Seth Yakatan's Linkedin Analytics

One thing I have found will GUARANTEE sales, IF you do it properly: Going to conferences.  It’s that season in the c@nnabis industry and I’ve got people in my DMs asking about them… So here’s how I turn conferences into revenue drivers—and some things you absolutely SHOULD NOT DO. → Why are conferences effective? If you pick the right conference, important people in your industry will be there. If you plan far enough in advance, you can probably line up 25 or 30 meetings. If you have a Sherpa, those can be 25 to 30 highly targeted sales calls. → When should you set up the meetings? Earlier than later, ALWAYS. Ideally 6 to 8 weeks in advance, dial it in 10 days prior to. Dont sleep… The last three conferences that I promoted and attended were sold out you snooze you lose. → What should you NOT do? Wait till the last minute. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Tell me that you can’t see the ROI… Your network is your net worth and I am constantly growing mine Misunderstand the playing field: I attend these conferences and speak at them. I don’t run them. Don’t ask me for a comp if I don’t know you. That just makes you look dumb. So as a final take away: 1. Figure out what you’re selling 2. Figure out who your ICP is 3. Figure out what meeting they’re going to attend 4. Bang out those leads Or just keep sending cold DMs on LinkedIn that no one reads and tell me how that’s working out for you…

Is it finally time for me to cancel my The New York Times subscription?? → So what’s going on? Few weeks back, I called out the New York Times for their persistent anti-cannabis slant. NOTE: As a loyal Times subscriber and reader, I’ve been dismayed at how aggressively negative their coverage of the industry has been. And on Monday, the venerable publication—The Paper of Record!—moved a step closer to “yellow journalism.” The Times ran a story about an OCS investigation of Omnium Canna, a manufacturer in the state. → Okay, so what? The story name checked STIIIZY, and then mentions (subtly) that “other brands under investigation include Waahoo, Grön, Mfused, To the Moon and Turn“ according to the people familiar with the matter… REALLY?? Well, if the NYT prints it… → But what's really going on? The fact is that OCS is NOT investigating Waahoo, Grön, Mfused, To the Moon and turn. But based on this story, Waahoo, Grön, Mfused, To the Moon and turn all got pulled from shelves and lost A LOT of sales. Reckless journalism like this from the alleged Paper of Record can do material damage to companies and the lives of the people who make them. But what do we expect from a mainstream newspaper that has had a constant target on our backs?? Can we EVER get a fair shake???

The land of baguettes, cycling, wine and cheese is about to start embracing Le Herb! Last week, France announced a program to permit medical cannabis. This program will be exclusively for trained doctors and patients with specific conditions. However, smoking—a favorite pastime of the French—will be a non non… But in keeping with the nation’s culinary ethos, vape oil and sublingual will be allowed 😂 So why is this important? France is one of the last EU dominoes to fall. Most “experts” think France will grow to 500,000 patients by 2035. Making it a major European market, in keeping with it’s population. Mieux vaut tard que jamais… So what's next? La vie est belle… Anyone already playing in EU will make a move in France to gain share Reading between the lines, this could be a real opportunity for effect or claim based products geared towards the stricter medical markets. Expect Curaleaf International and every Canadian LP to move quick to act here… Mangez bien, riez souvent, aimez beaucoup!

Can you vote for my Sister….  (asking for a friend ????) Hoping I can ask all my followers for a quick favor! 🙂 My sister, Blake Paige Yakatan, is up for an award as CX Leader of the Year at the CX Summit 2025. Hoping I can ask for a VOTE for Blake... Let’s win this !!! Vote here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gYEp67mV Appreciate the HELP ! 💥

We’re currently in a Nuclear Winter in the c@nnabis capital markets. Last week my buddies at Viridian Capital Advisors dropped this chart and analysis. TBH my heart sank, even though it only reinforced what I have known for years… It’s EXTREMELY HARD to raise money. This chart outlines worldwide c@annabis capital raises for the first twelve weeks of every year since 2018.  YTD worldwide capital raises of $275.5M are now *40% below the same period in 2024!* And 2024 was a year notable for its DEARTH of capital. Few key points: 1. All the action in 2025 is in the U.S., representing 82.1% of total investments. 2. Canada, it has to be said, is in a death spiral. 3. In the U.S., debt raises were up 161.7% in 2025, with a total of $190M raised in Q1. The jump scare? Of this $190.0M in debt about $130M or 68% of this action was in 2 raises, $100M for Chicago Atlantic and $30M for XS Financial. Crumbs remain for everyone else. What are the takeaways: → Cash flow is the only thing that matters → Debt is the only money available → It’s NOT getting any easier anytime soon… My advice to everyone out in the GRIND is simple: HOLD! THANK YOU to Frank Colombo, CFA for always bringing the goods.

