WORLD - Lebanese immigrants have founded or co-founded nine U.S. startups valued at more than $1 billion, according to a new study by the National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP).
The report found that immigrants founded or co-founded 59% of America's privately held startup companies worth at least $1 billion, commonly known as unicorns. The 455 immigrant-founded unicorn companies identified in the study have a combined valuation of approximately $5 trillion.
Overall, the United States is home to 775 privately held billion-dollar startups, with immigrants playing a central role in the sector's growth. Nearly 80% of U.S. unicorn companies have either an immigrant founder or an immigrant serving in a key leadership position, such as chief executive officer or vice president of engineering.
The study also found that approximately 66% of America's unicorn companies were founded or co-founded by immigrants or their children. In addition, nearly 24% of U.S. billion-dollar startups have a founder who first arrived in the country as an international student.
India ranked first among countries of origin for immigrant founders of U.S. unicorn companies.
The study also highlighted Lebanese-born entrepreneur Noubar Afeyan, co-founder of biotechnology company Moderna and founder of venture capital firm Flagship Pioneering. Afeyan was identified as one of only 15 immigrant entrepreneurs who have founded two or more U.S. unicorn companies.
The findings come as immigration policy remains a subject of debate in Washington. NFAP researchers argue that immigrant entrepreneurs continue to be a driving force behind innovation, job creation and investment in the United States.
For Lebanon, the report underscores the global economic impact of its diaspora, whose achievements continue to extend far beyond the country's borders.
