Perplexity CEO Backs U.S. as a Startup Hub Amid Immigration Hurdles

Aravind Srinivas, CEO of AI-powered search engine Perplexity, recently went on 'The Joe Rogan Experience' and gave the U.S. a glowing review as a fertile ground for startups. Srinivas, who moved from India to the U.S. to study at UC Berkeley, lauded what he calls America's 'spirit of questioning' and its appetite for risk. 'The risk-seeking culture is just incredible,' he shared.

But here's the thing: while Srinivas paints a rosy picture of U.S. innovation, startup founders face an uphill battle thanks to a new $100,000 H-1B visa fee, introduced in September 2025 and currently tied up in legal challenges. The fee puts startups in a bind, as they can't easily compete with well-heeled giants who can absorb the cost. Some firms have already hit pause on hiring due to these financial strains.

Think of it this way: the ongoing immigration hurdles could tilt the playing field. Large corporations with deep pockets might still lure international talent, while startups might struggle. And in the crypto world, where nimbleness is key, that's not small potatoes. Yet, Srinivas believes America's environment still holds an edge over other regions, albeit clouded by these new challenges.

So, what's the takeaway? While Srinivas is bullish on the U.S. as a land of opportunity, policy bumps like the H-1B changes may curb the enthusiasm for budding entrepreneurs, especially in dynamic sectors like crypto. It's a tug of war between policy restrictions and an enduring spirit of innovation.