Ellis

Ellis, named after the island where traditionally immigrants arrived to the US by sea, offers a range of services to new immigrants, including banking and mobile phone plans. It is virtually alone in this space, with agencies focusing solely on legal matters and individual services left up to difficult-to-access providers. A potential issue for Ellis is that public policy can turn against immigration, reducing the number of students wishing to go to America. However, it believes it is supporting vital talent which America needs to be successful in the future, and hopes that this will stand it in good stead going forwards.

Ellis has recently completed a seed funding round led by Kindred Ventures, and is using the capital to invest in talent, further develop its product and increase its network of partnered international education agencies. It is also rolling out new services including rent co-signing and tax returns in the near future in a bid to entice more clients to the platform.