Definition
Cornucopians are optimists combining creative and scientific potential with the goodness and abundance of nature to seek better and innovative solutions for human and planetary health.
Our Core Values
Value Creativity
Work with leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators in a range of fields and with diverse backgrounds to find unexpected solutions
Be Patient
Use unique capabilities and networks to support founders in the real investment of time and capital required to achieve quality
Bring Out the Goodness and Genius in Nature
Our remarkable body biochemistry and the food that supports it are brilliantly designed
Commit to Scientific and Professional Integrity
Build deep and accountable relationships with best-in-class experts; don’t let your goals cloud your judgement
Work with Urgency
The world needs solutions
Be an Optimist
Every day can build a better future
Focus On Results
Drive real results for real people
A few of the Cornucopians dedicated to advancing our vision, mission and strategy throughout the world…
Aryeh Ganz Chief Cornucopian Managing Partner
Aryeh founded Cornucopian Capital with the vision to make impact-driven investments in innovative food and health technology companies. He’s also a co-founder and managing partner of Barnstorm Foundry, a Bay Area-based venture studio focused on building 2-3 companies per year in the food and health sectors. Through Barnstorm Foundry, Aryeh forged a groundbreaking relationship with the Innovation Institute for Food and Health at UC Davis, both sharing the mission to improve everyday health through better, innovative food solutions. Aryeh is also the founder and principal of SAGEN Trust Company, Inc. (“SAGEN”), a private family office operating since 2001 after his family’s sale of Slim Fast Foods. SAGEN has made numerous successful investments in private equity and venture capital in the US, China, India and Western Europe. Aryeh has also founded numerous non-profits and projects in Israel, the U.S. and the U.K. addressing poverty, social services, community development, and Torah education.
Wesley WilsonGeneral Partner
Wesley is a General Partner at Cornucopian Capital, advancing its strategy to make impact driven investments focused on the connection between health and food. Wesley brings extensive career experience in retail, food, public health, and agriculture at organizations like Walmart, Mars, USAID, NASA, and the World Economic Forum. In addition to his role at Cornucopian, he serves as the Executive Chair of the Innovation Institute for Food and Health at the University of California, Davis, as well as the Chairman for the Stakeholder Advisory Board for the AI Institute for Next Generation Food Systems. He has also played an instrumental role in the creation of Barnstorm Foundry and is currently the Chairman of its Advisory Board. In addition to his passion for health and food, Wesley enjoys cooking and being outdoors with his family, and is an avid mountain biker who coaches a youth mountain biking team.
Rachelle Peluso Operating Partner
Rachelle is an Operating Partner at Cornucopian Capital leading its operations and legal affairs. She also serves as President of SAGEN Trust Company, Inc. (“SAGEN”), a private family office for Cornucopian’s founder, holding additional roles as a Director of its Board and member of its Investment and Trust Committees. She also serves on various committees for other private trust companies. Rachelle was formerly a partner in the Private Clients Group at Cassin, Cassin & Joseph LLP and practiced with Torys LLP, Proskauer Rose, LLP and Hannoch Weisman, P.C. Rachelle has an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law, a J.D. from Seton Hall University School of Law and a B.S. in Marketing from New York University Stern School of Business. An avid supporter and lover of the culinary arts, Rachelle believes that “Eat to live or live to eat?” should not be a choice.
Chris Corcione Operating partner
Chris is an Operating Partner at Cornucopian Capital and is responsible for managing its financial affairs. He also serves as Investment Officer of SAGEN Trust Company, Inc. (“SAGEN”), a private family office for Cornucopian’s founder, and serves as a member of SAGEN’s Investment and Audit Committees. Prior to joining SAGEN, Chris held roles at Bessemer Trust Company and Deloitte. Chris is a Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst and a Certified Public Accountant, and holds an MBA and a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Isenberg). As a vegetarian/flexitarian for over twenty years, Chris is eager to partner with companies looking to transform the global food system.
Justin Siegal, PhD Scientific Advisor
Justin currently serves as the Faculty Director for the Innovation Institute for Food and Health, an Associate Professor in the Department of Genome Center, Chemistry, Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, and as the Ciocca Visiting Professor in Entrepreneurship at the Graduate School of Management at the University of California, Davis. Justin has founded numerous companies, including BioArchitecture Labs, PvP Biologics, Digestiva, Peak B, and is a Founder and Partner of Barnstorm Foundry. He received his undergraduate degree from UC Davis (‘05), and obtained his PhD in Biological Physics, Structure, and Design from the University of Washington (‘10).
Zach Abraham Research Analyst
Zach is an intern at Cornucopian Capital and performs market and company research, due diligence, and financial analysis. He received a B.S.E degree with Honors from Princeton University in Operations Research and Financial Engineering (ORFE), and he’s continuing his studies through Princeton’s Master of Engineering in ORFE. He also received the Eric F. S. Pai ’83 Prize for the best thesis in Financial Engineering. Zach’s academic background makes him uniquely capable of applying a scientific and objective approach to the research analyst role. Prior to Cornucopian Capital, Zach interned as an Equity Research Analyst at Morgan Stanley, a Venture Analyst at Upfront Ventures, and a Research Analyst at DG Capital Management.