Leadership
Natasha Poniatowski
With an undergraduate degree in international relations from Boston University and a master’s degree in business management from the Harvard School of Continuing Education, Natasha worked in the private-equity sector in New York and London before founding her first business—a fashion showroom and consultancy called LuxCartel. There, Natasha provided logistical, press, and sales support to fashion and lifestyle brands such as Anndra Neen, Kalmanovich, Marlo Laz, and Ralph Masri, among others, helping them achieve their unique business objectives. Natasha has always been passionate about connecting people to world cultures through consumer products, and has traveled the world extensively in her work at LuxCartel. As a second-time business founder with Laroot World, she brings leadership expertise, a strong business network, and operational acumen to the project.
Makai Brown
An alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Makai has ten years of experience as a professional chef. They were previously the executive chef at the Graduate Hotel Roosevelt Island, leading the kitchens of its Anything at All restaurant and Panorama Room bar and lounge. In addition to their formal education, Makai has worked with the renowned chefs Marcus Samuelsson, John Fraser, and Michael Cimarusti, who helped steer Makai's culinary direction toward sustainable foods as well as recipes inspired by modern African diasporas and the Mediterranean. Having grown up on the South Side of Chicago, which is Makai has made full utilization and access to healthy food a focal point of their vision, and is particularly keen on spaces where food and philanthropy intersect.
Milla Sebbah
Developing a strong focus on community-driven and sustainable design during her graphic design BFA at Savannah College of Art and Design, Milla has worked with prominent brands such as LoveShackFancy, Rebecca Taylor, and Victoria's Secret where she refined her creative approach and deepened her expertise in brand storytelling. As a New York native, Milla brings her passion for community to her work at Laroot World while curating bespoke experiences for clients, leveraging her deep understanding of design and brand storytelling.
Noemie Delfassy
Noemie leads growth initiatives at privately held and venture-backed companies. She currently serves as VP of Portfolio Operations at Copley Equity Partners, a middle market private equity firm.
Noemie founded Frecious, a range of fresh vegetable ingredients, inspired by her longstanding experience in food & agriculture. Her past work spans the allocation of $800m in investments for global capacity expansion in chocolate production, and the realization of 30% EBITDA improvements in a $20 million foodservice operation. She has led product development for emerging packaged food companies and menu development for chained restaurants, senior care and hospital facilities.
Noemie started her career at the Boston Consulting Group in Dallas, Texas. She received her MBA with honors from Harvard Business School, and graduated magna cum laude from Boston University with a BA in Business Administration and international relations.
Founding Advisory Board
Sid Banthiya
Sid Banthiya has over 20 years of experience in capital raising and leading high-growth businesses in finance, strategy, and operations. He is currently the interim CFO of TMRW Life Sciences, a board member at Splendid Spoon, and an active investor in startups like Othership, Aerflo, Fitlab, Smalls, Laroot World, and Bikky. Previously, as CFO/CSO at Milk Bar, he led successful financing rounds and expanded the brand nationwide. He also headed Corporate Development at Blue Apron, supporting its IPO and tech-driven approach. Earlier, Sid worked in investment banking at Credit Suisse, UBS, and Jefferies, focusing on M&A, equity, and debt for US and Latin American high-growth companies. He also advised Will Guidara and Daniel Humm at Eleven Madison Park while at Credit Suisse. Passionate about community support, Sid volunteered with the Peace Corps in Paraguay and currently supports Project Purple, aiding families affected by pancreatic cancer. He holds a BA in Neuroscience from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin.
Molly Knauer, USA
Molly Knauer is a registered dietitian with her master's degree in clinical nutrition from NYU. She is the co-founder of The Motherhood Method, a wellness hub dedicated to guiding women through pregnancy & motherhood, and also works as a nutrition consultant for brands in the food, wellness and beauty space.
Dr. Avilochan Singh, India
Dr. Avilochan Singh, the founding Wellness Director of VANA wellness retreat in Dehradun, India, promotes wellness through contemporary Ayurveda and sustainable living. As a 5th-generation physician from a prestigious Ayurvedic lineage, he boasts over 20 years of expertise in Kerala Ayurveda Panchakarma, making him a highly sought-after expert in therapeutic interventions.
Naria Diaz Chi, South Korea
Naria Diaz Chi is Laroot's Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) advisor, fine-tuning our dishes in accordance with TCM's emphasis on dietary planning based on flavors, temperatures, colors, and seasons. A diplomate in acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine who is accredited by the National Commission on Certification for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM).