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Our Founders
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Founder & CEO of FloraWorks, LLC
Pioneering new drug discovery in minor cannabinoids
A founder at heart with a history operating in the emerging hemp and cannabis sector, Alleh is a passionate and driven startup entrepreneur with experience in product development, business strategy, brand creation, and marketing.
Previous to co-founding FloraWorks, Alleh was a founding partner and CEO of Swell Companies one of Oregon’s largest cannabis extraction facilities, first to receive a license by the state and proprietor of two of Oregon’s most notable vaporizer and cannabis oil brands. Alleh lead the company to a successful exit to C21 Investments a publicly-traded cannabis company in 2019. Prior to entering the cannabis industry Alleh worked as a commercial advertising photographer in the sports and lifestyle genre, for clients such as Nike, Polar, and Gerber Knives. Working as a photographer in advertising has given him a deep understanding of the value and path toward building a successful brand.
Founder & CEO NaluBio, Inc.
Leading Chemical Synthesis Platform
Caitlyn is an entrepreneur with 20+ years of healthcare and biotech experience building companies at the frontier of science and technology – ML & AI (Entelos), diabetes prevention (Tethys), Alzheimer’s prevention (Neurotrack), early cancer detection (Bluestar Genomics), and now CBD is her focus (Nalu Bio). Her experience includes roles in management, operations, sales, corporate development, and building teams to reach business objectives and drive adoption of new technologies.
She excels at bringing products to market and finding a way to get paid for them. Caitlyn is committed to solving large healthcare problems and now she is committed to realizing the potential of alternative wellness ingredients.
President & CEO Sensorium Therapeutics, Inc.
Innovative CNS Drug Discovery Platform
A veteran biopharma executive and experienced scientist with over 30 years in biotech, Glucksmann most recently served as founding CEO and President of Cedilla Therapeutics and previously was founding Chief Operating Officer of Editas Medicine, Inc. She serves on the boards of directors of gene therapy company REGENXBIO and and genetic modifiers company Scenic Biotech. Alexandra holds a Ph.D. with honors in molecular genetics and cell biology from the University of Chicago.She excels at bringing products to market and finding a way to get paid for them. Caitlyn is committed to solving large healthcare problems and now she is committed to realizing the potential of alternative wellness ingredients.
Co-Founder and CEO, LeafWorks, Inc.
Leader in Genetics & Testing Research
Eleanor Kuntz is a co-founder and the CEO of LeafWorks Inc., a company specializing in plant DNA testing and consulting for the natural products industry.
She holds a PhD in Genetics from the University of Georgia, where she completed her degree between 2005 and 2011. Eleanor’s extensive experience includes founding Sophie Scientific, where she focused on the genetic analysis of medicinal plants, and working on sustainability projects for at-risk species in the southeastern U.S.
She also contributed to cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and worked as an herbalist at Sage Mountain Herbal Education Center. Additionally, Eleanor is involved with several organizations advocating for botanical and cannabis industries, serving as Vice President of the Board at United Plant Savers and as a member of the American Herbal Products Association’s Cannabis and Psychedelic Committees.
She was also a board member of the California Growers Association and directed the REVIVE! Agricultural Project in collaboration with Traditional Medicinals, which aimed at empowering women in agriculture in rural India.
Co-Founder and CSO, LeafWorks, Inc.
First Company To Map the Genome of the Cannabis Plant
Dr. Kerin Law serves as the Chief Scientific Officer at LeafWorks Inc., a company dedicated to botanical genetics and plant DNA testing. Dr. Law’s fascination with science began at a young age, leading her to publish her first scientific paper on plant genetics when she was just 19. She holds a B.A. in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology from Vanderbilt University and a Ph.D. in Genetics with a focus on population genetics from the University of Georgia. Her academic path crossed with Dr. Eleanor Kuntz, now CEO of LeafWorks, during her time at Georgia.
Driven by a commitment to perform meaningful and reliable science, Dr. Law has been instrumental in advancing genetic sequencing technologies, aiming to benefit both botanical producers and consumers. She is recognized as a pioneer in her field and is passionate about raising standards in the cannabis industry and botanical DNA testing. Her early engagement in field and lab work showcases her longstanding dedication to plant science and her belief in the positive impact of rigorous scientific research.
CEO & Co-Founder, Engineered Medical Technologies, Inc.
Developer of the tCheck Hand Held Spectrometer Device
Co-Founder & Chief Scientific Officer, Psilera
Leading Chemical Synthesis Platform
Dr. Jackie von Salm is a scientist and entrepreneur with 15 years of experience in drug
discovery and innovation with over 25 publications and patents. During her time in academia,
she explored exotic environments from Antarctica to the Caribbean to search for new chemistry
and natural medicines.
