Austin Stevenson is the Chief Innovation Officer at Vertosa. He leads all commercial activities, including technical sales, tactical marketing, and new business development. Austin facilitates partnerships with leading brands to produce top quality cannabis infused products across a variety of industries. In addition, Austin’s work has largely centered on breaking barriers in order to create a pathway toward financial success and opportunity for Women & BIPOC entrepreneurs. At Vertosa, Austin accelerates economic empowerment by providing a technology platform for entrepreneurs that inspires innovation and enables powerful business concepts. This comes with the additional layer of always improving and ensuring that these brands have the resources needed to evolve their product portfolios. Prior to joining Vertosa, Austin leveraged his biotech experience building the regulatory Hemp/CBD testing program for Eurofins Scientific - a world leader in food, environment, and product testing services – where he built and designed quality testing protocols for CVS Pharmacy and other retailers who carry Hemp/CBD products. For over 10 years, Austin has advised start-ups, built businesses, and launched hundreds of new products in finance, technology, and CPG industries. Austin is driven to serve, and holds public office as Commissioner on the City of Oakland’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission, and Treasurer of the Cannabis Beverage Association. Austin is also an Advisor and Mentor for the Eaze Momentum Accelerator, and was recognized in the 40 Under 40 Class of 2021 by the San Francisco Business Times.