WEST WARWICK – Lighting Science Group Corp., an LED manufacturer that specializes in biologically-friendly lightbulbs, has appointed David Friedman to head its horticultural division as the president of VividGro.
Established in 2014, VividGro offers LED lamps designed for the cannabis industry and other large-scale indoor farming production. VividGro’s patented lights increase cannabis yields as much as 20 percent while using 45 percent less energy, the company said, and can be adapted for use in both urban and agricultural environments, including greenhouses of any scale.
“It’s a privilege to be able to lead such an experienced and accomplished team,” said Friedman in a release. “The years of research and development, strong investment partners and product acceptance in the market are unique in the nascent cannabis space. The commitment by LSGC to dedicate these resources to the VividGro division validates the tremendous opportunity our industry represents.”
Friedman is a veteran of the cannabis industry as well as an experienced venture capitalist. In 2014, he founded Panther Capital and Panther Opportunity Funds, and has since invested in 20 cannabis companies. He is also the former CEO of Marijuana International Corp., and managed the company’s transition from a venture fund for the cannabis industry to a diversified firm providing distribution, compliance, media and business-development services for clients in the cannabis space.
Along with his industry expertise, Friedman brings to VividGro more than 25 years as an investment and operating executive in venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate finance.
Friedman will lead VividGro alongside fellow industry expert Emil Radkov, who was recently named as the company’s director and senior agronomist.
Radkov comes to VividGro after previous positions with LED manufacturers, including Soraa Inc., Dow Corning Corp. and Illumitex. Radkov has set industry records for performance and light quality, VividGro said, and has authored more than 40 technology patents on the subject of LED technology and horticultural innovation.
“It’s thrilling to join a company that prioritizes scientific innovation as part of their mission,” said Radkov. “It is my hope that my particular experience in driving LED grow-light technology will aid in the development of even greater products while accelerating consumer awareness of sustainable, future-conscious options in the agricultural and horticultural industries around the world.”
Together with their team of scientists and sales and marketing executives, Friedman and Radkov will expand the VividGro team in coming months as they look to pursue an aggressive growth strategy, the company said.
VividGro expects to launch its next generation grow-lamp VividGro 3 later this year, building on Lighting Science’s extensive portfolio of nearly 400 LED technology patents, including biological circadian LED technology solutions and VividGro’s expanding range of products for cannabis and indoor agriculture.
Kaylen Auer is a PBN contributing writer.
