HBR IdeaCast
How Immigrant Entrepreneurs Build Lasting Businesses
Apr 22, 2025
Neri Karra Sillaman, an entrepreneurship expert at Oxford University and founder of Neri Karra luxury leather goods, delves into how immigrant entrepreneurs achieve lasting success. She highlights resilience as a crucial trait, emphasizing how rejection fuels growth. Sillaman shares compelling stories, including one from a Bulgarian immigrant who navigated cultural challenges. Additionally, the importance of kindness and community ties is discussed as essential strategies for thriving in a new business landscape, especially amidst rising anti-immigrant sentiment.
26:25
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Quick takeaways
- Immigrant entrepreneurs significantly contribute to economic growth, accounting for 20% of new businesses while representing 14% of the U.S. population.
- The principles of resilience and community building empower immigrant founders to achieve lasting success and navigate challenges in their ventures.
Deep dives
The Impact of Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Immigrants play a crucial role in the entrepreneurial landscape, representing 14 percent of the U.S. population while generating around 20 percent of new businesses. Furthermore, nearly half of Fortune 500 companies boast immigrant founders, highlighting their significant contribution to economic growth. Research indicates that businesses founded by immigrants tend to experience faster growth and greater longevity compared to those established by native-born citizens. This suggests that immigrant entrepreneurs not only succeed in launching ventures but also create job opportunities and foster innovation in their new countries.
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