She was named the Most Read Author of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in 2017 for her
research on new antibiotics and biofilm inhibitors, and later received the ACS ElSohly Award for
Excellence in Cannabis Chemistry.
In 2019 Dr. von Salm co-founded Psilera, a leading biotechnology company specializing in the
development of next-generation neuroplastogen drugs to target psychiatric, addiction, and
neurodegenerative disorders. Psilera’s Third EyeTM platform combines computer-aided drug
design and screening to find new neuroplastogens with targeted benefits and fewer side effects.
Psilera leverages a world-class scientific and pharmaceutical team to repurpose psychoactive
natural products into effective and accessible patient-centric treatments.
Co-Founder & CEO, Psilera
Next-Generation Psychedelics Biotech Focused on Hard-to-Treat Neurological Disorders
Dr. Chris Witowski is an accomplished Ph.D. natural products chemist with 15 years of drug discovery experience and 9+ years in leadership roles for CNS product development. He is a named inventor on dozens of patents and his inventions have led to benefits for patients and a successful exit in a $1.5B start-up. He has authored many publications including the most read publication in 2017 which has amassed 90,000+ views, a record for the American Chemical Society.
As an early employee of AltMed (now Verano Holdings), Dr. Witowski helped build vertically-integrated cannabis operations with management of CNS patent portfolio, product development, commercialization, and $100+ million product manufacturing. In 2019 Dr. Witowski co-founded Psilera, a leading biotechnology company specializing in the development of next-generation neuroplastogen drugs to target psychiatric, addiction, and neurodegenerative disorders. Psilera’s Third EyeTM platform combines
computer-aided drug design and screening to find new neuroplastogens with targeted benefits and fewer side effects. Psilera leverages a world-class scientific and
pharmaceutical team to repurpose psychoactive natural products into effective and accessible patient-centric treatments.
Founder & Managing Partner, BVE
Venture Capitalist, Author & Entrepreneur
Ross is is a lifelong entrepreneur, author and investor, and believes in the power of entrepreneurship to tackle healthcare’s biggest challenges. His approach to venture capital investing is predicated on being more than just a source of capital but a true catalyst for founders who aim to change the way in which we help patients. Built by founders, for founders, BVE is an active group of investors who together invest in the advancement of science, funding and working with entrepreneurs and informing regulatory reforms. BVE is currently investing out of its second fund and has 16 portfolio companies.
Prior to starting BVE Ross served a group of family offices responsible for all of their self-directed venture capital, private equity and real estate investments and led syndicated financings across a variety of sectors and industries with a focus on healthcare.
Ross has a broad spectrum of private company expertise ranging from starting and operating high growth businesses, numerous venture capital and private equity transactions, advising portfolio companies on mergers and acquisitions transactions, and capital introductions. He has taught entrepreneurship and finance at Florida Atlantic University, holds several board positions and has spent his career primarily working with family offices and early-stage growth ready founders. He has been an advisor for programs on investing, entrepreneurship and impact investing at MIT (2011) and Harvard (2014) and was on the steering committee that launched TechRunway at Florida Atlantic University, where they still teach the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp program he initially designed and authored.
At the start of his finance career, Ross worked on Wall Street with a boutique New York investment banking firm, was a Manager at Geller & Company, and an Assistant Vice President at JPMorgan Chase. He was a founder of a digital technology company, which he and his partners exited in 2006. He began his career at Sony BMG and has international experience working in the UK, Europe, Hong Kong and Canada.
Ross earned an MBA from Fordham University and obtained a BS in Business Marketing & Management from Ferris State University. He started The Founder’s Door initiative to highlight mental health awareness for entrepreneurs and enjoys motorcycles, skiing and writing music in his spare time.
Managing Partner, Co-Founder & CFO
CPA, Experienced CFO, COO & M&A Financeer
Bill Kehoe is the Founder and CEO of Mile 13, LLC which advises organizations across an array of industries including Media, Entertainment, Sports, Advertising and Marketing Services, Private Equity and Not-for-Profits. With more than 20 years of progressive financial and operational experience, Bill provides strategic advisory services to companies at various stages in their growth cycles.
Bill and Mile 13 provide CFO services to BVE among other companies. He has supported capital raising efforts, investment analysis and diligence, investor relations, business planning, accounting, treasury management, business development and other financial and operational functions.
Prior to founding Mile 13 in 2016, Bill was the COO and CFO of Saban Brands, a Private Equity owned Media and Entertainment concern producing and distributing content and licensing rights globally, headquartered in Los Angeles. Prior to Saban Brands, he spent 10 years in the New York head office at the Omnicom owned brand extension agency, The Beanstalk Group, rising to the roles of COO and CFO prior to his departure for Saban Brands in 2011. Bill started his career at the Southfield, MI headquarters of Plante & Moran, a middle market CPA and advisory firm.
