MENTOR - CanopyBoulder

WHAT DO MENTORS DO?

Mentors support young companies, closing knowledge gaps and accelerating start-up growth – all while getting a front-row seat to the next generation of buisnesses in this emerging market.

GUIDANCE

Work one-on-one with the teams, supporting founders with expertise and networks.

EDUCATE

Propose and lead panel discussions or presentations on area of expertise for our community.

EXPOSURE

Stay up to date on the industry by getting to know up and coming cannabis entrepreneurs.

CANOPY MENTORS

Our mentors are an unparalleled network of experts in their field ready to support entrepreneurs through an invaluable perspective and an extensive professional network. They are committed to the CanopyBoulder community and to growing the industry rapidly, sustainably and profitably.

Cannabis visionary and leader of the movement to end marijuana prohibition. Founder of the largest investor network in the cannabis industry and CanopyBoulder Partner.

TROY DAYTON

CEO, The Arcview Group

Overseer of marijuana reform efforts for the Drug Policy Alliance.

AMANDA REIMAN

VP Community Relations, Flow Kana

Erik is a co-founder of Keef Cola and is currently the CEO and Chairman of CanCore Concepts Inc. with over 8 years experience operating a wide variety of enterprises within the legal framework of the Colorado Cannabis market.

ERIK KNUTSON

CEO & Chairman, CanCore Concepts, Inc.

One of the industry’s original entrepreneurs, she has played an influential role in helping develop cannabis into one of fastest growing industries in the United States.

DIANE CZARKOWSKI

Founding Partner, Canna Advisors

Long time Venture Capital investor, fueling and funding entrepreneurs.

JEANNE SULLIVAN

Co-founder, StarVest Partners

Serial startup executive with a successful track record of growing businesses and brands.

RYAN HUNTER

COO GCH-Willie's Reserve

Successful founder, owner, director, COO, CEO and programmer of software and technology start-ups.

JESSICA BILLINGSLEY

Co-Founder & CEO, MJ Freeway

Tom is a creative strategist who has helped many start-up companies across various platforms attain their goals of self sufficiency.

TOM CALLAHAN

Owner, Tom Callahan & Associates

VIEW ALL MENTORS

MENTOR TESTIMONIALS

I know when I was young, or in any time I have ventured into a new area I knew nothing about, I always sought people who knew more about it than I did and it was so beneficial. And now that we realize we’re part of in such a small industry but one that’s growing so rapidly, we know that it’s really important to just stay involved and educate people as much as we can.

DIANE CZARKOWSKI | Founding Partner, Canna Advisors

I’ve been fortunate to have some mentors in my life and career, and its made a big difference huge impact in my career. So I wanted to be able to do that. Self servingly, mentoring also gives me a great opportunity to learn all kinds of new things - it give me fresh ideas and exposure to new businesses and technology.

RYAN HUNTER | COO GCH-Willie's Reserve

FAQs

Get your burning questions answered!

What does being a mentor entail?

It depends on the type of mentor you sign up to be. Lead Mentors dedicate themselves to support at least one team per cohort and interact with that team on a weekly basis. Usually the lead mentor contact is with the CEO, but a lead mentor may also help out other team members as well. This weekly interaction takes many forms, including a check-in call, a meeting in the office, an introduction to someone that will help the team, or even a hike or cup of coffee. Often Lead Mentors become official advisors or board members to the teams, if the teams are successful raising capital and all parties agree. AdHoc Mentors “on call” if any of the CanopyBoulder teams have specific questions in the areas of expertise of the Ad-hoc mentor. This requires less interaction but is just as critical to success of the companies.
How much time is required of me?

This, too, will depend on which type of mentor you are as well as the needs of CanopyBoulder cohort teams. Depending on compatibility, this may be a weekly interaction or just being "on-call" as needed.
Is mentoring a good way to get my services/products in front of startups?

While mentorship is certainly a good way to become familiar with cannabis entrepreneurs, it is NOT an avenue for selling products or services. Mentors give their time completely altruistically, with no expectation of anything in return. Any mentor attempting to sell services or products will be removed from the CanopyBoulder mentor program.
What companies specifically has CanopyBoulder invested in?

We've invested in over 115 companies since 2014. Get a complete and searchable list of our portfolio companies.

Mentors