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As a business accelerator and investor in ancillary cannabis companies, we’ve helped launch 90+ companies and have made 110+ investments. And along the way, we’ve seen a lot! Now we’re sharing everything you need to know about starting up and investing in the legal cannabis industry. We post every other week! Learn more about what we do by visiting us at www.canopyboulder.com.
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This is an oldie but, oh.. so good! We're giving you a re-run of one of the panels in our last Jumpstart Conference, where industry operators talk about what its like to work in the space and give entrepreneurs ideas on where to focus. In this episode you'll hear from Nancy Whiteman of Wana Brands, Ryan Brown of Native Roots and Graham Carlson of C…
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Ever wondered what the perfect cannabis product was for you? You know.. the one that'll make you feel like you did when you first started smoking and couldn't stop the giggles...? Yeah, us too. This week, we're chatting with Bob Chien, CEO & founder of Marigen, a service that uses your specific DNA to made product recommendations. We're chatting wi…
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What do you know about logistics?... wait, don't fall asleep! Delivery and logistics are one of those areas we so often overlook. And yet, in a highly regulated industry like cannabis, are hugely important. This week, we're talking with Tim Ruybal, CEO & founder of Dyspense Technologies on what delivery, tracking and distribution looks like in the …
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How important is loyalty in the cannabis industry? This week, we're talking with Rami Sahhar, CEO of CliqueMJ and current CanopyBoulder cohort member, about whats going on in the industry in terms of advertising and maintaining customers. He goes into the importance of loyalty, how retail businesses can leverage it and what its like starting a tech…
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When people say “cannabis industry”, often the first thought is into retailers, edible brands and large cultivation operations. But what about the picks and shovels that support those businesses? (After all, I bet you don’t know a single gold miner's name but you’ve definitely heard of Levi’s Jeans…). This week, we’re chatting with CFO of Urban-Gro…
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The world of consumer packaged goods (CPG) presents a whole new set of obstacles, challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs. And since the Farm Bill passed back in December, plenty are getting in on the CBD and hemp CPG game. This week, we're talking with one of those new brands - Backyard Sodas, an all-natural, CBD infused soda. CEO & founder…
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We're back at it.. trying desperately to make sense of the legal (???) hemp and CBD markets. We know, it's confusing. What with the FDA and DEA and Farm Bill... it's hard to know what's real and where the actual opportunties live. This week on the podcast, we're talking with attorney and CBD expert, Cameron Field, about all the ins and outs on hemp…
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This is a BONUS episode where we slip inside the minds of the founders in CanopyBoulder's current business accelerator cohort. This week, we talk with Grow with Jane, an app for home growers straight from Buenos Aires, Argentina. They talk to us about why their team is so strong, how to listen and adapt to a market and why measuring your progress i…
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This week on the podcast, we're diving into federal policy around cannabis because, well, it's confusing. Major shifts in policy don't happen overnight and rarely happen without some support in the form of lobbying. Cannabis is no different. This week, we're chatting with Andrew Kline, former prosecutor, and current Director of Policy for the Natio…
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Ever wondered how being a licensed cannabis business differs from an un-licensed one? This week, we're chatting with Cyrus Farudi, CEO of Altus Brands, a company that does just about everything. Get caught up on what it takes to run multiple cannabis businesses, in multiple verticals across multiple markets. . Learn more about Altus Brands at altus…
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This episode is a rerun. Hope you enjoy this little blast from the past... Pitching to investors isn't easy but it is critical to success. This week, we're talking about best practices when it comes to putting together materials for investors and getting up there in all your glory to... gasp.. talk about yourself! Check it out!…
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AI. Deep Learning. Computer Vision. Whatever the term you prefer, its all the same - using computers and machines to learn processes we humans do to save us time. And, understandable, its all the rage - who wants to do things themselves? But what does it take to build and run one of these companies successfully? What about in the cannabis industry?…
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You've heard that term, right? The "banking problem" - sounds daunting. But what does it actually mean? Are all cannabis businesses still operating with mattresses full of cash or is it changing? This week, we're getting to the bottom of it with Dan Roda of Abaca. Join us to talk about the problem, the solutions, federal legislation, what it all me…
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Last week, we attended CannaTech Tel Aviv, a cannabis-focused conference for the global cannabis industry. In the US, we have a tendency to talk only about the US market so join us as we go through some of the key take-aways from a week of Israeli cannabis. . Learn more about CannaTech and iCan at https://www.canna-tech.co/…
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The nascent cannabis industry has a lot to think about - regulations, federal prohibition, building a complete infrastructure... it's a lot. But in a world where climate changes are real and there is a island twice the size of Texas of plastic floating in the pacific ocean, isn't it time for the cannabis industry to think about sustainability? This…
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The dispensaries of yesteryear are long gone these days. What used to be sketchy buildings with bars on the windows have given way to a whole new world of retail experiences. Restrictions around retail and advertising have created a need for innovation in retail that promises to impact traditional buying experiences. This week on the podcast, we're…