In his career, Bill has two decades of working closely with boards of directors, major partners and executive leadership teams. He is a deal maker and has a deep knowledge of M&A transactions across multiple industries and geographies, with extensive experience in global, competitive and growth-driven environments. Further, he has experience entrepreneurial environments while working closely within US and international finance compliance and reporting requirements.
Bill holds a bachelor’s degree from Hillsdale College and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza School of Business. He earned his CPA certification in Michigan (inactive).
Co-Founder and Senior Advisor
Elite Athlete, Entrepreneur, Public / Private Company Board Member
Derrick B. Mayes is Co-Founder at Bonaventure Equity, LLC. Most recent, Mayes was Vice President of WME/IMG (now Endeavor/Learfield/IMG College), where he championed a strategic advisory division for nearly a decade. Prior to that, Mr. Mayes was the Chief Executive Officer of ExecutiveAction Sports & Entertainment, serving as a strategic advisor to high profile individuals and organizations in the sports and entertainment industry, from 2007 to 2015. Mr. Mayes has over 18 years of extensive experience in strategic planning, enterprise development, and risk mitigation.
In 2019, Mayes was appointed to the prestigious Board of Patrick Industries, Inc (PATK). In doing so, he became one of the youngest African American board members to represent an S&P 500 index corporation. Additionally, Mayes sits as a Director of the Notre Dame Monogram Board, and has been since 2018. A coveted leadership and diversity speaker to public companies as well as private organizations.
Member of the Orange Bowl Hall of Fame, Indiana Football Hall of Fame, and North Central High School Hall of Fame, Mayes’ athletic talents yielded a historic college career as an All-American, All-time leading receiver, 2-timeTeam MVP, and Sr. Captain at the University of Notre Dame. His successful collegiate tenure catapulted Mayes into the NFL as a 2nd round draft pick to the legendary Green Bay Packers. In just his rookie season, Mayes became a Super Bowl XXXI Champion. Five years later, Mayes retired with the Seattle Seahawks; Two teams, but all under the Hall of Fame Coach Mike Holmgren.
Derrick holds a Bachelor’s degree from University of Notre Dame, and Corporate Governance Certificate from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.
Husband, and father of one, Mayes and his wife are founding parents of City Language Immersion Charter School in Los Angeles, California.
Managing Partner & General Counsel
Venture Capital Attorney & Investor
Nigel Austin is an experienced corporate transactional and finance attorney who serves as Bonaventure Equity’s general counsel. Nigel brings significant experience having acted for over a decade as general counsel to numerous technology and high-growth start-ups, as well as venture capital firms.
In addition, he has structured, managed and executed many complex domestic and international business, commercial, finance and securities transactions for private equity and venture capital firms at leading international law firms, including Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Nigel was formerly a partner in the private equity practice group at Proskauer Rose LLP.
Nigel is a graduate of The London School of Economics who qualified as a solicitor in England and Wales and is admitted to practice law in the State of New York.
Venture Partner
MIT Biochemist & Life Sciences IP Expert
Dr. Mike McCormick is a cannabis scientist and educator residing in San Diego, California.
He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry at M.I.T. and studied cannabinoid receptors as a post-doctoral associate at The Scripps Research Institute. Following his post-doc, Dr. Mike spent four years as a technical advisor to corporate law firms obtaining patents on pharmaceuticals. He is an author on over a dozen scientific articles including publications in Nature, Biochemistry, and Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Within the cannabis industry, Dr. Mike focuses on developing next-generation products, methods, and educational content.
He has been consulting within the cannabis economy since 2017, and is currently a Venture Partner with Bonaventure Equity and Science & IP Consultant for FloraWorks.
Healthcare CEO, VC, Johnson & Johnson, Cardinal Health
Multi-Decade Healthcare Innovator, Senior Executive, Board Member
Don Casey, a distinguished healthcare and pharmaceutical industry veteran, has joined Bonaventure Equity’s Board of Advisors in a pivotal role as the company pioneers the way forward in cannabinoid and psychedelic medicine. Don brings over 40 years of diverse healthcare experience and strategic insight to BVE based on roles at Johnson and Johnson, Cardinal Health, Dentsply Sirona and multiple board roles.
Throughout his career, Don played a crucial role in identifying and supporting innovative startups and groundbreaking technologies in healthcare, accumulating deep knowledge of industry trends, regulatory landscapes, and investment strategies. His extensive background in venture capital, leadership roles, and unwavering commitment to improving human health align seamlessly with BVE’s vision.
With a mission to bridge funding gaps in cannabinoid and psychedelic research, BVE invests in early-stage startups at the forefront of neuroscience and patient care, addressing diseases like Alzheimer’s, fibromyalgia, PTSD, depression, stroke, and addiction. Don’s appointment to BVE’s Board marks a momentous step forward as the company accelerates groundbreaking research and development efforts, unlocking the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids and psychedelics to treat a wide range of ailments, from mental health disorders to chronic pain management.
