It’s clear that work authorization for international talent in the United States is getting increasingly harder in the Trump administration. Tech startups are facing hiring challenges, and the entrepreneurs within them are left in flux as documentation and fees are added atop meetings and work responsibilities.
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To make the immigration process less opaque for entrepreneurs, Seattle-based startup Legalpad has raised a $10 million Series A led by Amplo. Other investors such as Global Founders Capital, 8VC, Liquid 2 Ventures, Tekton Ventures, Gaingels and Collate Capital filled the round.
The startup, founded by Sara Itucas and Todd Heine, uses a mix of software and attorney aid to navigate the visa process for startup employees. Hailing from Techstars, Legalpad works with other early-stage startup accelerators to help talent stay in the country after they graduate from programs.
Legalpad may be pricier than a traditional law firm, but it is faster, said Itucas, the company’s co-founder and an immigrant herself. Traditional law firms can take between four and six months to put together a competitive application for a visa, she said. Legalpad claims to take two months.