Best flower in AZ right now is coming from my guys at Project Packs. I had the pleasure of seeing this facility back in January and needed to call out the INCREDIBLE WORK they’re doing and the FIRE THEY’RE THROWING OFF. I have been in 100’s of grow facilities in the USA. The ones in the top 5% really stand out. What do I look for in a grow ? 1. Facility build quality 2. Product yield, consistency and quality 3. SOPs, cleanliness, feed stock and cycling 4. Use of under canopy lights (hello Faven Lighting) So why is Project Packs special? → Running several different brands + grow SOPs out of the same spot is HARD. This one is one of the few I have seen work. → Turning something which had failed around is hard, almost impossible in c@nnabis. This one is one of the few which I have seen that works. → When Doja Exclusive, MADE, Preferred Gardens, Blueprint and Wizard Trees want you to be their out of state partner, you’re doing something RIGHT → They have Adam Pressler-Smith. Enough said… Quality is not random. It’s HARD EARNED earned through dedication, commitment and years of failing upwards. Project Packs is taking OFF.

Why am I So Curious ??? Cannabis + Hemp beverages, thats why... And its jsut getting started... The crew Listen Ventures are getting involved and are exploring how consumers are reshaping social drinking occasions. I will be speaking at So Curious: A Social Beverage Conference — a first-of-its kind conference with Listen Ventures We are going to explore how consumers are driving the future of social experiences. There will be interactive tastings, sensory experiences, real consumer insights, and ME... Get your tickets here: https://lnkd.in/gKhTHptC

Guaranteed harbinger of future corporate distress ? 100% when the company name’s Mike Tyson as its CEO! Let me start by saying there is NO BIGGER fan of Iron Mike Tyson than me. I grew up watching him pulverize the entire heavyweight division in the 80s. His undefeated streak up to the Buster Douglas fight is arguably the most dominant period in boxing history. He remains, without question, the most talented champion of boxing’s modern era. In terms of his involvement in the c@nnabis industy: He has stood as a vanguard for reform. He got back up off the mat when his initial venture, Tyson Ranch, didn’t work out. TYSON 2.0 is a solid brand and he’s one of the only celebrities in this space putting in the roadwork to make their brand a contender. So Mike, if you’re reading this, know that it’s ALL LOVE AND RESPECT (please don’t rip my head off at Champs) HOWEVER… Last week, Carma HoldCo—the parent co of TYSON 2.0, Ric Flair Drip, Wooooo! Energy, and Evol by Future—announced that Mike Tyson would be stepping into the ring as CEO. Co-Founder? Yes, I love it! Brand advisor? 100% on point. CEO? Wait, what!?! Class, I don’t need to recount the potential pitfalls here. This is an un-serious move by a once serious company. I have no doubt that there is a REAL CEO lurking in the background somewhere ensuring the company stays afloat. But this appointment sends a message to the market that you’re not trying to run a real company. I am going to wish Kid Dynamite the best, but I’m calling this one a TKO in the 3rd round...

So hot, ITS SOLD OUT... What is growing more than any segment in 2025 ??? Today I will be speaking at So Curious: A Social Beverage Conference — a first-of-its kind conference with Listen Ventures We are going to explore how consumers are driving the future of social experiences. Event Website here: https://lnkd.in/gnMzMMtE DM me for the waitlist (and next time don't sleep)

Is the Valley of the Sun going DARK?? Jim Small from the Arizona Mirror recently reported that total c@nnabis sales in Arizona were down 10% in 2024. This marks the second straight down year in Arizona, with 2024 sales ($1.3B) down 14% from 2022. As recreational cannabis came online in 2021, it has dominated the customer mix, accounting for 84% of 2024 numbers. → Good News The state collects 16% tax on rec sales in addition to 5.6% sales tax. Those taxes totaled $190M in 2024, of which $170M were from rec sales. For consumers it means more selection and lower prices… The mix of MSO + independent retail seems to be right for everyone to survive. It let’s not forget that we’re still talking about a $1.3B market… → Bad News Starting with the obvious: declining sales isn’t what any market or its participants want. AZ was a market I believed would be immune to price compression….Boy was I wrong! Competition is fierce and many retailers and brands are struggling to compete on pricing and payments… — What say you: → Will AZ stay amongst the top 10 markets nationally? → Is the price compression trend as states move to recession inevitable? → Are you operating in AZ and can share insights? Sound off in the comments….