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In the world of startups, any edge you can give your team is a good thing. Could mentorship be one of those? Based on a study done by Endeavor insights, the answer is a big, fat YES. This week on the podcast, we're breaking down why thats the case, how to find a mentor for your startup and imparting some best practices to be sure you're the best me…
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Any venture-backed startup is always thinking about how to return the investment made into them. But taking a company from concept to exit is no easy task. This week on the podcast, we're joined by Mason Levy, CEO & Founder of WeGrow, which was acquired in 2018. He takes us through his journey and some of the important components to readying your b…
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The world of retail is changing - when was the last time you talked to a person at the grocery store? Matt Frost, CEO & Founder of anna is trying to bring the same thing to the cannabis industry with his cannabis vending machine. Yes, you heard that right... cannabis. vending. machine. Hear about his journey into the world of cannabis entrepreneurs…
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Fundraising for your startup is a full-time and stressful job. Sometimes, it can feel a lot like beating your head against the wall. And in an industry flooded with new businesses, standing out to investors is key. But what do investors really look for and how can you ensure your business takes center stage? This week, we're letting entrepreneurs i…
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The cannabis industry offers investors an opportunity to get in on what is likely the next big industry while its still young. Prohibition has kept valuations low, meaning investors have a chance at a huge ROI if they pick the right bet. But, how does one do that? In an industry that can change overnight, staying up to date on where the opportuniti…
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How do regulators make regulations around industries as novel as the cannabis industry? And how can you as an industry participant have more control over the rules that govern you? Find out this week as we recap a keynote address given by Dominique Mendiola, the current Director of Marijuana Coordination for the State of Colorado (appointed by form…
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In a world where cannabis businesses are limited in how and where they can advertise, what can be done, has to be efficient and cost friendly. This is where influencers come in. But a constant need for new content can get expensive - especially for a startup. Demeter is working to fix that by connecting creators around the country with the brands l…
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Join us for part 2 of our three-part series recapping the CanopyBoulder Jumpstart Conference, our annual gathering of industry professionals, regulators and cannacurious. This week's episode is our entrepreneur panel, where the founders of three cannabis industry start-ups (and CanopyBoulder alumni) talk on a panel about the cannabis entrepreneur w…
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This week, we're talking with Bello CEO & Founder, Ian Carlson, about his innovative new vaporizer technology aimed specifically at social consumption arenas. Using a "Vapor Tap" technology, the company simplifies vaping while simultaneously making smoking weed even more sexy. Join us in the episode for more insight into creating hardware products …
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Every year, we hold a Jumpstart Conference where cannabis industry experts, the cannacurious and everyone in between can get together to discuss the industry. Last week was that night. We know everyone couldn't be there - so we're breaking it down for you all. Join us for the first episode in a three-part series designed to get you all caught up. T…
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States like Colorado have fully legal access to grow, buy and manufacture cannabis. And yet, there's no where to legally consume outside of your own personal house. How lame is that? The Grove Spaces, one of the most recent CanopyBoulder teams, is taking on the challenge of getting social use spaces up and running. Check out what CEO & Founder, Joh…
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There comes a point in every young company’s life when fundraising is on the table. But, do you really need to fundraise? And why kind of funds do you need? Debt? Equity? Something else? And where does one even find those funds in a new industry like cannabis? This week, we’re breaking that down for you. Tune in as we walk through the process and g…
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All startups are different but there's one thing thats always the same - they all have risks. This week, we're talking about risk - what it is, why its important to identify, what areas to consider and what identifying it means to investors. We've also put together a handy little visual guide which you can access at canopyboulder.com/risk, so check…
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Last week, Congress passed the new Farm Bill, legalizing hemp crop production. This is a huge step forward for the industry, opening up access to capital and protections for hemp cultivators in all 50 states. We're particularly excited about this episode because 2019 marks the first year CanopyBoulder is including hemp/CBD products in our portfolio…
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This week, we're giving you a little recap of the Aspen High event, where cannabis industry pros meet entertainment industry pros. In its second year, the event is a sister event to Aspen Live, a music festival bringing out the big names in entertainment. It doesn't take a whole lot of convincing to get us to attend a cannabis event in beautiful As…
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We're back with our series on preparing your business for exit - a thing all young companies should at least be aware of. Even if you're not ready for this yet, it pays to understand how to get your accounting documents in line so that, when the time comes, your business is more attractive (read: higher value and payout). This week, we chatting wit…
