About Us
Fundamental Collaboration
Complex Biotech Discovery Ventures
Complex Biotech Discovery Ventures (CBDV) is a licensed cannabis and psilocybin research laboratory focused on chemical process development, analytical testing, and extraction optimization. We are dedicated to bringing a rigorous scientific foundation to the cannabis and psilocybin industries through our innovative research initiatives and consulting services. We offer a wide range of scientific services and expertise involving all aspects of chemistry.
mission
To advance the cannabis and psilocybin industry through collaborative research and fundamental science.
our origin
The founding team of CBDV originates from research groups at world-renowned academic institutions. This background instilled an ethos of intellectual curiosity and aspirations of understanding complex concepts through experimentation, research, and analysis. Entering the cannabis industry early on, we were exposed to the dogmatic approaches to production and growth, where firms focused solely on lofty goals while lacking the imperative processes to achieve them. We choose to operate in contrast to that industry, utilizing the latest academic literature to develop strong processes that foster repeatable success. We reject traditional corporate hierarchies that impede progress by creating a multidisciplinary team of experts that contribute equally to generating novel solutions grounded in science.
vision
To be the world’s leading company for chemical research and extraction expertise of controlled biopharmaceuticals.
our values
Egalitarian
Everyone on our diverse team has opportunities to contribute ideas and take action. We treat each other with respect and celebrate our different viewpoints, abilities, and accomplishments.
Fundamental Collaboration
Our team works together toward our common goals as a company. We each do our best to ensure the company succeeds and expect the same from others.
Growth & Personal Development
We support each team member in their personal growth through activities such as debate, research, and conferences. We value education, grow from our mistakes, and actively participate in life-long learning.
Communication
We engage in meaningful discussions with each other and our partners to achieve superior performance. Being open and honest is vital for successful collaboration.
our Actions
To solve the current and future problems of the cannabis and psilocybin industries, we utilize our talented team and collaborative relationships with partner organizations, industry leaders, and academia. These collaborative efforts enable us to expand our knowledge on complex subjects and work on a wide array of chemistry and business problems. We are committed to broadening our horizons by dedicating a fifth of our work time to acquiring knowledge from fields outside of our domain, ultimately building a stronger foundation of expertise for the company. We all actively participate in intellectual conversations with each other to better understand our projects and empower team members to learn from open discussions.
leadership
Dr. Markus Roggen
CEO and Founder
In 2018, Dr. Roggen started CBDV to conduct fundamental research for the cannabis and hemp industries, providing contract research services with it own laboratory. His research interests lie in extraction optimization, development of innovative therapeutic formulations as well as metabolite composition and behavior throughout the production cycle. After receiving his master’s degree in Science from Imperial College, he pursued his PhD in organic chemistry at the Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETHZ). Dr. Roggen was awarded the DAAD postdoctoral fellowship to pursue further training in physical organic chemistry at The Scripps Research Institute. He then entered the cannabis industry in 2014, first as laboratory director for Davinci Laboratories of California, an analytical lab. In 2016, he moved into an executive position overseeing production, R&D, and process optimization for OutCo, a vertically integrated cannabis company. He is an advisor at Bloom Automation, mentor at Canopy Boulder, and formerly an advisor at MediPharm as well as co-chair of the NCIA Scientific Advisor Committee. Dr. Roggen is also a trusted mentor to multiple startups, startup accelerators, and organizations. Dr. Roggen is a researcher at University of British Columbia and Professor at Loyalist College.
Professor Glenn Sammis
Co-Founder
Dr. Sammis started his chemical education at Stanford University, receiving B.Sc. in Chemistry with Honors and Distinction in 1999. He then jointed Prof. Eric Jacobsen at Harvard University as an NSF Predoctoral fellow and obtained a Ph.D. in Chemistry in 2004. After, he moved to Princeton University for a two-year NIH postdoctoral fellowship with Prof. Erik Sorensen. Dr. Sammis is now a Associate Professor at the Chemistry Department at the University of British Columbia. He has built an internationally recognized research group working on the development of novel synthetic methods for the preparation of natural products and pharmaceuticals. Concurrently, he has teamed up with Dr. Roggen to start CBDV, aiming to build a rigorous scientific foundation to cannabis research.
Kendra Payne
VP Business Operations
Kendra is an experienced Vice President of Operations with a demonstrated history of working in education management and biotechnology industries. Skilled in Biotechnology, Project Manger in Life Sciences. Strong community and social services professional with a desire to improve quality of life for all.
Dr. Tom Dupree
Data Analytics Product Manager
Dr. Dupree has a Ph.D in Computational Medicinal Chemistry from the University of New South Wales. Dr. Dupree guides the Data Analytics team by combining chemistry, machine learning, and statistics to develop CBDV’s proprietary extraction optimization platform. He also helps clients with molecular modelling needs by leveraging his knowledge in computational chemistry.
Sajni Shah
Laboratory Manager
Sajni has a Bachelor of Science with a combined major in Chemistry and Biology from the University of British Columbia. She is research-driven with a passion for cannabis science. Sajni has helped secure CBDV’s Cannabis Analytical Testing License.
Brodie Thomson
Research Associate
Brodie is a current Ph.D candidate in Organic Chemistry at the University of British Columbia. He completed his Masters in Chemistry at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland before moving to Canada. At CBDV, Brodie brings his expertise in method development and research to developing protocols for analyzing aerosol and volatile compounds found within cannabis smoke.
Ali Wasti
Chemistry Research Associate
Ali is currently a fourth year student majoring in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Commerce at the University of British Columbia. He facilitates research and lab work at CBDV to ensure optimal sample preparation and data analysis related to cannabis testing.
Vanessa Clarke
Communications & Multimedia Associate
Vanessa is an undergrad in the School of Communication at Simon Fraser University and holds a diploma in Fine Arts. She brings her creative eye and passion for digital design and marketing to the CBDV team.
Wesley Sequeira
Software & Database Manager
Wesley is currently a fourth-year student studying Business and Computer Science at the University of British Columbia. He is responsible for implementing software solutions while facilitating in the extraction optimization platform.