My favorite new acronym isn’t as catchy as it is exciting: BD-POM. Big, Dumb Pile Of Money. What characterizes a BD-POM? → A financial or strategic player with a LOT of CASH (less than $100M need not apply) → That is trying to spend it on something: (i) They don't know how to do (ii) Is a pivot from the core business (iii) Has failed A LOT and has moved onto the next shiny object → Chasing (if you have ever bet on sports, you understand) So why are these BP-POMs so dumb?? → They usually have ZERO experience in the sector (and we all know how that goes)…. → They are launching a customer acquisition strategy which they don’t understand (think retail going DTC) → They are allocating (read: BETTING) a boatload on the strategy So, how do BD-POM investments usually end? → Not well. We’ve seen this movie before → Over/under these blow up in 24 months → The CEO or CIO calls me for HELP or a BAILOUT (or a job) Anyone got an all time favorite BD-POM??

Here's part two of my deep dive into the data on 4/20, brought to you EXCLUSIVELY by Hoodie Analytics. (If you didn’t catch yesterday’s post, hit my profile and get up to speed) Let’s get back into the insights: 1. The Day Genuinely Matters The specific day that 4/20 falls on significantly affects total sales. But regardless, it still has a major impact. When adjusting the baseline to account for these day-of-week differences, the sales lift on 4/20 in 2025 was actually higher relative to other Sundays in 2025, than 4/18 and 4/19 were to other Fridays and Saturdays respectively. 2. The 4/21 “Hangover Effect” is REAL Understandably, sales on 4/21 are much, much lower than on 4/20. In 2025, this divide grew by 3.0% versus 2024 3. Some States Do Better Than Others States with the largest declines on 4/20: Michigan, Florida, New Jersey, Missouri, Illinois, New York and Arkansas States which did better in 2025 than in 2024: Colorado, Arizona, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota (small sample). What can we learn from that? No idea. There seems to be little correlation in terms of market maturity or saturation. — So, was this 4/20 a wash? Not entirely. But clearly it doesn’t have the same ooomph that it once had. As we talk about how hard it is to operate, these numbers paint the picture that fast growth and easy money are long gone… And perhaps the reality is that cannabis is fast becoming mainstream and less counter cultural than it once was. Do we “celebrate” 4/20 anymore? Or do we just buy cheap weed now? You tell me.

Did anyone else pivot into c@nnabis because they thought it’d be straightforward, maybe even “easy”?? I’ll be honest, in 2019 I moved away from Life Sciences/Biotech because it was so damn hard. And I figured this industry would be easier… Turns out it’s all hard 😂 One of the smartest investors in the Life Sciences sector is Peter Kolchinsky from RA Capital Management. He’s a frequent poster on LinkedIn and always delivers thoughtful analysis. I admire Peter, for his investment prowess, his ethics and his conviction to humanity. Last week Peter talked about how rough it was to raise capital in biotech right now (sound familiar?). He re-posted his amazing piece from 2022 entitled: — “Dulcius ex Aspiris: The Way Through the Downturn” It’s a take on the Latin phrase meaning "the sweetness through great difficulties” Basically his message (for biotech) is: → The public markets suck → Its hard and it’s not getting easier → Private markets are not much better → Investors have cash only for the best companies → Whatever you think your valuation is, its probably lower → Be candid with yourself and your team → Markets fluctuate. It’s a long game. Conserve cash and live to play another day… For all my friends in the c@nnabis sector, take Peter’s words to heart. Things are tough everywhere. So if you’re thinking about bailing for greener pastures, you have been warned. The more people that throw in the towel, the greater the spoils for those of us who STAY THE COURSE....and thank you for the reminder Peter Kolchinsky

Want to go to a conference but not leave your house? Well then join me on May 15, 2025 !!!!! As Highly Capitalized Network-HCN presents: 🔥 *LinkedIn Live! Cannabis Business Conference & Expo* 🔥 The team has asked me to join and KEYNOTE!!!! Please join us from your phone, or your laptop for a 4-hour power session of real time networking, insider insights, and business breakthroughs—all happening virtually on LinkedIn Live! With 4 substages, and a main stage there is plenty of space to bounce around–-just like in a real event. This isn't your typical conference. The remote event technology has finally caught up...and it's amazing. You'll use your LinkedIn headshot as you bounce around the floor plan by clicking the substage you wish to enter. 📅 Date: May 15, 2025 ⏳ Time: 12 PM – 4 PM PT Where: Right here on LinkedIn 🎟️ Tickets: Farechild.com *VIRTUAL EVENT * No flights or hotels required. See you there ????

Cultivation—if you're not stupid—is a viable, profitable business in c@nnabis. If grow quality indoor flower in a 400-600 light facility... AND you keep your costs relatively low... You can get to profitability and run a strong business. The problems occur when you get over your skis, make stupid mistakes and let your costs balloon. But there's a good business model there if you can grow fire and stay disciplined....

