Carol Ortega manages Muisca Capital Group, a successful venture focused on investments in the cannabis industry. With extensive experience in finance, venture capital, and the legal cannabis sector, she has become a prominent figure in the field, advising over 50 companies and facilitating the mobilization of more than $250 million in investments through her consultancy and networking platforms.
“Pioneering investments in the cannabis industry has been my greatest professional accomplishment. I have not only helped drive significant returns but have also played a critical role in legitimizing and expanding the market,” says Carol Ortega.
Carol Ortega’s company, Muisca Capital Group, focuses on providing advisory services and strategic support to cannabis entrepreneurs, particularly within the Latino and Hispanic community.
The company offers services that include corporate governance, financial consulting, and assistance with mergers and acquisitions (M&As), among others. Through these initiatives, Carol helps cannabis businesses secure funding, implement effective financial strategies, and navigate the complex regulatory landscape.
“At Muisca Capital Group, we aim to empower entrepreneurs and support them in building sustainable businesses in the cannabis sector, especially those from underrepresented communities,” Carol emphasizes.
The motivation behind the creation of Muisca Capital Group is deeply rooted in Carol’s commitment to social equity and economic justice. She was inspired by the opportunity that cannabis legalization presents to address wealth inequality, particularly in marginalized communities.
The peace agreement in Colombia in 2016 and the shift from illegal coca cultivation to legal crops, including medicinal cannabis, were pivotal in shaping her vision for using the cannabis industry as a tool for social progress and economic development.
“Growing up amidst the war on drugs, I witnessed the devastating impact it had on communities. I knew that promoting the legalization of cannabis could not only transform the industry but also provide economic opportunities and promote peace,” Carol shares.
One of the biggest challenges Carol Ortega has faced in her business has been combating the ignorance and stigma surrounding cannabis. Despite growing support for legalization, significant misconceptions remain, deterring investors and hindering the industry’s growth.
The federal prohibition on cannabis in the United States adds another layer of complexity, limiting access to banking services and making it difficult for cannabis businesses to operate efficiently.
“The stigma around cannabis is a major barrier. Many people still associate it with negative stereotypes, which slows down progress. Educating the public and creating a supportive regulatory environment are essential for the industry’s success,” Carol comments.
In 2024, Carol’s goals include launching an academic blog, seecarolinvest.com, aimed at supporting investors, entrepreneurs, CFOs, and accountants in making better business decisions. She is also focused on expanding Muisca Capital Group’s services, particularly on the U.S. East Coast, and continuing to grow along with the cannabis industry. Her work with Calyx Capital LLC will be instrumental in achieving these objectives.
“Our focus this year is to continue providing top-tier consulting services to cannabis businesses, particularly in financial management and exit strategies. We want to ensure that companies in this space have the support they need to succeed,” Carol emphasizes.
From a financial perspective, Carol sees the rescheduling of cannabis at the federal level as a critical step in unlocking the industry’s full potential. The current legal framework restricts access to banking services and hampers growth. Rescheduling would not only allow businesses to operate more efficiently but also generate significant tax revenue that could be reinvested in essential public services.
“Rescheduling cannabis is not just about making business easier—it’s about driving economic growth, creating jobs, and using tax revenue to benefit society,” Carol shares.
Carol Ortega’s influence extends beyond her own business endeavors. As a partner and CFO at Calyx Capital LLC, she plays a crucial role in shaping the financial landscape of the cannabis industry.
Her advocacy for policy reform and her commitment to empowering Latino entrepreneurs have made her a leading voice in the industry. Through her involvement in events like the ICBWA Medicinal Cannabis Experts Conference and the Cannabis & Psychedelics Investing Forum, Carol continues to share her expertise and inspire others to invest in the future of cannabis.
Carol urges aspiring entrepreneurs and investors to seize the opportunities presented by the cannabis industry, particularly as legalization continues to expand and the market matures.
“If you are looking for an industry with high growth potential and the ability to create positive social change, cannabis is the place to be. Now is the time to get involved and make a difference,” Carol expresses.
Are you ready to invest in an industry with limitless potential for growth and positive social impact? Join Carol Ortega and Muisca Capital Group in transforming the cannabis sector while empowering entrepreneurs, especially those from underrepresented communities. Whether you’re an investor, entrepreneur, or business professional, now is the time to take action and be part of a movement driving economic opportunity and social progress.