Joe Lustberg is a leader in the fintech industry with extensive knowledge of financial products and the marketplace. Joe’s experience and expertise is the main reason for his fast rise in the industry. His tenacious drive and deep network of relationships within the cannabis and lending industry have allowed for his success. He handles a multitude of functions as CEO of Upwise Capital, leading the company every day in funding large transactions while providing the best and most efficient service. Joe has held positions at some of the largest fintech companies in the United States rising the ladder to now managing partner and CEO of Upwise Capital. These experiences have helped to shape him into the leader and driving force he is today. With a focus on real estate, CAPEX, and construction buildouts of cannabis facilities, Joe is well-versed in various financing options available for cannabis operators. As the CEO of Upwise Capital, Joe oversees the cannabis and alternative financing division of the firm. Upwise is a full-service cannabis marketplace, offering products such as real estate acquisition financing or real estate loans, equipment financing, unsecured non-dilutive working capital, purchase order financing, inventory financing, and construction loans based on the as-completed cannabis value, sale-leasebacks, and more. He has been lending to the cannabis industry since 2014, Joe’s understanding of cannabis value and the cannabis debt markets is what gives him a competitive advantage in the market. His other areas of expertise include SBA loans, short-term financing, equipment financing, lines of credit, factoring, contract negotiations, underwriting, and financial analysis.