From within the heart of Turtle Island, where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, Wahupta’s story unfolds. Founded in 2018, our journey began with a vision: to revitalize Indigenous lands through sustainable commerce, starting with the cultivation of hemp. We partnered with First Nations communities, nurturing the land with respect and reverence, echoing the deep-rooted belief in the earth’s inherent ability to provide. The soil yielded a less than bountiful harvest, but it was a seed planted that led us to a greater harvest.
This wasn’t just about hemp; it was about understanding the land’s potential. We discovered the power of microalgae, a tiny organism with an immense capacity to transform agriculture. The humble hemp fields gave way to cutting-edge research as we harnessed the power of microalgae to bring forth SmartSoil, a revolutionary metabolite-based soil amendment.
Our transition from hemp to SmartSoil wasn’t a departure from our founding principles—it was an evolution. The core of our mission remained: to heal and honor the Earth. SmartSoil builds upon the wisdom of Indigenous practices, mirroring the earth’s innate capacity for renewal and balance. Our product nurtures the soil, enriching its vitality and reducing the need for harmful chemical fertilizers. This isn’t just a reduction in reliance on chemical fertilizers, but a commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from treated soil by 93%. This echoes the Indigenous belief in living in harmony with nature, recognizing the interconnectedness of all living things.
The transition to SmartSoil represents more than just a change in crops; it reflects a deeper understanding of sustainable agriculture. It is a testament to Wahupta’s commitment to honoring the land. We are weaving together ancient wisdom with modern science, proving that commerce and environmental stewardship can thrive side-by-side. We are not merely farming; we are healing the earth, one fertile acre at a time. We are not just building a business; we are building a legacy.
Wahupta’s journey is a testament to the enduring power of Indigenous traditions and the boundless potential of sustainable innovation.
Guiding Innovation
With three decades of experience, involving 13 start-ups across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, Mr. Mann has a proven track record in scaling private and public businesses on the global stage.
Considered a veteran of the wellness industry, Dr. Laforge is a Naturopathic doctor with over 15 years of experience in the Health, Wellness, and Fitness industries, specializing in preventive healthcare, anti-aging, aesthetics, and CBD therapeutics. Dr. Laforge has a deep understanding of the benefits of natural medicines.
Amber Gregory is a dynamic leader dedicated to fostering Indigenous business partnerships and economic empowerment, with a core value of Indigenous economic reconciliation. She excels in breaking down barriers, connecting diverse groups, and prioritizing community preferences in every project. Her innovative initiatives in community development have earned her many accolades.
Sukh Sandhu brings seven years of experience in investor relations for both publicly listed and private companies. A deep understanding of the demands and needs of investors allows Mr. Sandhu to communicate, evaluate and deliver shareholder value while embracing holistic, cultural needs.
Adriano Bigazzi is the Co-Founder and COO of the Italian Hemp distributor Hempati, overseeing daily operations, logistics, and business development for one of Italy’s top hemp distributors, he has extensive experience in agriculture and supply chain management, driving sustainable practices and marketexpansion, both domestically and across Europe. Adriano is Fluent in Italian and English.
Mr. Masiero attained his master's degree in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies from the University of Florence, with a final grade of 110/110, the highest achievable. His thesis, entitled "Competition and Cooperation in Pisum sativum in Relation to Genetic Proximity and Resource Availability," analyzed the competitive and cooperative dynamics between plants, influenced by genetic proximity and resource availability. Mr Masiero currently applying his managerial, administrative, and commercial skills, with a specific focus on optimizing farming production processes.
Driven by a lifelong passion for design, and following seven years of experience in banking, Jaroslaw transitioned into creative direction, founding Above Roots Creative Group in 2012. With a unique blend of client-focused expertise and formal training from the Visual College of Art and Design, he specializes in brand identity, typography, website design, and digital marketing. Today, he is dedicated to helping craft cohesive and impactful brand messaging for Wahupta Ventures.
A renowned C suite specialist, Keith assists in the company’s strategic planning and the seamless implementation of our corporate goals and objectives, continually reviewing the company’s strategic direction and assisting the board in contract reviews and oversight of corporate policies.
Craig Goodwin previously cofounded and was CEO of Naturally Splendid, the first publicly traded North American company focused on industrial hemp. His extensive experience spans processing, product development, marketing, and distribution of successful hemp brands, including NATERA Hemp Foods and CHII Naturally Pure Hemp. Mr. Goodwin has extensive business relationships both domestically and internationally
