Top Cannabis Venture Capital Firms

Top Cannabis Venture Capital Firms to Know in 2025

The cannabis industry has skyrocketed over the last decade, going from a niche, often controversial market to a booming global sector full of investment potential. A big part of this growth comes from venture capital (VC) firms. These firms aren’t just writing checks, they’re also helping cannabis startups and businesses grow with the funding, tools, […]

The cannabis industry has skyrocketed over the last decade, going from a niche, often controversial market to a booming global sector full of investment potential. A big part of this growth comes from venture capital (VC) firms. These firms aren’t just writing checks, they’re also helping cannabis startups and businesses grow with the funding, tools, and guidance they need to succeed.

From driving innovation to supporting new tech and redefining how cannabis is used—whether for medical or recreational purposes—VCs are shaping the future of the industry. By backing bold ideas and trailblazing companies, they’re fueling the cannabis space’s growth and solidifying it as a key player in the global economy.

Here are the top ten VC firms empowering the cannabis industry and driving its transformation through strategic investments and forward-thinking leadership.

1. Entourage Effect Capital

Formerly known as Cresco Capital Partners, Entourage Effect Capital was founded in 2014 and is one of the pioneering venture capital firms in the cannabis industry. Their mission is to leverage deep industry expertise and robust networks to accelerate growth across North America by “creating an entourage effect” for founders—working actively on everything from early‐stage acceleration to exit planning.

  • Investments & Portfolio: Their portfolio includes over 60 companies. Examples include consumer brands like Cookies and technology solutions such as GrowFlow.
  • Focus Areas for 2025: The firm is expected to continue targeting a broad range of sectors within the cannabis ecosystem, from cultivation and distribution to ancillary technology and compliance services.
  • Success Stories & Market Impact: Their hands‑on approach has contributed to several successful exits and scaled companies, reinforcing their belief in the long‑term potential of cannabis.
  • Investment Approach & Vision: Entourage Effect takes an active role in adding value to management teams and creating exit opportunities that enhance market impact.

2. HALLEY Venture Partners

Established in 2017 and based in San Francisco, HALLEY Venture Partners is a dynamic venture capital firm focused on early-stage cannabis technology companies. They invest in innovations that help licensed cannabis businesses increase efficiency, reduce costs, and navigate regulatory complexities.

  • Profile & Investment Philosophy: HALLEY focuses on technology companies that support cannabis operations—from compliance to sales enhancement.
  • Major Investments & Strategies: Notable portfolio companies include Front Range Biosciences, springbig, and Bloom Automation. Their strategy is to add 10–15 companies over the next 2–3 years, supported by an $8 million anchor investment they secured in 2019.
  • 2025 Trends & Future Funding: With a strong emphasis on ancillary cannabis tech, the company is tracking how tech innovations can drive efficiency and scalability in the sector. Future funding goals are oriented toward supporting high‑growth companies and fostering industry standard–setting technology.

3. KEY Investment Partners

Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, KEY Investment Partners is a venture capital firm specializing in providing growth equity to early-stage cannabis companies. With a team boasting over four decades of institutional investment experience, KEY leverages its expertise to identify and support high-growth opportunities within the emerging cannabis market.

  • Approach & Sectors of Focus: KEY targets cannabis tech (data, compliance), biotech (cloning), CBD/CPG, and digital B2B platforms for integrated operations.
  • Key Investments & Results: KEY’s investment in firms like BDS Analytics, Front Range Biosciences, and Day Three Labs have spurred growth, boosting efficiency and leading to strong exits.
  • Market Positioning & 2025 Growth: With its second flagship fund, the firm is poised to capture emerging cannabis opportunities as the market matures and scales tech-driven solutions.
  • Notable Partnerships & Collaborations: KEY has expanded its advisory board with industry veterans and launched a cannabis credit offering to enhance its funding capacity and network.

4. Base Ventures

Base Ventures was founded in 2012 by Erik Moore and Kirby Harris. Originally a seed-stage technology fund, Base Ventures has since broadened its portfolio to include innovative cannabis companies, applying its robust tech investment experience to the burgeoning legal cannabis market.

  • Investment Strategy: Their investment approach centers on risk‑taking, building strong networks, and empowering founders through early access to capital and strategic mentoring.
  • Notable Portfolio Companies: In the cannabis space, Base Ventures has backed wellness companies like Confident Cannabis and Baker Technologies.
  • 2025 Outlook & Projects: The firm is expected to continue its legacy of identifying disruptive tech and scaling opportunities in cannabis, helping companies with both operational and growth challenges.

5. Salveo Capital

Based in Northbrook, Illinois, Salveo Capital is a firm focused on the legalized cannabis space. They concentrate on funding ancillary service providers that support the cannabis ecosystem, emphasizing sustainable growth and innovative technology.

  • Role & Investment Focus: Salveo Capital aims to build long‑term sustainable companies that reshape the cannabis industry. They focus on funding early‑ and growth‑stage companies, particularly ancillary service providers that “touch the plant” minimally.
  • Notable Investments & Acquisitions: Salveo Capital’s portfolio includes investments in companies like PathogenDx, Flow Kana, Headset, and others. Their approach has been highlighted in a 2018 Business Wire press release announcing an investment in PathogenDx.
  • Vision for 2025: The firm is set to continue partnering closely with entrepreneurs, offering capital, strategic guidance, and operational support to scale innovative cannabis ventures.

