As a founder, finding an angel investor to write that first check is almost always a huge challenge. I've been in and around startups as an early employee, founder, advisor and angel for well over a decade now, and raising capital is never easy, and it is always critical.
If you're the founder of a cannabis startup--whether you're looking for mainstream capital or funds from within the legacy industry--that problem is compounded.
I had the honor of taking the stage at this year’s Tech Open Air in Berlin to inform the audience about the potential for our future with a legal and de-stigmatized cannabis industry. You can view the video of the talk here on YouTube, but I thought I would take the time to provide my thoughts in written form. I truly believe that we are entering a brave new cannabis world.
FOUNDER, TRADIV
We remember the first time we met Aeron. It was the morning of our launch at New West Summit in San Francisco, and he had this air about him that was energizing and inspiring. Come to find out that he is a former US Marine, Canopy Boulder graduate, and building what could become the Alibaba of cannabis. When you hear him talk about his business, you start to understand how his passion and intelligence are quickly leading him to be an industry leader.
CO-FOUNDER & FORMER CEO, ROTTEN TOMATOES
We are very proud of our diverse mentor network. Not just talking race, but background, knowledge, and experience. We've drawn from our connections in Silicon Valley to bolster our cannabis expertise and build the strongest collective knowledge set possible for our aspiring cannabis entrepreneurs. Patrick Lee has extensive experience building products that customers love. A pretty important skill set no matter your industry, no?
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MAGNOLIA WELLNESS
We are so lucky to have Debby, one of the industry's most dedicated advocates and recognizable faces, as a part of our mentor network. Her dispensary, Magnolia Wellness, is only a half mile from Gateway. She has become a fast friend and invaluable asset to Gateway, and every conversation we hold with Debby is eye-opening and inspiring...
