CES: MassRoots to pitch Richard Branson on Necker Island

The CES in Las Vegas is the gathering place for tech enthusiasts and high-tech companies. These companies are invited to showcase their latest innovations to an audience of curious visitors, industry professionals, and journalists from around the world. This year saw the arrival of’cannabis companies, such as a demonstration of a phone/spray bottle.

As part of the trade show, the Extreme Tech Challenge (XTC) competition gives startups the chance to compete and present their concepts to a panel of industry professionals. You can probably guess where we’re going with this: among the 10 finalists is MassRoots, the largest social network focused on cannabis.

MassRoots has therefore earned an invitation to meet Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, on Necker Island next February. Last Friday, MassRoots presented a video aimed at potential investors on stage at CES.

«We are incredibly grateful for the opportunities that XTC has provided us: the chance to meet dozens of world-renowned investors and mentors, the opportunity to present on stage at CES, and now, the chance to meet one of the most legendary entrepreneurs and a supporter of legalization around the world » said Isaac Dietrich, CEO of MassRoots.

«Despite some controversy [Dell withdrew its sponsorship of the contest on the grounds that contestants were required to work toward positive social change, which, in Dell’s view, MassRoots does not do], we believe that our presence at CES and XTC paves the way for mainstream tech enthusiasts, investors, and the media, who will continue to benefit from our company in 2016.».

Founded in 2013, MassRoots is one of the most active cannabis-focused platforms, with 725,000 users. The app allows users to chat with each other about their experience with cannabis, find information about dispensaries and legislative developments. It is also a potentially attractive destination for cannabis advertisers, particularly because it offers broader reach than traditional platforms.

MassRoots works closely with organizations at the forefront of the cannabis industry, such as ArcView Group (a large network of investors) and the National Cannabis Industry Association.