Nitin Khanna: Optimizing Business in Oregon

Nitin Khanna is a serial entrepreneur and relentless builder. Born in Chandigarh, India, and now based in Portland, Oregon, he’s driven by one mission: creating scalable, impactful businesses. From tech to cannabis to wellness, he operates at the intersection of innovation and opportunity.

Nitin holds degrees in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University. After working at Oracle, he co-founded Saber Corp. in 1998. Saber became the largest stand-alone provider of state government software in the U.S., with 1,200 employees and $120M in revenue. In 2007, it sold to EDS for $460M.

Post-Saber, he launched MergerTech in 2009. It’s a boutique investment bank for tech entrepreneurs. Through MergerTech, he advised on deals like Simple’s $117M acquisition by BBVA and AppThwack’s acquisition by AWS. The goal? Help founders turn their hard work into wealth.

In 2015, Nitin pivoted to cannabis. He founded Cura Cannabis Solutions, which became the largest cannabis company by revenue. Cura sold to Curaleaf in 2019 for $950M—the biggest cannabis M&A deal at the time.

Nitin’s approach blends precision with vision. He optimizes businesses for growth while staying grounded in core values. He invests in consumer packaged goods and  health and wellness ventures like El Cristiano Tequila and Artha, a modern wellness sanctuary.

Nitin Khanna builds businesses that disrupt industries and improve lives. His work is proof that strategy, grit, and focus can redefine what’s possible.

What attracted you to start and grow businesses in Oregon? 
Oregon has a unique mix of entrepreneurial spirit and a collaborative community. When I co-founded Saber Corp., Portland’s emerging tech scene and talent pool stood out. People here value innovation and sustainability, which aligns with my approach to building impactful businesses. Plus, the quality of life in Oregon makes it easier to attract and retain top talent.

How would you describe Oregon’s business environment for entrepreneurs? 
It’s supportive, but it comes with challenges. On the positive side, there’s a strong network of organizations like TiE Oregon that mentor and connect entrepreneurs. The community values creativity, and you see that reflected in everything from tech startups to craft industries. On the flip side, regulations and taxes can be complex. Navigating them requires planning, but it’s manageable with the right team.

How does Oregon compare to other markets, particularly in tech and cannabis? 
Oregon is a great incubator for ideas. In tech, you have a growing talent base and a supportive ecosystem for startups. In cannabis, Oregon’s early legalization created a mature market with lessons for other states. The challenge is scaling—Oregon businesses often need to expand out of state to reach larger markets. That’s where I’ve focused with ventures like Cura Cannabis and MergerTech.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs starting in Oregon? 
Build strong local connections. Oregon thrives on community, so partnerships matter. Also, think globally from day one. It’s a smaller market, so you need to plan for scaling beyond state lines. Finally, embrace the culture of sustainability—it’s not just a value here; it’s an expectation from customers and investors.

What role does Oregon play in your current and future ventures? 
Oregon is home. It’s where I’ve built relationships, businesses, and a life. Even as I work on ventures with national and global reach, I stay connected to Oregon’s ecosystem. Supporting local businesses and mentoring entrepreneurs here is part of my way of giving back.

What’s the future of Oregon’s business environment? 
Oregon is on the cusp of major growth in sectors like beer and wine, athletic wear, technology, health and wellness, and renewable energy. The state’s focus on innovation and sustainability positions it as a hub for the industries of tomorrow. With the right policies and continued support for entrepreneurs, I believe Oregon will play an even bigger role on the national and global stage.

How has Oregon’s focus on sustainability influenced your businesses? 
Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Oregon’s culture, and it’s shaped my approach to business. Whether it’s sourcing additive-free agave for El Cristiano Tequila or supporting eco-friendly packaging in Cura Cannabis, I’ve seen firsthand how sustainability isn’t just good ethics—it’s good business. Oregon consumers expect brands to align with their values, and that creates opportunities for businesses willing to innovate responsibly.

What industries in Oregon do you think have the most potential for growth? 
Tech remains a strong contender, particularly in areas like cloud computing, mobile solutions, and AI. Cannabis and wellness are also significant, with Oregon serving as a model for regulatory and market development. I’m particularly excited about health and wellness innovations—therapies like CBD and alternative health solutions have room to grow, and Oregon’s progressive mindset is fertile ground for these industries.  Of course, there is still room to grow for the industries Oregon has tradilitonalloy been a leader in like wine and craft beer and athletic wear with companies like Nike, Adidas and Columbia Sportswear providing a great base from which other companies in the industry can be launched.

How does Oregon’s business culture differ from other states? 
Oregon’s business culture is less transactional and more relationship-driven. It’s not just about what you’re building but how you’re contributing to the community. There’s a real emphasis on collaboration, whether through mentorship, partnerships, or local initiatives. That sense of shared purpose makes doing business here unique and incredibly rewarding. At the same time, businesses are expected to innovate and align with local values like sustainability and equity.

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