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Like many in the cannabis industry, we spent a week full of weed in Las Vegas at the Arcview Investor Forum and MJBizCon. This week, we're recapping the experience. Both events pulled way more attendees than anyone expected, with Arcview being literally sold out and MJBizCon hitting a record 25,000 attendees. The week was a fascinating one as each …
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Studies have shown that 92% of the time, consumers purchase whatever their budtender recommends. In a world with so little consumer understanding of cannabis product options, how do dispensaries retain employees, educate them on brands and maximize profits? Best in Grow is tackling the problem with a platform that offers all things budtenders and t…
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Banking is a huge challenge for this nascent industry. Anyone in the industry has heard the stories about (or has experienced themselves) bank accounts getting shut down. When you're a startup, handling the headache of banking is just another hurdle you don't have time for. This week, we're chatting with MediPays (soon to be Abaca) about their solu…
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One of the biggest obstacles to starting up and investing in cannabis is that the industry moves so fast, its hard to see whats really happening. This week, we're tackling that issue through data, everyone's favorite buzzword. Do you know what kind of data to be collecting, where to look for it or how to make it make sense? How about what resources…
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Compliance. That thing that keeps all cannabis licensed businesses up at night. We've all heard the horror stories of companies losing everything over compliance violations - and, honestly, they're pretty scary. This week, we're talking with Azara CEO & Founder, Kathryn Awada, about her solution. The former bud-tender and all around cannabis pro st…
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Meet Jackson Rowland, CEO and founder of Green Genomix. Like many out there dipping their toes into the cannabis sea, Jackson found that some cannabis products just didn't work for him. So he decided to create a business that provides personalized cannabis recommendations through DNA testing. Listen to his thoughts on starting up in the cannabis in…
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This week, we're recapping not one, but TWO, cannabis investment conferences in the financial capitals of both the US and Canada. Last week, we attended IMN's Institutional Capital & Cannabis Conference in New York City and Kahner Global in Toronto. The two yielded very different experiences, highlighting the differences in cannabis investing betwe…
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Meet Sarah Gersten and Julie Saltman, co-founders of Buddle. The company empowers cannabis businesses to navigate the industry’s complex legal and regulatory landscape with automated legal services, access to legal documents and a network of cannabis law experts. Listen to their journey to getting started and how things are going for the company.…
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As a business accelerator, we get up close and personal with entrepreneurs launching their businesses. And since this is a podcast dedicated to investing and starting up in the cannabis industry, what better way than to talk about those topics than through interviews with the entrepreneurs themselves.Over the next few weeks, we'll be releasing occa…
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There's so much to think about when you're launching a business. But, making sure you know what you're doing from a legal perspective is key. This week on the podcast, we sat down with Shawn Stigler, attorney at Michael Best and startup legal expert, to talk about the things entrepreneurs should be thinking about as they launch a business.…
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Investing in the cannabis industry isn't easy. Its not only brand new, but is constantly changing. The assumptions that once were true can be untrue tomorrow, meaning there are a lot of bad investments out there. Get it right by learning the 10 things you should know before you dive into the green rush.…
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Didn't get enough on the legal aspect of exiting? Listen to our BONUS chat with John Gaddis, Attorney and exiting expert, to get a little more.
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Arm yourself with the knowledge you need to have a smooth and winning exit!You've invested sweat, tears, blood (and alot of time and money) into your young company. But there comes a day when its time to move on. Preparing for an exit can be an overwhelming process; you want to get it right so you can move confidently into the next phase of your pr…
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Due to federal prohibition, we've been living in a bit of the dark when it comes to how cannabis works with our bodies. This week, we have Tristan Watkins, PhD Neuroscientist and Chief Science Officer for Lucid Mood with us to talk about where we stand with this research, what needs to be done to progress and how cannabis brands are working to adva…
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Compliance seems to be the "it" word these days. It gets thrown around like a hot potato. But, what does it mean,why is it important and HOW do you get on board? This week, we tracked down the experts, Tyler Stratford and Greg Huffaker from CannaAdvisors, to unpack compliance for everyone from cultivators to retailers. They walk us through common i…
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Artificial intelligence and computer learning in the cannabis industry? This week, we're chatting with deepgreen CEO, Colin Ferrian on topics from what its like to be an entrepreneur in this industry to the future of tech. For more information on deepgreen, go to deepgreen.ai
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You've decided to take on some venture capital. Now what? Do you need to qualify those investors or can you trust them? And how do you even go about that? Don't fret dears, we have the answers. This week we're diving into what you should be thinking about when considering investors- it is, after all, basically a marriage. Are you picking the right …
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Branding is key to cornering the market in the cannabis industry. This week, we're talking with attorney and trademark expert, James Marion, about how to ensure you have a safe and effective trademark. Follow him on twitter @marionesq and check out his website at http://www.marionesq.com/
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