6. Casa Verde Capital

Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Casa Verde Capital is one of the earliest and most recognized cannabis venture capital firms. Co-founded by celebrity investor Snoop Dogg, the firm specializes in investing in ancillary businesses that power the cannabis industry without directly handling the plant.

  • Overview & Market Position: Casa Verde primarily invests in ancillary businesses which are companies that provide crucial services (e.g., technology, compliance, and distribution) without directly touching the plant.
  • Key Investments & Success Stories: Their portfolio features high‑profile green companies such as Dutchie, LeafLink, Metrc, and Vangst. They have raised roughly $250 million since inception, underscoring their ability to secure capital and drive growth across the industry.
  • 2025 Focus & Support for Emerging Companies: Casa Verde plans to continue investing in scalable, technology‑driven businesses and supporting their portfolio with unique marketing and networking opportunities.

7. Altitude Investment Management

Established in 2017, Altitude Investment Management is a global VC fund manager headquartered in New York with a strong focus on the legal cannabis industry. With a management team that boasts over 100 years of combined experience, the firm invests in companies spanning the entire cannabis supply chain, both in the U.S. and Europe.

  • Specialty & Investment Focus: Altitude invests across the cannabis supply chain, from plant-touching operations to ancillary services. Although their portfolio spans multiple sectors, they are noted for investments that impact areas like medical testing and premium cannabis brands.
  • Notable Investments & Market Influence: The firm’s closed Fund I raised $30 million and is currently targeting Fund II at over $150 million, with investments in companies such as KannaSwiss and PathogenDX.
  • 2025 Expectations & Leadership Positioning: Altitude is expanding into European markets and is focused on capturing growth opportunities worldwide. Their active investment approach, seasoned management team, and strategic network position them as a leading cannabis VC.

8. Gotham Green Partners

Founded in 2017 and based in Santa Monica, California, Gotham Green Partners (now known as GGP Funds) is a private equity firm specializing in scaling private and public cannabis-related enterprises. They are known for their strategic investments in some of the industry’s most notable companies and their ability to leverage deep sector expertise to support portfolio growth.

  • Strategies for Scaling Businesses: Gotham Green’s strategy combines growth capital with operational expertise, focusing on both plant-touching and ancillary businesses.
  • Market Impact & Portfolio Highlights: Recognized as one of the largest lenders and investors in the cannabis space, the firm actively participates in both debt and equity deals. Their portfolio includes well-known names like Jane Technologies, MedMen, and Flow Kana.
  • 2025 Projects & Milestones: Gotham Green is expected to scale its investments further, explore new financing models, and continue supporting consolidation trends in the industry.

9. CannaAngels

Established in 2016, CannaAngels is an angel investment consortium dedicated to funding startup companies in the cannabis industry. They focus on delivering early-stage capital and strategic mentoring to ventures innovating within the core cannabis market and its supporting sectors.

  • Sustainability & Investment Focus: CannaAngels emphasizes investing in “rising stars” that are not only innovative but also align with environmentally responsible practices.
  • Key Portfolio Companies & Impact: Their portfolio includes over 45 high‑quality companies involved in various aspects of the cannabis ecosystem, such as agriculture tech, extraction & processing, lab tech, and more. They also offer strategic mentoring and networking to help these companies scale sustainably.
  • 2025 Initiatives: CannaAngels is set to continue identifying and supporting companies that contribute to a greener, more sustainable cannabis industry while fostering long‑term value creation.

10. Big Rock Partners

Big Rock Partners is a San Francisco-based strategic advisory and investment firm founded in 2013. With deep roots in the intersections of cannabis, food, and hospitality, they combine capital investment with hands-on operational consulting to help companies scale and succeed.

  • Profile & Market Role: They focus on early-stage and growth-stage investments, offering both financial and strategic support to cannabis and hemp ventures.
  • Notable Investments & Successes: Big Rock’s portfolio includes investments in companies such as The Apothecarry, Plant Magic, and Phylos. They have also supported brands through multiple phases, from formation and strategic growth capital to eventual exits.
  • Future Trends & 2025 Focus: Big Rock is expected to explore further consolidation in the cannabis space, particularly in California where talent and know‑how are strongest. Their approach includes leveraging strategic partnerships and exit strategies to maximize investor returns.

Driving Innovation & Growth

In 2025 the top cannabis venture capital firms are leading the charge in the cannabis industry. Their investments cover the entire spectrum – from cultivation tech and regulatory compliance to consumer brands and digital solutions – driving innovation, growth, and market share. As they refine their strategy and go global the cannabis investment landscape will continue to grow and attract institutional capital in the years to come.


At AlphaRoot we know innovation and growth go hand in hand with risk management. As the cannabis industry matures our specialized cannabis insurance solutions will help protect your business from the unique risks in this space. Book a meeting with one of our advisors to learn how our tailored insurance solutions can protect your investments and support your company’s future growth.

Related Insights