Nitin Khanna is a trailblazing entrepreneur renowned for his transformative impact across the technology, cannabis, and investment sectors. Born on March 18, 1971, in Chandigarh, India, Khanna began his educational journey at The Lawrence School, Sanawar, before earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University.
In 1998, Khanna co-founded Saber Corp., a technology company specializing in state government solutions. Under his leadership, Saber grew to 1,200 employees and $120 million in annual revenue before being acquired by EDS for $460 million in 2007. After departing EDS, he launched MergerTech in 2009, a boutique M&A advisory firm helping tech companies achieve strategic exits. MergerTech’s notable deals include Amazon Web Services’ acquisition of AppThwack and BBVA’s acquisition of Simple.
Khanna further demonstrated his entrepreneurial prowess by founding Cura Cannabis Solutions in 2015. Cura, through its Select brand, became a leader in cannabis oils, culminating in its acquisition by Curaleaf in 2019 for $950 million—the largest cannabis M&A deal at the time.
Beyond business, Khanna actively supports philanthropic causes and mentors startups through organizations like Our Giving Table, Our Lady of the Lake, the ASPCA, the Ronald McDonald House and Classic Wines Auction. With a legacy of innovation, strategic leadership, and community impact, Nitin Khanna continues to inspire as a pioneering figure in the global entrepreneurial landscape. He resides in Portland, Oregon, with a steadfast commitment to building transformative ventures.
What made you want to do the work you do? Please share the full story.
I’ve always been passionate about solving problems and creating opportunities. My journey began with a fascination for engineering, which I pursued through degrees at Purdue University. After a brief stint at Oracle and International Paper, I co-founded Saber Corp. in 1998. The opportunity to build software that modernized state government systems was transformative. Seeing our solutions impact millions of lives inspired me to keep innovating. Post-Saber, I founded MergerTech to help technology entrepreneurs achieve meaningful exits, which led me to further ventures in cannabis and wellness. Each step in my career has been fueled by a desire to identify opportunities, create impact, and empower others to succeed.
Tell us 3 surprisingly easy and 3 surprisingly difficult things about your job.
Easy Things:
Building Connections: Networking comes naturally to me, as I genuinely enjoy learning from others and sharing ideas.
Identifying Opportunities: Spotting market gaps and potential business models has always felt intuitive.
Mentoring Leaders: I love nurturing talent and helping people grow, which makes this aspect of my work fulfilling and relatively easy.
Difficult Things:
Balancing Priorities: Managing multiple ventures and commitments requires constant focus and reevaluation.
Navigating Regulatory Landscapes: In industries like cannabis, staying compliant with changing regulations is a persistent challenge.
Scaling Sustainably: Balancing rapid growth with maintaining organizational culture and values is a delicate task that requires vigilance.
What are the 3 things you like best about your work and why?
Innovation: Every venture I’ve led allows me to push boundaries and explore new ideas. Innovation keeps the work exciting and rewarding.
Impact: Knowing that the solutions I develop—whether software, wellness products, or cannabis oils—improve people’s lives is incredibly fulfilling.
Collaboration: I thrive on working with talented teams. Seeing individuals grow into leaders and watching ideas flourish through teamwork is deeply gratifying.
What do you think are your 3 biggest weaknesses and how are you overcoming them?
Perfectionism: I often hold myself and others to very high standards, which can slow decision-making. I’ve learned to focus on progress over perfection.
Delegation: Early in my career, I struggled to delegate effectively. Over time, I’ve learned to trust my teams and empower them to take ownership.
Work-Life Balance: My passion for work sometimes overshadows personal time. Meditation and prioritizing family moments have helped me create healthier boundaries.
Tell us about a time where you saw a surprising outcome that you did not expect.
When Cura Cannabis was acquired for $950 million, I didn’t anticipate how quickly it would set new benchmarks for the cannabis industry. The deal exceeded my expectations and proved how valuable our vision was. Handling the transition involved aligning teams and addressing regulatory nuances. I learned that being open to change and adapting quickly are essential in fast-paced industries.
Have you ever moved for a new job? Tell us about that experience.
I moved to Salem, Oregon to co-found Saber Corp., leaving behind a stable role at Oracle in Chicago. The move was daunting but exciting, as I was building something from scratch. Portland’s entrepreneurial spirit and vibrant community made it the perfect place to grow the business. It taught me that calculated risks often lead to the most rewarding outcomes.
What do you value most and why?
I value innovation because it drives progress. Whether it’s creating cutting-edge software or pioneering wellness solutions, innovation keeps me energized and optimistic. I also value collaboration, as great ideas come to life through teamwork. Most importantly, I cherish integrity—it’s the foundation of trust, which is critical for lasting success.
How do you celebrate your victories?
Celebrating victories often involves reflecting on the journey and recognizing the team’s hard work. I believe in small, meaningful celebrations—whether it’s a dinner with close colleagues or a thoughtful note of appreciation. Personally, I also take time to disconnect and recharge, often through travel or a quiet weekend with family.
What is your favorite movie and why?
My favorite movie is It’s a Wonderful Life because it beautifully illustrates the impact one person can have on their community and family. The story resonates with me as a reminder that success isn’t measured solely by business achievements but by the positive difference we make in the lives of others. It inspires me to focus on building meaningful relationships, creating opportunities for those around me, and leaving a legacy that balances professional ambitions with the love and support of family.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I’d tell my younger self to embrace failure as a learning opportunity. Early in my career, I feared setbacks, but I’ve realized they’re invaluable for growth. I’d also emphasize the importance of building strong networks and trusting others to share the workload. Lastly, I’d remind myself to take time to enjoy the journey—not just the destination.
Are you willing to be a mentor? If yes, what is the best way to reach you?
Yes, I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders. I believe sharing knowledge and experiences helps create a ripple effect of success. The best way to connect with me is via LinkedIn or through TiE Oregon, where I’m actively involved in mentoring entrepreneurs.
Just for fun, what is your favorite dessert?
My favorite dessert is gulab jamun. It reminds me of my childhood in India and family celebrations. The warmth and sweetness of the dish evoke a sense of nostalgia and joy. I enjoy pairing it with a cup of chai for the perfect indulgence.
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