LeafLink

LeafLink is a B2B wholesale marketplace aiming to streamline transactions between retailers, dispensaries and brands in the cannabis space. Founded in 2016 by Ryan Smith and Zach Silverman, LeafLink grew from $100 million sales from March 2016 to November 2017 to managing over $1 billion per year in August 2019.

Leaflink, by August 2019, was estimated to be processing 16% of all U.S. wholesale cannabis orders. LeafLink connects more than 1,200 licensed cannabis brands to over 3,500 retailers across U.S. and Canada. LeafLink splits its headquarters between New York and Los Angeles. They suggest the split is to build a network where brands are and where brands will be.

In April of 2017, LeafLink raised $3 million led by Lerer Hippeau with Casa Verde Capital.

In November of 2017, LeafLink raised $10 million. The round was led by Nosara Capital, and included Casa Verde Capital and Lerer Hippeau Ventures. LeafLink planned to use this funding round to expand into new states as legalization continued.

In August of 2019, LeafLink raised $35 million. Thrive Capital Management led the round, which included Wisdom VC, TIA Ventures, Nosara Capital, Lerer Hippeau and L2 Ventures. LeafLink planned to use this funding to scale LeafLink Financial.

LeafLink's software offers a central dashboard to connect wholesalers to retailers. They charge a monthly fee to wholesalers dependent on the size of the company. Their centralized dashboard allows wholesalers and retailers track all orders, edit orders, analyze sales data and keep track of all sales and purchases. LeafLink vets companies using their platform to ensure they are licensed and operate in a compliant manner.

Leaflink's Dashboard / https://www.newcannabisventures.com/leaflink-wants-to-connect-cannabis-brands-and-retailers-from-coast-to-coast/

Their CRM platform allows users to store and check customer information, order history and overall sales activity. And they provide up-to-date order notifications and track order deliveries.

LeafLink's community gives feedback which allows them to add platform features, such as a space for advertising which was requested by their partners in 2018.

LeafLink offers their LeafLink Financial, which provides retailers and brands with safe, compliant, payment and credit management solutions.

LeafLink announced a collaboration with Canopy Rivers, the investment arm of Canopy Growth, in March 2019. The collaboration aimed to grow LeafLink's service internationally. Their initial focus was on the Canadian, U.K. and German markets.