Leonardo DaVinci Meets Bungee Jumping: The Curious Origins A World-Leading Cannabis Vaporization Brand
“I’ve always been an adventure seeker,” says Cort Smith.
Those words encapsulate the driving force behind a career that thrives on calculated risks and breakthrough developments. As the founder of Synergy Innovation, the parent company of DaVinci Vaporizers and Eyce, Smith has channeled his passion for precision and problem-solving into reshaping the cannabis accessories market. DaVinci’s vaporizers have become synonymous with meticulous engineering for connoisseurs, while Eyce is renowned for its nearly indestructible gear, designed for the adventurous spirit. Together, these brands reflect Smith’s commitment to blending innovation, functionality and durability.
Sitting down at MJBizCon in Las Vegas, Smith’s energy is palpable as he recounts how his unconventional journey unfolded. From building bungee jumping equipment in China to creating one of the world’s most trusted cannabis vaporizer brands, Smith’s story is one of bold decisions and unrelenting dedication to quality.
“I was in an economics class in the 80s,” he begins, “and someone mentioned China. They said, ‘In the next 30 years, it’s going to become one of the top five economies in the world.'” At a time when Japan dominated discussions of global opportunity, Smith saw potential elsewhere. “I thought, ‘I’m going to miss that boat,'” he told Benzinga, referencing Japan’s popularity among aspiring entrepreneurs. “But no one was talking about China yet.” Recognizing the untapped possibilities, Smith began learning Mandarin and preparing for a future in a country few Westerners dared to explore.
How A Leap Of Faith Built A Brand
Smith’s entrepreneurial debut was as unconventional as it was audacious: launching a bungee jumping business in China. “I was producing my own bungee cords, equipment and towers—all in China,” he recalls. “I thought it’d be a one-or-two-year stepping stone to figure out what else a foreigner could do there.”
But what started as a short-term venture quickly became a pivotal chapter in his life. “That business turned into a PhD-level education in negotiating with factories, contracting and building something where safety is critical,” he says. Managing the intricacies of a high-risk operation in an unfamiliar market demanded precision, adaptability and resilience, skills that would later become hallmarks of Smith’s approach to manufacturing.
After five years in the bungee business, Smith shifted gears, applying his expertise to a broader range of manufacturing projects. “Other people started coming to me, saying, ‘Hey, I want to build …