The Startup Visa® Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

In 2014, Neal founded Zoic to address the systematic underfunding of early-stage health technology startups, and focus on identifying, funding, and developing the next era of health. Neal works closely with his portfolio companies to provide strategic and operational value beyond capital, supervising workshops to build a large-scale IP development strategy, and codeveloping deals with potential strategic acquirers.

Neal has over 15 years of successful experience in the tech startup space. In 2007, Neal co-founded of Ambature, a superconductor company leading the charge towards room-temperature superconductors, a key technology to enabling quantum computers and fusion reactors. As founding CEO, Neal led the company to raise $20M in funding and create 3,700 patent claims, accounting for more than half of patents in the world in the field. In 2019, Neal co-founded HDT Bio, an RNA-based immunotherapy company that has received hundreds of millions in government funding to advance the battle against the world’s deadliest infectious diseases and cancer, and distribute their advances to patients globally.

Neal’s accomplishments at Ambature and HDT have made him a valuable and trusted source of advice for other CEOs. He has served on the Board of Directors of 10 other startups and has offered guidance to over 100 CEOs through his mentoring role at Creative Destruction Labs.

You can learn more about Neal Mody on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nealmody/ 

Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books 

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

Send us Fan Mail

Levi Velez Reed joins Tahmina on this episode of the Start Up Visa Podcast. Levi explains his involvement with Startup425, a program that assists Eastside entrepreneurs with networking, resources, and educational opportunities. 

Levi Velez Reed is a former marketing professional and founder. He gained experience at Amazon and his own marketing company before pivoting into the business education field. Levi currently teaches at UW Foster and works with founders and VCs to support preseries founders in positioning and launching their brands.

Learn more about StartUp425 - https://www.startup425.org/

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing, for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books 

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

Send us Fan Mail

Daniel Sawko is the CEO and co-founder of shipshape.vc, a free-to-use investment search engine designed to help founders quickly and precisely identify the right investors for their business. Built to take the guesswork out of investor targeting, shipshape.vc empowers startups to filter thousands of potential backers by sector, stage, geography, and intent—saving founders weeks of manual research.

You can learn more about Daniel at www.shipshape.vc

Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books 

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

Send us Fan Mail

Given the various challenges in the United States, many US residents are looking for information about how to immigrate to Canada. Tahmina speaks with David Kika, an immigration expert practicing Canadian immigration law

David Kika is a seasoned business immigration professional based in North Vancouver, BC, with deep expertise in Canadian and international immigration pathways. He supports clients with LMIA applications, work permits (including NAFTA/CUSMA, CPTPP, and CETA), and both provincial and federal permanent residence programs such as BC PNP, Express Entry, and others across Canada. David also handles family sponsorships and a range of other immigration applications. Prior to his Canadian practice, he worked in the Czech Republic assisting Japanese automotive executives with European work permits and corporate matters. David brings a global perspective and practical experience to every client he serves.

You can contact David at David Kika Immigration Consulting | BBB Business Profile | Better Business Bureau and find him on LinkedIn at David Kika | LinkedIn

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books 

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

Send us Fan Mail

Efren Hernandez, a life long USCIS policy leader, now working in the private sector sits down with Tahmina to discuss the shocking $100,000 fee imposed on H-1B visas. 

Efren Hernandez is the Founder of EH3 Immigration Consulting. He is an immigration lawyer with 32 years of experience in the field, the vast majority at the former INS and at USCIS. While he has seen and done just about everything in the immigration realm, for the last 24 years he has focused on business/employment-based immigration. He has held leadership roles at USCIS and the legacy INS, and has been involved in the creation of many major policies in the employment-based realm. He is retired from USCIS and now uses his deep institutional, legal, and policy knowledge to offer high-level strategic consulting on complex immigration questions.

You can learn more about Efren on LinkedIn at Efren Hernandez III | LinkedIn

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books 

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

Send us Fan Mail

Senator Slatter helped pass state funding for a Washington State immigrant entrepreneur program, one of a handful in the entire country. Tahmina sits down to speak with her. 

Senator Vandana Slatter (D–WA 48th District) is a pharmacist, biotech professional, and trailblazing lawmaker who brings science, compassion, and equity to public service. Currently Vice Chair of the Senate Environment, Energy & Technology Committee, she also serves on the Health and Higher Education committees. A former Bellevue City Councilmember and four-term State House Representative, Vandana was the first Indian-American elected to the Washington State House. Her work has championed climate policy, healthcare privacy, education access, and innovation. A naturalized citizen, community leader, and public school parent, Vandana’s journey from pharmacy to policy is grounded in service, representation, and creating opportunity for all.

You can learn more about Senator Slatter at Vandana Slatter for State Senate | Meet Vandana

Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing, for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books 

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

Send us Fan Mail

Given the various challenges in the United States, many US residents are looking for information about how to immigrate to Canada. Tahmina speaks with David Kika, an immigration expert practicing Canadian immigration law

David Kika is a seasoned business immigration professional based in North Vancouver, BC, with deep expertise in Canadian and international immigration pathways. He supports clients with LMIA applications, work permits (including NAFTA/CUSMA, CPTPP, and CETA), and both provincial and federal permanent residence programs such as BC PNP, Express Entry, and others across Canada. David also handles family sponsorships and a range of other immigration applications. Prior to his Canadian practice, he worked in the Czech Republic assisting Japanese automotive executives with European work permits and corporate matters. David brings a global perspective and practical experience to every client he serves.

