Ben Larson

CEO at Vertosa

Speaker

Ben Larson has spent over a decade building, coaching, and investing in early-stage companies across the tech and cannabis sectors. As CEO of Vertosa, he leads a science-backed, service-first company specializing in advanced infusion technologies that power some of the most trusted cannabis and hemp-infused brands on the market. He also co-hosts the High Spirits podcast, where he explores the evolving landscape of the cannabis industry.

A recognized leader in cannabis innovation, Ben co-founded Gateway in 2015, California’s Silicon Valley-style cannabis accelerator, helping to shape the industry’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He previously played a pivotal role at Founder Institute, mentoring startups and managing global operations across 100+ cities. His contributions have earned him recognition from Forbes three years in a row as one of the 42 Pioneers to Watch in the Green Rush. Ben is deeply engaged in shaping policy and industry standards for the cannabis industry. He is a founding board member of the Coalition for Adult Beverage Alternatives (CABA) and currently serves as Vice Chair of the National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA).