Indian entrepreneurs have emerged as the largest immigrant group behind America's billion-dollar startup ecosystem, founding or co-founding 96 US unicorns. This underscores the growing influence of Indian talent on the world's biggest innovation economy.
Immigrant Influence on US Startups
A report by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) found that immigrants have founded or co-founded 455 of America's 775 privately held startups valued at $1 billion or more, accounting for 59% of all US unicorn companies. India ranks first among countries of origin, ahead of Israel, the United Kingdom, and China.
"The research indicates that more open immigration policies will produce more startup companies in America, including cutting-edge companies that transform industries and employ many Americans," said Stuart Anderson, executive director of NFAP.
Comparative Analysis of Immigrant Founders
| Country | Unicorns Founded |
|---|---|
| India | 96 |
| Israel | 60 |
| United Kingdom | 47 |
| China | 41 |
| Canada | 30 |
The findings come amid an increasingly heated debate in the United States over skilled immigration, H-1B visas, and employment-based green cards — pathways that have enabled thousands of Indian students and professionals to build careers and companies in America.
Pathways to Success
The report highlights the crucial role played by US universities in attracting Indian talent. Nearly one in four US unicorn companies has at least one founder who first arrived in America as an international student. NFAP identified 233 former international students who went on to become founders or co-founders of billion-dollar companies.
Many founders followed a familiar path: higher studies in the United States, employment through the H-1B visa program, and eventually entrepreneurship. Among Indian-born founders who first entered the US as students are Mohit Aron of Cohesity, Arvind Jain of Glean, and Ashutosh Garg of Eightfold AI and Bloomreach.
The Impact of Policy on Innovation
The report found that nearly two-thirds of all US unicorns were founded or co-founded by immigrants or the children of immigrants, while almost 80% have either an immigrant founder or an immigrant occupying a key leadership role. The data suggests that immigration restrictions could threaten America's technological leadership and competitiveness.
Next Milestone: The ongoing debate over US immigration policy and its impact on innovation will continue to be a focal point for policymakers and industry leaders.
