INDIANS RULE THE COMMERCIAL WORLD

Indians are the start-up kings of US - CHIDANAND RAJGHATTA

TIMES NEWS NETWORK [ THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2006 08:40:48 AM]

WASHINGTON: Indian immigrants to the US account for 28% of all foreign-

founded private start-up companies in a climate dominated by
immigrant entrepreneurs, according to a new study on the hot-
button issue.

The study found that over the last 15 years, immigrants have started one
in four (25%) US public companies that were venture-backed,
representing a market capitalisation of more than $500 billion.

Topping that, a survey of private, venture-backed start-up companies

in the US estimated that a staggering 47% have immigrant founders.

In that group, "India was the most prevalent country of origin with
28%, followed by the United Kingdom (11%), China (5%), Iran (4%.) and
France (4%.),''
the study says. No numbers were given for public venture-backed firms,
but even in that category,
"the most common countries of origin are India, Israel and Taiwan''.

The findings back the long-held view, based on more limited surveys in
Silicon Valley, that Indian immigrants are a significant force in
Americans' start-up culture. Indians have been founding companies in
the US outside the Bay area for decades,
going back to Amar Bose's Bose Corp in Massachusetts and the Suhas Patil-
founded Cirrus Logic in Utah.

The study also found that immigrant founders are responsible for building a
high percentage of the most innovative American companies,
with 87% operating in sectors such as high-tech manufacturing,
infotech and life sciences.

Global Indian Takeover

. In the last 15 years, one in four US public cos, with a market cap of $500
bn, has been started by immigrants, led by Indians, Israelis and Taiwanese.
. Study found 47% of venture-backed start-up firms had
immigrant founders. India (28%) was followed by UK (11%), China (5%), Iran
(4%) and France (4%).
. Nearly half of the immigrant entrepreneurs arrived in the US as students
and more than half of them started their businesses within 12 years.

. 87% of immigrant founders operate in high-tech manufacturing, IT and life

sciences. They hold an average of 14.5 patents. 69% of these individuals
have become American citizens.