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These athletes turned entrepreneurs are ready to drop new heat in the cannabis space. As AfroTech previously told you, NBA players Al Harrington and Allen Iverson joined forces to launch cannabis, product, and merchandise through Harrington’s Viola brand. The multi-year partnership must be doing well as the pair are broadening their reach to Detroit, MI. “I’m excited to continue the partnership with my brother Al and bring our newest strain to Detroit,” said Iverson, according to a press release. “Everything I do is for the fans, and this is no different.” Customers can experience Viola’s hybrid strain, IVERSON ’01 influenced by Durban, Gushers, and Runtz. The pre-rolled and packed cannabis offering will be released in limited amounts and available throughout dispensaries across Michigan. The year of the MVP. Iverson ‘01 🏆 March 25th https://t.co/MlUp9HQYKA pic.twitter.com/eWwgfcc376 — Viola (@Violabrands) March 15, 2022
In 2021, AfroTech reported that Al Harrington’s Viola became the first Black-owned multinational cannabis brand. This year, the brand seems to be coming for more, and then some, with plans to expand to new markets. To strategically position the cannabis company for this expansion and build equity in the space, Viola has closed a $13 million equity funding round, according to a press release. “We’re looking forward to a big 2022. The team at DelMorgan has always supported our vision and continues to be great partners for us as we bring Viola to new markets,” said Al Harrington, Co-Founder & CEO of Viola, according to a press release. Neil Morganbesser , President & CEO of DelMorgan, the banking firm that operated as the transaction advisor for the round, also shared a statement. “Al Harrington has proven himself to be a visionary in the Cannabis industry, demonstrating an ability to execute on initiatives that resonate deeply with today’s popular culture and consumers,” Morganbesser...
Over the past year, we’ve seen an influx of Black entrepreneurs venture into the cannabis industry. People like Viola Brands’ Al Harrington, Wilson Chandler, and John Monopoly are among the businessmen that are ensuring that more people who look like us have ownership in the industry. As former NBA players turned businessmen, Harrington and Chandler wanted to ensure that their legacy went beyond just basketball. “I think the main thing was just educating myself toward the end of my career after I started to realize that I wasn’t jumping as high, I wasn’t as fast, I wasn’t as important to the league like I used to be. So, I had to figure out what was next,” said Harrington in a recent episode of Black Tech Green Money. Harrington, who recently announced the launch of the Harrington Insitute, a school for cannabis education, attributes that business mindset to his financial adviser. “I always give my financial adviser a lot of credit because throughout my career I’ve had great...
Two NBA stars are teaming up for a one-of-a-kind brand partnership to revolutionize the cannabis market. Today, Viola — the largest Black multi-state cannabis operator in the nation — announced its latest brand partnership with NBA legend Allen Iverson that will span cannabis, product, and merchandise. Founded by NBA vet Al Harrington, Viola plans to make this new alliance an industry-leading and scalable collaboration. Iverson previously got a chance to get a glimpse of the growing process behind the Viola brand. After witnessing its full-scale operation, dedication to the cannabis plant and minority participation as well as ownership in the industry, he knew the partnership was meant to be. “I’ve had a lot of people approach me with business opportunities, but this one with Al was different,” Iverson said in a statement. “After seeing how devoted he is to this business, and him educating me on how beneficial the plant is, it just felt right. I’m excited to be a part of it....
Former NBA star turned entrepreneur Al Harrington is on a mission to make the cannabis industry a Black-owned enterprise — starting with his brand Viola. Forbes reports that Harrington’s cannabis line is expanding its products to Canada after sharing that Avicanna — a cannabinoid-focused biopharmaceutical company — will be licensing the brand and using it to help develop specific formulations for sale across the country’s medical and consumer retail channels. The company’s “commitment to research and development of cannabis in the medical and pharmaceutical industries makes them the perfect biotech partner to bring Viola’s brand to our Northern neighbors,” he said. “We’re excited to announce our partnership with Avicanna to expand into the Canadian market,” Harrington told Forbes. “Becoming the first Black-owned multinational brand is a significant milestone for Viola, and we look forward to expanding our product offering and Viola’s mission into a new market.” For the use of its...
Los Angeles-based leading cannabis brand Viola — known as the largest Black multi-state cannabis operator in the nation founded by NBA vet Al Harrington — is expanding its reach by way of its latest partnership with hip-hop icon, actor, producer, and entrepreneur, Tip “T.I.” Harris. According to a press release, T.I. will join the Viola team as the brand’s Social Justice and Reform Ambassador where he will bring forth his decades of experience with community advocacy and social equity work. Viola shares T.I.’s responsibilities within his senior advisory role include directing Viola’s community impact strategy and driving its mission for racial equity and justice to help pioneer initiatives that will create more diversity and inclusivity in the cannabis industry. “As we continue to increase our social imprint within the cannabis industry, I am honored to welcome my brother T.I. into the Viola family,” Harrington said in a statement . “His work helping communities of color over the...
Former NBA forward turned cannabis entrepreneur, Al Harrington has a long-standing history in the cannabis industry. Several years ago, Harrington founded Viola Brands , a premium cannabis company that specializes in flower strains, concentrates, and accessories. Since its inception, Viola’s mission has evolved into a cultural movement that seeks to empower entrepreneurs of color in the cannabis industry. According to CNBC , Harrington’s newest goal is to develop 100 Black millionaire cannabis entrepreneurs via a new incubator tailored to turn illegal cannabis products legit with the help of Viola Brands. “A lot of brands that are on the black market that has a lot of credibility and unbelievable following, have market share, but they just don’t know how to get into the legal market,” Harrington told CNBC. Since the legalization of certain cannabis products, there has been controversy around the sought after license-to-sell. People of color across the nation have been locked out of...