Immigrant Founders: Fueling America’s Future

Event ID: PP1149564

Sun, Mar 15, 2026 | 7:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Venue: Salon B (Hilton Austin Downtown)

View on Official SXSW

Summary

Immigration is a contentious and tumultuous topic these days. But the contributions of global talent are clear: Immigrants make up only 15% of the U.S. population, but 40% of Nobel science laureates and 44% of tech unicorn founders. Tom Zhang made his way from a small town in rural China to an Ivy League PhD and an Austin-based robotics startup. Doug Rand has helped global talent navigate the immigration system as a senior government official, co-founder of Boundless, and now head of a philanthropic fund. While many recent immigration policies may create obstacles for global founders, there are still several viable pathways to obtain a visa and start a company in the U.S. Come learn how America can remain the top destination for great immigrant entrepreneurs.

Contributors

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