The journey of emigration is often filled with hardship and uncertainty, but for some brave individuals, it becomes the road to realizing their entrepreneurial dreams in a new country. Discover inspiring stories of how people have seized the opportunities presented to them in new countries and created successful businesses.
Hamdi Ulukaya – Chobani
Hamdi Ulukaya, a native of Turkey, came to the United States with dreams of higher education. He didn’t yet know that he would change the American yogurt market forever. After learning that a Kraft yogurt plant in New York State was closing, Ulukaya saw an opportunity and purchased the facility. He introduced Greek yogurt, a product he grew up on in Turkey, to American consumers. The Chobani yogurt brand he founded quickly became one of the best-selling brands in the U.S., revolutionizing the industry and creating thousands of jobs
Phil Libin – Evernote
Phil Libin immigrated to the United States from the Soviet Union. He founded the pioneering app Evernote, which has resonated with millions of people around the world. His innovative information sharing solution has allowed Evernote to reach a valuation of $1 billion.
Levi Strauss – Levi Strauss & Co
Levi Strauss, an immigrant from Germany, found his calling in the United States during the gold rush era. Partnering with tailor Jacob Davis, Strauss patented and produced the iconic blue jeans, a fashion innovation that would shape the world for generations to come.
Sergey Brin – Google/Alphabet
When his family immigrated from the Soviet Union he was 6 years old. Co-founding Google with Larry Page, Brin played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the way people access information. Google/Alphabet, has become an integral part of modern life, and Brin’s vision and ambition have contributed significantly to the evolution of technology. His story showcases the transformative power of embracing new opportunities and forging ahead with innovation.
Jan Koum – WhatsApp
Jan Koum immigrated from Ukraine to the United States in 1992. By founding WhatsApp, an instant messaging platform, Koum demonstrated his technical ability and remained independent despite lucrative offers from venture capitalists. Eventually, Facebook recognized WhatsApp’s potential and acquired the company for the impressive sum of $19 billion.
Toni Ko — NYX Cosmetics
Immigrating from South Korea to Southern California, Toni Ko grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and worked in her family’s cosmetics business from age 13 to 25. After realizing she wanted out of the family business, Ko started her own venture, NYX Cosmetics, a cosmetics brand offering luxury cosmetics at affordable prices. In 2014, L’Oreal acquired NYX Cosmetics for $500 million. Continuing her journey as an immigrant entrepreneur, in 2016. Ko launched the sunglasses brand PERVERSE.
Rashmi Sinha — SlideShare
Earning an undergraduate degree in her native India, Rashmi Sinha came to the US to complete her PhD in Cognitive Neuropsychology at Brown, an impressive accomplishment that later influenced her entrepreneurial journey and product creation. After graduating from Brown, she started several successful tech businesses in the Bay Area and, in 2006, Sinha leveraged her tech background to develop Slideshare, combining the power of social media and information sharing. In 2012, LinkedIn purchased SlideShare for just over $118 million leading Sinha to return to life as an entrepreneur.
The stories of these immigrant entrepreneurs testify to the power of embracing change, perseverance and creativity. Creating multi-billion dollar companies and launching iconic products, these individuals not only succeeded in their new countries, but also made significant contributions to society. Their journey inspires us to break barriers, follow our dreams and utilize the diverse talents inherent in the immigrant community. The entrepreneurial spirit knows no boundaries, and every dreamer, regardless of background, has the potential to make a significant impact on the world. Join the STARTUP ICELAND CAMP event and unlock the potential of your dreams to create a lasting impact in a new country!
Startup Iceland Camp 