How A Simple Handshake At Benzinga Conference Changed How Cannabis Companies Finance Their Businesses

When CEOs Grigori Mikayelyan of Growcycle and Joseph Lustberg of Upwise Capital met at the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference last April, they didn't just exchange business cards, they sparked a deal that would change their operations. If you weren't there, you missed witnessing the beginning of something big. This isn't just a story about a partnership, it's a reminder of the unmatched value of being in the room where deals get done.

For those who've never been, the Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference is more than just panels and pitches, it's where the future of cannabis takes shape. Deals that shape tomorrow's cannabis landscape are born from casual coffees and impromptu meetings. Mikayelyan and Lustberg's handshake might have seemed ordinary, though it was anything but. It was the start of Growcycle Financing, a venture that could only have been born in an environment where leaders look beyond the present, seeing the potential for monumental industry shifts.

Here's the thing...those who attended and took the time to rub elbows with the industry's best understand that these moments are not just about the deals made but about the atmosphere of innovation that permeates the air. It's a place where challenges like regulatory hurdles and financing obstacles are tackled not just in theory but in practice.

Growcycle and Upwise Capital saw an opportunity to address a glaring need in the cannabis market: access to capital. With traditional banking largely off-limits, their partnership is a lifeline for businesses starving for growth. This isn't just good news, it's a game-changer, offering a blueprint for how companies can navigate the complexities of the industry.

But let's not forget the real lesson here, which is the magic of being there. The Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, returning to Hollywood, Florida on April 16 and 17 is where the future of cannabis is being written. It's where you'll find the next big deal, the next innovation, the next partnership like Growcycle and Upwise Capital. Missing out doesn't just mean missing a few keynote speeches, it means missing the chance to be part of the conversations that define what's next for the cannabis industry.

So, as you read about the seismic shifts happening, thanks to meetings at Benzinga, ask yourself: can you afford not to be there next time? Deals like Growcycle Financing aren't just happening, they're happening at Benzinga's conferences. And the only thing missing is you!

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