You can contact David at David Kika Immigration Consulting | BBB Business Profile | Better Business Bureau and find him on LinkedIn at David Kika | LinkedIn

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

And if the world is feeling heavy right now, cultivate joy in your life with Tahmina’s journal Finding Joy series. Here’s a link to her best selling new coloring book: Color Your Joy: Birds and Wildlife Coloring Book: Watson, Tahmina, Jahan, Tamanna, Watson, Sofia, Watson, Sarina: 9798988507239: Amazon.com: Books 

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, our guest is Chris Bloomquist. He is a 20 year veteran to the technology industry, a 2 time startup founder and expanding into the climate and environmental recruiting industries.  He has a passion to tell the stories of impactful environmental organizations, leveraging his executive level recruitment expertise to put inspiring people to work, and believes that equitable hiring and employment should be a basic human right. He also serve as the Vice Chairman of the KD Hall Foundation as a male ally, serving minority girls and women in their education and employment growth. He is a father, husband, adult Lego enthusiast, ultimate frisbee and cross country coach and enjoys a good Star Wars movie as much as a tasty food documentary. 

Links to connect with Chris:

About Us | The Talent Mine

(2) Chris Bloomquist | LinkedIn

Special thanks to our series sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing, for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/

Tahmina Talks Immigration and The Startup Visa podcast series are produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan. 

Check out Tahmina’s books at www.tahminawatson.com and our startup visa series which is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  

Here is a link to her bestselling visa guide book: The Startup Visa: U.S. Immigration Visa Guide for Startups and Founders: Watson, Tahmina, Doughty, Caroline, Buhain, Venice, Vos, Troy: 9781735758572: Amazon.com: Books

Here is her policy book: The Startup Visa: Key to Job Growth & Economic Prosperity in America: Watson, Tahmina, Turnbull, Lornet, Feld, Brad: 9781735758534: Amazon.com: Books

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com 

Sign up to our blog- and connect with us on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Startup Visa Series, I speak with Veronica, Founder and Managing Director of Sealand Ship Agents and Suppliers & Delver Agents. Veronica transformed Delver Agents into the premier cruise ship agency and supplier in Ushuaia, Argentina, working with exclusive boutique operators, mainstream cruise lines, and expedition cruise companies worldwide. She specializes in creating innovative services, solving complex problems, and building strong connections. Veronica holds degrees in Natural Science & Human Arts, Law, International Commerce, and is trained in Environmental Management and International Security. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed sitting down with her!

You can learn more about veronica and Delver Agents at Delver Agents: Ship Agents and Suppliers | South America

Special thanks to our season sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/

The Startup Visa podcast series is produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan and Sana Dawa. 

The startup visa series is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  Together with this podcast, we invite you to read Tahmina’s The Startup Visa Book series.

Here is a link to her bestselling visa guide book: The Startup Visa: U.S. Immigration Visa Guide for Startups and Founders: Watson, Tahmina, Doughty, Caroline, Buhain, Venice, Vos, Troy: 9781735758572: Amazon.com: Books

Here is her policy book: The Startup Visa: Key to Job Growth & Economic Prosperity in America: Watson, Tahmina, Turnbull, Lornet, Feld, Brad: 9781735758534: Amazon.com: Books

Be sure to follow us on our website www.watsonimmigrationlaw.com and Tahmina’s author page on Amazon Amazon Author page and her author website www.tahminawatson.com. 

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of the Startup Visa Series, I speak with Connor O'Brien, a Research and Policy Analyst at the Economic Innovation Group (EIG), where he focuses on high-skilled immigration reform and innovation policy. His research has been cited by media outlets such as Axios, Bloomberg, and the New York Times, and his writing has appeared in Newsweek, National Review, and City Journal. Connor holds degrees from Rutgers University and the University of Chicago. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed sitting down with him!In this episode of the Startup Visa Series, I speak with Steve Tobocman, an innovator and leader in the nonprofit, political, and economic fields. Steve has launched several successful nonprofit initiatives, including Global Detroit, WE Global Network, and ProsperUS Detroit, and has built a notable political career as a state legislator. His work has been recognized nationally, and he continues to maintain active networks in politics, immigrant economic development, and community economic development. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I enjoyed sitting down with him!

You can learn more about Connor and EIG Home - Economic Innovation Group

Special thanks to our season sponsor, Pinnacle Plan Writing for making these episodes possible. You can visit their website at https://www.pinnacleplanwriting.com/

The Startup Visa podcast series is produced and edited by Tamanna Jahan and Sana Dawa. 

The startup visa series is intended to be your toolbox for the success of your immigration journey.  Together with this podcast, we invite you to read Tahmina’s The Startup Visa Book series.

Here is a link to her bestselling visa guide book: The Startup Visa: U.S. Immigration Visa Guide for Startups and Founders: Watson, Tahmina, Doughty, Caroline, Buhain, Venice, Vos, Troy: 9781735758572: Amazon.com: Books

Here is her policy book: The Startup Visa: Key to Job Growth & Economic Prosperity in America: Watson, Tahmina, Turnbull, Lornet, Feld, Brad: 9781735758534: Amazon.com: Books

Sign to our blog- and connect with us on on social media:
LinkedIn - Watson Immigration Law and Tahmina Watson
Twitter - @TahminaTalks
Instagram - @TahminaTalks
Facebook - Watson Immigration Law

Find us at watsonimmigrationlaw.com