I am the first to admit when I am wrong...so Ben Kovler, I owe you an apology... "Wait whaaaaaat??" Well, I was critical of him and Green Thumb Industries (GTI)... 1. I thought the share buyback was a bad move 2. I did not understand the open letter 3. I felt messaging was weak.... 4. I was critical of his moves.... Well....Ben you sure shut me up. 1. You consistently delivered on financials 2. You built a REAL business (net income and cash flow, to all the haters) 3. Agrify Corp deal even made ME stand up and say oh my... 4. You just keep executing... So I am offering up the start of my apology tour today... Keep it up (I am a shareholder!!!) And you sure shut me up.... Thank you to The Dales Report's Shadd Dales + Anthony Varrell (the best in the business).

C@annabis, Hemp and Functional Beverages are the hottest investment opportunities in our world right now. No contest. That was reinforced by my attendance at so curious - Social Beverage Conference, hosted by the good folks at Listen Ventures. The BUZZ was real people. → So what happened: I know, I know, the last thing we need is ANOTHER conference… But when its FRESH, ENERGETIC, ENGAGING and PACKED with the RIGHT PEOPLE it pops. This was not a regular stodgy, snoozefest conference…it was a VIBE. Kudos to Jeff Cantalupo and his whole team for pushing the conversation and getting the right people in the room - because that’s 90% of what makes a good conference. → Why is it important? The kind functional beverages were talking about are RAPIDLY taking share from alcohol and CPG. Alcohol can see this clearly and is getting involved in both distributing and lobbying. Capital is here and flowing—for the right deals. These brands are being led by a group of young scrappy entrepreneurs, who are creating a new category. → What's next? Every single indicator is suggesting that this explosive growth will continue. Gatherings like So Curious are setting the tone and bringing the industry together as COLLABORATORS in CATEGORY CREATION. And then comes the M&A and strategic consolidation to make some of these companies household names. Again, Jeff…THANK YOU for your leadership. I saw so many people and have so many to tag it would take a whole post. If you saw me there, say whatsup in the comments.

Is 4/20 still even a thing? After hearing rumbles throughout the industry of a soft 4/20 spread out over a weekend, I wanted to see how it compared to previous years. I hit up my friends at Hoodie Analytics for some answers… As usual, they came back with the GOODS. Here’s the EXCLUSIVE 4/20 data from Hoodie: 1. 4/20 Itself Was a MISS In 2024, stores saw an increase above baseline of ~144% In 2025, the lift was only 41%, about 60% LESS than last year On the surface it looks pretty bad for the 4/20 data… 2. Sundays Suck Generally Across the board, Sundays are slow days at dispensaries And this year 4/20 landed on EASTER SUNDAY! 4/20 in 2025 showed a 60% increase over the avg. Sunday 3. 4/20 in 2025 was a Weekend 2024 saw a strong, mostly isolated peak on 4/20 itself In 2025, 4/18 (Friday) sees the largest lift 4/19 (Saturday) and 4/20 (Sunday) were a statistical tie When you look at the 4/20 WEEKEND the overall lift is 12.2% lower than last year… Key Takeaways: — 4/20 is still important but not as important — Retail sucks on Sunday — Thank the lord we won’t have ANOTHER 4/20 on Easter Sunday for a while…

I do not ask for much, but I'm asking the community for a quick favor! 🙂 My sister, Blake Paige Yakatan, is up for an award as CX Leader of the Year at the CX Summit 2025. Hoping I can ask for a VOTE for Blake... Let’s blow this up !!! Vote here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/gYEp67mV Appreciate this BIG TIME! 💥

While I am a proponent of tough love…sometimes it’s best to deliver it with kindness. One of the smartest people in the sector, Brian Schinderle, said to me recently: — “Good idea…Yes!!! Good investment?? Maybe not….” People often ask me for advice on new ventures. I try to be a resource for them helping them to avoid making mistakes I’ve seen over and over again. But over the last few years I’ve taken a new approach: — Instead of killing their dreams, I try to let them down easy… Here is how it goes: You: I wanna get into c@nnabis, buy land, start a grow, and make a lot of money. Me: Well, c@nnabis is really hard and many have failed on the same premise you’re proposing. I strongly advise you save your time and money. You: ….. Me: BUT, if you have a religious conviction about this idea, maybe try to take over something that failed. You: Oh thanks, I never thought of that and I appreciate the warning. Me: Again, I'm not telling you this is a bad idea, I just want you to understand there is a 100% risk of loss. You: Well I never thought of that, and I was going to put my life savings into this… LET THEM DOWN EASY….. The siren song of easy money has tempted many well meaning sailors to the rocks in this industry. That doesn't mean everyone will meet a painful end.... But the odds are NOT in your favor right now. I tend to advise inexperienced by enthusiastic operators to hang out on the sidelines for a while. Read everything you can about the industry, talk to as many operators as you can, and wait for the signs that the water is safe to set sail in. Class, am I going soft with age?? (thank you Lauren Carpenter for the post-inspo)