Strategic Advisor, Website
Branding, Entertainment, Marketing & Law Expert
Using his background in branding, entertainment, marketing and law Dan has a unique skill set of cultivating business growth by blending talent, intellectual property and media for an exceptional return on investment. He has worked closely with Fortune 500 companies, high profile celebrities, private equity groups and start ups on a wide variety of initiatives. His experience includes developing, implementing and managing innovative relationships with leading retailers and manufacturers; Nordstrom, Office Depot, Macy’s, Jo~Ann Fabric & Craft Stores, Burlington Coat Factory, Alibaba/T-Mall, Lynx Grills, Three Day Blinds, Smith+Noble, QVC, HSN and many others. He has also created and managed licensing programs for Céline Dion, Madonna/Hard Candy Fitness, Paris Hilton, Christopher Lowell, David Tutera the iconic retail brand Fred Segal. His work has resulted in multi-Billion dollars in global retail product sales and even more positive impressions!
Dan holds a B.S. from the University of Miami and a J.D. from Cleveland Marshall CollegeUsing his background in branding, entertainment, marketing and law Dan has a unique skill set of cultivating business growth by blending talent, intellectual property and media for an exceptional return on investment. He has worked closely with Fortune 500 companies, high profile celebrities, private equity groups and start ups on a wide variety of initiatives. His experience includes developing, implementing and managing innovative relationships with leading retailers and manufacturers; Nordstrom, Office Depot, Macy’s, Jo~Ann Fabric & Craft Stores, Burlington Coat Factory, Alibaba/T-Mall, Lynx Grills, Three Day Blinds, Smith+Noble, QVC, HSN and many others. He has also created and managed licensing programs for Céline Dion, Madonna/Hard Candy Fitness, Paris Hilton, Christopher Lowell, David Tutera the iconic retail brand Fred Segal. His work has resulted in multi-Billion dollars in global retail product sales and even more positive impressions! Dan holds a B.S. from the University of Miami and a J.D. from Cleveland Marshall College.
Partner
Multi Technology Startup Founder, Investor, Digital Marketing Expert
Jay is a partner at Bonaventure Equity. He is Co-Owner of ESI Healthcare Business Solutions, and holds board memberships at AcquiFlow and Pebble Life Sciences. Jay’s extensive expertise also encompasses serving as a marketing and operational consultant to Bonaventure Equity portfolio companies.
Jay’s entrepreneurial spirit and three decades of experience as a business owner and investor have seen him leading ventures in privately held companies. His notable tenure as Senior Vice President of Information Systems for ESI, a national healthcare revenue cycle outsourcing company, resulted in significant financial recoveries exceeding $5 billion.
An entrepreneur at heart, Jay’s journey includes acquiring the master franchisee rights for Smoothie King in the Dallas area. Under his leadership, The Lopez Family franchise quickly became the largest in the country, demonstrating his exceptional ability to scale businesses and navigate competitive markets.
Partner
Healthcare CEO, Investor, Startup Expert
Brandon leads the ESI Healthcare Business Solutions (ESI) team as CEO and President. He is responsible for making all day-to-day operation and financial decisions, while developing the path for ESI’s next generation data analytic technology and services.
Chief of Staff
With a robust background in business development, advertising sales, and operations, Christen thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution. She brings a unique blend of leadership, operational acumen, and strategic thinking to every project. Whether it’s optimizing sales strategies or enhancing operational efficiency, she is passionate about creating impactful solutions that drive success.
Marketing Manager
As a dynamic project and marketing manager in the venture capital space, Anthony leverages his background in property management, marketing, and creative arts to drive impactful business initiatives. His journey began with a BA in Business Administration from William Peace University in 2019. Today, he manage projects and marketing strategies with a focus on innovation and effectiveness.
In his role as General Manager for Art Moto Fest, he leads the organization and promotion of that unique celebration of art, music, and motorcycles in Raleigh’s Smoky Hollow. The event brings together local artists, live performances, and a charity auction supporting veterans and first responders with PTSD, reflecting my dedication to both community engagement and creative expression.
He stays active through biking, skating, and jogging, and he’s committed to combining strategic thinking and creativity to deliver exceptional results.
International Affairs Advisor
Former President of Mexico, Cannabinoid Regulatory Pioneer
Vicente Fox Quesada is a trailblazer in both politics and business. Elected Governor of the state of Guanojuato in 1995 and President of Mexico in 2000. As a direct, transparent leader, he spearheaded programs and support for working class families.
Mr. Fox has been an outspoken advocate of cannabis decriminalization and his positive contributions to the global cannabis landscape cannot be overstated.
