OAKLAND, CA--(Marketwired - July 20, 2016) - Ackrell Capital, LLC ("Ackrell Capital") and Vator, Inc. ("Vator") today announced the formation and launch of joint venture CannaVator, a business accelerator program for emerging companies in the cannabis industry. CannaVator is now accepting applications for its first accelerator class, commencing September 13, 2016. Applications can be submitted at www.cannavator.com until August 15, 2016.
The CannaVator joint venture between Ackrell Capital, a leading independent investment bank focused on the cannabis industry, and Vator, a leading platform for start-ups and investors, will provide a unique and comprehensive program aimed at accelerating the growth of emerging cannabis companies.
Mike Ackrell, Founder of Ackrell Capital, stated: "There are tremendous opportunities for launching innovative companies, products and services in both the recreational and medical markets of this rapidly growing industry. We believe that CannaVator will provide a launching pad for ambitious entrepreneurs to develop their businesses and succeed in the cannabis industry."
"Companies that are accepted into CannaVator will receive invaluable strategic advice from Ackrell Capital, Vator, and a roster of mentors and industry experts, as well as access to a broad range of partners to further develop their businesses," said Bambi Francisco-Roizen, CEO of Vator.
CannaVator will be a 10-week program, commencing in September and culminating with a Demo Day prior to Thanksgiving. The program will consist of both virtual and in-person classes, with participating companies meeting in person in Oakland, CA at key times of the program. The program will be led by Vator and Ackrell Capital, along with a roster of guest speakers and mentors from the cannabis, consumer and technology industries. Each participating company will receive a capital investment.
Key Features and Highlights of the CannaVator Accelerator Program Include:
- Product Development and Strategy
- Financial Management, Modeling and Forecasting
- Marketing and Business Development
- Human Resources Development and Recruiting
- Corporate Governance
- Financing Strategies
Shannon Soqui, Head of Cannabis Investment Banking at Ackrell Capital, stated: "We feel that the timing could not be better to launch a cannabis-focused business accelerator. We identified hundreds of start-ups in the cannabis industry across various industry sectors during the research process for our 'U.S. Cannabis Investment Report 2016,' and we hope to use CannaVator to further identify and help launch the best companies."
About Ackrell Capital
Ackrell Capital is a leading independent investment bank focused on emerging growth companies. During the last 25 years, Ackrell Capital's principals have completed more than 300 corporate finance and M&A transactions valued at more than $50 billion. Ackrell Capital's expertise includes private equity, mergers and acquisitions advisory services, private placements of debt or equity, and corporate development services. Our sector focus includes cannabis, consumer, technology, digital and other emerging growth industries. Ackrell Capital was founded in 2003 and is located in San Francisco, CA. To learn more, please visit us at www.ackrell.com. Ackrell Capital is the publisher of the "U.S. Cannabis Investment Report 2016." To receive a complimentary copy of the "U.S. Cannabis Investment Report 2016," please visit: www.ackrell.com/cannabis. Ackrell Capital, member FINRA, SIPC.
About Vator
Vator is a leading business and technology networking company dedicated to high technology entrepreneurs and investors. Vator consists of Vator.co, an online network with 150,000-plus members; VatorX, a platform to help filter for great start-ups; Vator Investment Club, comprising Vator investor members who invest in Vator-curated start-ups; Vator Media, which includes VatorNews, a provider of analysis, commentary, and news about innovation and venture capital; and Vator Events, which organizes the Splash start-up series and Post-Seed conference. To learn more about us, please visit www.vator.tv.
This press release and the "U.S. Cannabis Investment Report 2016" have been prepared for informational purposes only and are not and should not be construed as an offer to sell securities or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities.
Contact Information:
For media inquiries, please contact:
press@cannavator.com
For general inquiries, please contact:
info@cannavator.com