Ford Smith is an investor and serial entrepreneur born in Midland and based in Austin. He spent his early investor years in LA focused on the emerging psychedelic and cannabis markets. One of Ford’s earliest entrepreneurial efforts was as an early investor and partner to Eaze, now the U.S.’s largest cannabis delivery platform and Harborside, California’s largest vertical cannabis company.
Ford was inspired by his personal mental health journey to invest in and accelerate businesses that facilitate healing for the individual. He’s found that when the individual addresses the underlying causes of mental health disorders, something that can be achieved through psychedelic therapy, fitness, meditation and removing toxins from your diet and environment, they become better stewards of themselves, their neighbors, and their planet.
Sylvia Rzepniewski is an experienced non profit chair, event producer and relationship manager supporting special projects across the Ultranative portfolio companies. Sylvia advocates for local and state legislative reform to mitigate the housing affordability crisis and legalize research and access for breakthrough mental health therapies. Prior to joining Ultranative, Sylvia managed and grew $2.2B in existing business at S&P Global (Market Intelligence) earning her 1x President’s Circle for revenue growth and retention (2020) and 3x Bronze ACE award for her initiatives within the company aimed at utilizing company time and expertise to create a positive impact in the community (2016-2019).
Sylvia has produced fundraising, community engagement and public education events for Texans for Reasonable Solutions, MAPS, Chicago HOPES for Kids and REVIVE Collective.
Sylvia is on the Advocacy Board for Habitat for Humanity Greater Austin and holds a BA in Organizational Sciences from The George Washington University.
Center for Multidisciplinary Investigation Into Novel Discoveries & Solutions is a registered 501(c)(3) Non-Profit
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Disclaimer: Psychedelics are powerful substances with potential risks and varying legal status. MINDS does not provide access to or promote the illegal use of psychedelics. Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.
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