Meet Our Staff

David Nikzad, Founder and Chairman

David Nikzad, Founder & CEO of Orthogonal Thinker and Emotional Intelligence Ventures (Ei.Ventures), is a visionary for our times. He is likewise an “investor savant” and a backer of the most disruptive entrepreneurs. With a keen eye for winning ideas, he has an impressive track record of investing success.

David is truly gifted with the ability to find companies that become leaders in their respective industries. He was one of the first investors in Betterment, which now manages $15 billion in assets. He is also an original investor in several other Y Combinator companies and co-founder of Reinmkr Satsang, a Venture Capital firm.

All told, David has invested in 100+ start-up and emerging companies over the last twenty
years. His investing philosophy goes beyond the promise of great financial return. He looks at a company’s potential to do good for the people and the planet. David is a true rainmaker.

As the CEO of Ei.Ventures David brings a visionary and entrepreneurial spirit to the fast-evolving world of psychedelic medicine. His passion for these medicines comes from his own personal healing journey.

Leadership

Our Team

Jason A. Hobson

Co-Founder

Jason A. Hobson joined the Company in 2019, upon its formation. He is an attorney, entrepreneur and angel investor. He is a founding partner of the law firm of Hobson Bernardino + Davis LLP, with offices in Los Angeles, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.

Michelle Valentin

Chief Food Formulator

Social entrepreneur and health food alchemist, Michelle Valentin, is the founder of Maui raw. Michelle Valentin started Maui Raw because she saw the need for healthy foods that are delicious and people would crave.

Nate Sumbot

General Counsel

Nathan Sumbot worked as a Staff Attorney, Governor’s Office for the State of Utah.

Cecil Robles

Chief Strategist Officer

Cecil Robles is an entrepreneurial executive with 17+ years of corporate strategy and global brand building experience across multiple industries. Cecil has served in roles from Chief Marketing Director to CEO. He’s lead the charge in growing and selling multiple businesses throughout his career.

Linda Strause, PhD.

Director of Clinical Development

Dr. Strause has worked in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry for over 30 years and has held senior positions in a variety of functional areas. Linda brings a 360-degree perspective to the drug development industry.