Scaling a business in the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) and cannabis sectors is no small feat. The industry is fraught with regulatory hurdles, funding challenges, and leadership complexities. David Cohen, founder and CEO of ConnectScale Consulting, has made it his mission to guide business leaders through these obstacles, leveraging years of experience in global expansion and acquisitions.
Cohen, formerly the CEO of Fluence Bioengineering, spent five years at the helm of one of the leading horticultural lighting companies before launching his consultancy. During his tenure, he navigated multiple acquisitions and helped scale the business worldwide. Now, he applies that expertise to advising companies in the CEA space, particularly cannabis businesses.
“One of my most successful projects so far is advising Green Rebates,” Cohen said. “Dylan Collins, the founder and CEO, just announced today that they agreed to an acquisition of one of their top competitors, Synergy.”
The “CEO Whisperer“
Cohen met Collins about a year ago and has been guiding him through the complexities of business expansion, acquisition negotiations, and leadership challenges ever since. His role as an advisor, or what he jokingly refers to as a “CEO Whisperer,” extends beyond financial strategy—it’s about helping executives maintain composure under pressure.
“I help them understand how difficult it is to go from an idea—like acquiring a company—to actual execution,” Cohen explained. “That includes navigating negotiations, knowing when to stay calm and when to push back, and dealing with the unexpected challenges that come with leadership.”
At Connect Scale Consulting, Cohen works with a broad range of clients, from growers looking to expand operations to companies seeking strategic partnerships. His firm provides leadership guidance, strategy consulting, and fractional executive roles—temporary, high-level positions for businesses in transition.
“The ideal client for me is a leader grappling with how to grow and scale their business,” he said. “Often, they come to me with what they think is a single problem, but as we dig deeper, we uncover a series of interconnected issues that need to be addressed at a high level.”
Optimism Amid Industry Challenges
Despite the current economic difficulties in the cannabis space, Cohen remains optimistic about the industry’s future. While some companies struggle under financial pressures and shifting regulations, he believes that strong leadership and sound strategy will separate the winners from the rest.
“I’m still extremely bullish on the space,” he said. “Even though it’s a difficult time right now, the right companies with the right leadership and the right strategy have endless opportunities. I’m excited for what’s coming in 2025.”
Connecting Leaders to Solutions
Cohen continues to work with leaders across the industry, offering them access to his extensive network and experience in scaling businesses. Whether it’s connecting clients with potential investors, advising on acquisitions, or providing strategic insight, his focus remains on fostering growth.
“The approach is simple,” Cohen said. “Let’s sit down and talk, see what I can do, and determine if I can bring my network in to help solve the problem.”
For those looking to tap into Cohen’s expertise, he can be reached via email at David@connectscaleconsulting.com, through his website at connectscaleconsulting.com, or on LinkedIn.
