INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
San Jose cannabis company Caliva is proving that weed’s still hot, even as some markets cool off.The company is announcing a $75 million
round of investment that includes participation from former Yahoo CEO Carol Bartz and football legend Joe Montana
If that pair seems unlikely, it just goes to show that cannabis attracts an eclectic mix.With what the company itself refers to as a “war
chest,” Caliva intends to expand its portfolio of products as well as ramping up its efforts courting cannabis users in California through
a combination of branded brick and mortar stores, direct to consumer sales and sales to distributors
While state regulations slowed the overall market over the last year, Caliva grew its revenues by 350 percent, growing its company to 440
workers.A general partner at Liquid 2 Ventures, Montana isn’t new to cannabis investing
In 2017, the former quarterback participated in a seed round for Herb, a cannabis-focused media company. Given the extreme toll pro sports
take on the human body, it’s not uncommon for former athletes to get involved in the cannabis business, particularly with CBD
products.“As an investor and supporter, it is my opinion that Caliva’s strong management team will successfully develop and bring to
market quality health and wellness products that can provide relief to many people and can make a serious impact on opioid use or
addiction,” Montana said of his interest in the cannabis industry.Caliva currently operates a popular retail location situated
conveniently for Silicon Valley’s droves of weed acolytes, but the company is more than just a well-liked dispensary
Beyond just carrying popular brands, Caliva sells its own products at its own stores — everything from vape pen oil cartridges to
pre-rolls — in addition to operating a distribution center nearby.“I know great opportunities when I see them,” said Bartz, who will
also join the company’s board.
