and the top 20 have generated $20B in value.”
The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of startups over the years, the role of Silicon Valley, and the global expansion of tech ecosystems. Kevin emphasizes the value of Founders Network as an authentic community where founders can share experiences, seek support, and not face the startup journey alone. The episode concludes with insights into the core values of humility, authenticity, and reciprocity that define the network and its members.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:Exploration of Silicon Valley’s unique support ecosystem for tech founders.
Discussion on the rise of tech hubs in Lisbon and India, and the globalization of the tech scene.
Advice on scaling startups with US venture market insights and leveraging senior US talent.
Introduction to the Founders Network Fund, a $5 million initiative for early-stage tech founders.
Analysis of startup valuations, especially in the AI sector, and geographical influences on funding.
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:Kevin Holmes LinkedIn Company Page - https://www.linkedin.com/company/966432
Founders Network Website - https://foundersnetwork.com/
FN Fund Website - https://foundersnetworkfund.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
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code EAB20 for 20% off the enrollment fee.
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, Representative McNerney suggested tax benefits, government grants, and partnerships between community colleges, businesses, and local governments. He emphasized the importance of balancing the benefits of AI with the need to protect national security, public safety, and American life.
We also discussed the energy sector and AI's potential to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions through forecasting, short-term and long-term. The Representative highlighted the government's role in promoting development, infrastructure, and flexible energy sources.
Regarding risks and challenges, we addressed infrastructure risks, the consequences of relying too heavily on AI, and the need for a balanced approach to immigration and AI. Representative McNerney stressed the importance of high-skilled immigration for the tech industry's growth and competitiveness.
In the context of global competitiveness and AI research, he advocated for reasonable policies at the border, government support, and investment in education. We also touched on the pressing issue of infrastructure, specifically electricity and broadband access, where AI can play a crucial role in better forecasting and management.
The Representative expressed concerns about environmental sustainability and AI-generated job displacement and income inequality. To address these concerns, he suggested income sharing agreements, ownership, microentrepreneurship, and low-code tools.
In his parting thoughts, Representative McNerney offered words of wisdom, encouraging listeners to find something they like, be the best, and demand services when hard times come. This podcast summary provides a concise overview of the pressing issues and opportunities in AI policy and its implications for American life.
Listen in to our full conversation with Representative McNerney to learn more about AI policy issues and opportunities, and the potential solutions to address the challenges and benefits of this transforming technology.
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/jerry-mcnerney-6484501/
Website - Jerrymcnerney.org
Other Guest URLs - www.theaitrust.org
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
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code EAB20 for 20% off the enrollment fee.
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 fascinating initiatives he’s spearheading at Cornell, including a groundbreaking DACA clinic aimed at navigating employer-sponsored options.
Explore the complex intersection of immigration status and employment in the tech sector. Understand the hurdles faced by undocumented students and graduates, especially when it comes to export control licenses. Hear about the promising avenues for employer-sponsored visas and the crucial role nonprofit clinics play in opening doors for DACA recipients. Gain insights into the streamlined processes and the current legal landscape for those under DACA and TPS.
Dan shares real-life examples and expert advice, emphasizing the indispensable nature of personalized guidance in the immigration process. Whether you’re an aspiring immigrant, a tech professional, or an entrepreneur, this episode sheds light on navigating the intricate web of immigration laws and policies.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:Dan Berger's personal journey into immigration law and his career highlights
Innovative ideas in immigration policy despite Congressional gridlock
Challenges faced by undocumented students and graduates in the tech sector
Role of nonprofit clinics in supporting DACA recipients and tech employment
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/dan-h-berger-2584a758
Website - www.cbkimmigration.com
https://www.lawschool.cornell.edu/faculty-research/faculty-directory/dan-berger/
Unleashing international entrepreneurs to help the U.S. economy recover from the pandemic | Brookings
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
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code EAB20 for 20% off the enrollment fee.
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 commercialization and entrepreneurship. Get expert insights on patent prosecution, technology licensing, and federal compliance requirements, with a deep dive into the Bayh-Dole Act and its impact on the ownership and commercialization of federally funded inventions.
We then turn our focus to the cutting-edge world of neuromorphic computing, exploring its potential to revolutionize AI and self-driving cars. From Tesla’s current lane-keeping limitations to the pioneering work being done at SUNY Albany College for Nanotechnology Science and Engineering, Steve sheds light on the incredible advancements in neuromorphic chips and sensors. Discover how technologies like event-based cameras and memristors could lead to the creation of more efficient and compact neural networks, bringing us closer to truly autonomous vehicles.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:Exploring patent law and tech transfer
Advancements in neuromorphic computing
Envisioning the future of AI and consciousness (ex. Cortical Labs’ DishBrain)
Exploring space law and patents
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://velawood.com/attorney/steven-wood/
Other Guest URLs
https://www.uspto.gov/about-us/events/dialogue-intellectual-property-and-space-commercialization
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7163723630995066880/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrs8H2XDllw&t=14s
Image from Valentine’s: https://www.alcorn.law/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Steve-Wood-Image.jpeg
Social Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenwood1spacelawyer1patentattorney/
Alcorn Immigration Law:Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter
Sophie Alcorn Podcast:
Episode 162: From Earth to Orbit: A Dialogue on Startups, Export Control, and Space Law with Bailey Reichelt
Episode 169: Startup Sustainability: Legal Lessons and the Climate Crisis with Sam McClure
Episode 185: Transforming Space Sustainability into a Viable Business: Insights from Daniel Porras
Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders
Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code EAB20 for 20% off the enrollment fee.
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 community and mentorship in supporting founders navigating the complex immigration system.
The landscape of H-1B and O-1 visas for entrepreneur-founders is shifting, and it’s essential to keep up. Jason and I break down the recent changes in USCIS's employer-employee relationship definition, especially for those who are 100% owner-founders. We also tackle the prevailing wage requirements and the unique advantages of the O-1 visa for entrepreneurs. You'll hear our real-world experiences with international entrepreneur parole and how the U.S. stacks up against countries like Canada in supporting global founders. Additionally, we explore the unpredictable nature of visa adjudications, sharing firsthand accounts of successes and setbacks in O-1, EB-1, and EB-2 NIW visas.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:Specialized immigration practices and startup visas
Conflicting immigration program requirements
AI tool for attorneys
Inconsistencies in immigration case approvals
Ethical considerations in government filings
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.visalaw.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-susser-940b11126
Alcorn Immigration Law:Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter
Sophie Alcorn Podcast:
Episode 147: Navigating the EB-2NIW Journey with Nadia Zaidi
Episode 164: REPLAY: What Makes a Strong H-1B Petition
Episode 181: Balancing Business and Justice: Fiona McEntee on U.S. Immigration and Startup Law
Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders
Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook
Alcorn Academy course for best practices for securing the O-1A visa, EB-1A green card, or the EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card—the top options for startup founders. Use promotion code EAB20 for 20% off the enrollment fee.
The podcast currently has 196 episodes available.
31,891 Listeners