10 Top Cannabis Venture Capital Firms

The cannabis industry has experienced explosive growth in recent years fueled by increasing legalization and shifting public attitudes. As this emerging market matures, a new breed of venture capital firms has emerged that specializes in funding and nurturing cannabis-related startups.

This article profiles some of the top cannabis venture capital firms that are driving investment and growth in the space. From early stage startups to more established players, these firms are backing companies that span the entire cannabis ecosystem.

Top Cannabis VC Firms

Ready to launch your startup with the help of a venture capital firm? We’re here to help you wade through the options with this list of the best cannabis venture capital firms for startups and who they are right for.

Disclaimer: With so many venture capital firms around the world, we aren’t able to cover them all. Furthermore, the following VC firms aren’t officially ranked and appear in no particular order.

1. Entourage Effect Capital 

• Location: Dallas, Texas
• Stage: Seed, Growth Stage 
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Cookies, GrowFlow, Cann

Entourage Effect Capital is a venture capital firm that specializes in investing in the cannabis industry. Founded in 2014, the firm focuses on providing capital and strategic support to companies operating in various sectors of the legal cannabis market — from cultivation and distribution to retail and ancillary services. 

The firm aims to leverage its industry expertise and network to help grow and scale promising cannabis businesses across North America. Entourage Effect Capital’s portfolio boasts more than 60 companies, and the firm has more than nine years of experience investing in the cannabis industry. 

2. Gotham Green Partners 

• Location: Santa Monica, California 
• Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C  
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Jane Technologies, Lift & Co., MedMen

Founded in 2017, Gotham Green Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm that focuses on providing growth capital to both public and private companies that operate across various segments of the cannabis value chain — from cultivation and manufacturing to brands and technology. 

The firm is known for its strategic investments in some of the industry’s most notable companies and its ability to leverage deep sector expertise to support portfolio growth. Gotham Green Partners aims to capitalize on the rapidly evolving cannabis market while helping to shape the industry’s future through targeted investments and active management support.

3. Big Rock 

• Location: San Francisco, California
• Stage: Early Stage 
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Apothecarry, Plant Magic, Phylos 

Big Rock is a private investment firm that has made a significant impact in the cannabis industry. Founded by industry veterans, the firm focuses on strategic investments in the legal cannabis and hemp markets. Big Rock takes a hands-on approach, providing capital as well as operational expertise to help grow and scale cannabis businesses. 

Big Rock is known for its deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the cannabis space, which allows the firm to identify promising ventures and help them navigate the complex regulatory landscape. 

4. Merida Capital Holdings 

• Location: New York, New York
• Stage: Series A+, Growth Stage 
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Canndescent, GrowGeneration, Kush Bottles 

Merida Capital Holdings is a private equity firm that has quickly become a significant player in the sector, known for its strategic investments across the cannabis value chain. Merida Capital Holding focuses on growth stage companies, typically investing in businesses involved in cultivation, manufacturing, technology, and ancillary services. The firm stands out for its data-driven approach to investing and its team’s deep industry knowledge. 

5. Base Ventures 

• Location: Berkeley, California
• Stage: Seed, Growth Stage 
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Confident Cannabis, Baker

Base Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2010 by Erik Moore, focusing on early stage investments in technology startups. While primarily known for its investments in tech companies, Base Ventures also has shown interest in the cannabis industry. The firm has made strategic investments in cannabis-related businesses, recognizing the growing potential of the legal cannabis market. 

6. HALLEY Venture Partners  

• Location: Lafayette, California 
• Stage: Seed, Series A, Series B 
• Notable Portfolio Companies: springbig, Willow Industries, Front Range Biosciences 

HALLEY Venture Partners  aims to identify and support innovative startups that are shaping the future of the legal cannabis and hemp market. HALLEY Venture Partners typically invests in companies across various segments of the cannabis sector, including technology, consumer products, and services. 

HALLEY Venture Partners believes in the long-term potential of the cannabis industry and seeks to partner with founders who have bold visions for transforming the space. Therefore, portfolio companies are equipped with operational and financial support. 

7. Salveo Capital 

• Location: Chicago, Illinois 
• Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C, Private Equity 
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Würk, Semasio, Coda Signature 

Salveo Capital takes a comprehensive approach to investing, targeting businesses across various sectors — from technology, biotechnology, and medical applications to cultivation, retail, and ancillary services. The firm offers deep industry expertise and a commitment to supporting companies that are driving innovation and growth in the cannabis space. Salveo Capital aims to provide more than just financial backing; it also offers strategic guidance, operational support, and access to its extensive network of industry contacts. 

8. Casa Verde Capital 

• Location: Los Angeles, California 
• Stage: Seed, Early Stage 
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Dutchie, Metrc, Frontier Risk

Casa Verde Capital, cofounded by celebrity entrepreneur Snoop Dogg, has emerged as one of the most recognizable names in cannabis venture capital. The firm distinguishes itself by focusing primarily on ancillary businesses: companies that don’t directly touch the plant, but provide vital services to the industry. 

Casa Verde Capital’s investment strategy targets scalable, technology-driven companies that can potentially expand beyond cannabis into other markets. The firm leverages its high-profile connections and media savvy to provide unique marketing and networking opportunities for its portfolio companies. 

9. Altitude Investment Management 

• Location: New York, New York
• Stage: Series A, Series B, Series C 
• Notable Portfolio Companies: PathogenDX, Canndescent, KannaSwiss 

Established in 2017 to capitalize on the burgeoning legal marijuana market, Altitude Investment Management is a key player in the cannabis investment landscape. This venture capital firm targets promising early and mid-stage companies that operate throughout the cannabis supply chain. Altitude Investment Management distinguishes itself through its active investment approach, offering portfolio companies financial backing as well as mentorship and access to its extensive industry network. 

10. Green Lion Partners 

• Location: Denver, Colorado 
• Stage: Early Stage 
• Notable Portfolio Companies: Flowhub 

Founded in 2015, Green Lion Partners helps early stage cannabis-related businesses — particularly ancillary companies — strategize and grow. The firm provides both capital and strategic support, leveraging its industry expertise to help portfolio companies grow. Green Lion Partners aims to foster innovation and professionalism in the cannabis space with investments that span the technology, consumer products, and business services sectors.