EP #10: Vijay Sappani - Co-Founder Of A Billion-Dollar Cannabis Company, Philanthropist And Rare Disease Hunter

Vijay Sappani is a Tamil cannabis entrepreneur and investor who co-founded a billion-dollar company called TerrAscend.  He joins Ara to speak about biryani, biryani, and more biryani. They also cover topics such as why he entered the medical cannabis industry, the process of taking a company public and receiving a billion dollar evaluation, and if money can buy happiness.***To support the work we do to tell creator stories around the world, become a VIP fan - CLICK HERE!***Connect with Vijay - https://www.instagram.com/elacapital/Timestamps:00:15 - Introducing Vijay Sappani01:53 - Nuanced opinions in the Tamil community05:17 - Vijay’s obsession with biryani, and where to find the best kind08:16 - Why Vijay entered the medical cannabis industry12:20 - The biggest challenges Vijay faced upon starting his business14:13 - Skepticism that Vijay faced early on, and important mentors17:19 - Taking TerrAscend public and receiving a billion dollar evaluation22:47 - The importance of knowing when it’s time to step aside24:51 - Can money buy happiness? Has money changed Vijay?28:52 - Ela Capital30:45 - Companies that Vijay has invested in35:12 - Money being a taboo subject in the Tamil community39:10 - Vijay’s daughter having a rare genetic disorder, starting a foundation in her name43:34 - How Vijay balances work and life46:28 - Wanting to be remembered as “Mr. Troublemaker”47:44 - Growing into his Tamil identity, and funding projects in Sri Lanka with his wife53:08 - Ara asks for one piece of advice for Tamil creators; Vijay gives way more57:31 - Would you rather speed roundSupport the show