In this special episode of Visa to Venture, the tables are turned as host Jacob Sapochnick is interviewed by Dez DeCosta.

Jacob shares his personal immigration journey, the global mindset that shaped his career, and a pivotal case that tested every part of his legal strategy. He reflects on advising a high-level executive building a U.S. company, navigating incomplete information, and making critical pivots under pressure.

The conversation also explores how immigration law requires constant adaptation to policy changes, the importance of flexible pathways to permanent residence, and what today’s immigrant entrepreneurs should understand when building companies in the United States.

This episode offers real-world insight into strategy, mindset, and decision-making for founders, executives, and global talent navigating the U.S. immigration system.

Learn more at: https://www.h1b.biz/

In this episode of Visa To Venture, Jacob Sapochnick interviews Maggie Zhu, founder of Us Two Tea, a modern tea and lifestyle brand rooted in Taiwanese culture. Maggie shares her journey from arriving in the United States on a student visa to building a brand from the ground up in one of the most competitive consumer markets.

As a designer turned founder, Maggie breaks down how she approached brand-building with intention, differentiated Us Two Tea in a crowded tea landscape, and translated cultural heritage into a modern product experience. She also opens up about the realities of building a company as an immigrant founder, navigating uncertainty, and turning personal challenges into creative direction.

This conversation covers practical insights for early-stage founders, including how to stand out in saturated markets, build meaningful networks, think about fundraising, and stay resilient while building in today’s startup environment.

Learn more at https://www.ustwotea.com

In this episode, Jacob Sapochnick interviews Jose Carlos "Charlie" Sarmiento, an inspiring entrepreneur and ultra endurance athlete. Charlie shares his journey from a corporate executive in finance to pursuing his passion for ultra trail running and founding Vertical X, a platform designed to help athletes secure sponsorships and funding. He discusses the challenges of transitioning careers, navigating the U.S. visa process, and balancing family life with entrepreneurship. Charlie emphasizes the importance of mental resilience, the lessons learned from his children, and the drive to create a positive impact through his work.

Learn more:
https://www.vtxathlete.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/charliesarmiento