Episode Details

We got another great story in this episode with Colby McKenzie having worn multiple hats as a successful corporate lawyer, co-founder of a cannabis tech startup that raised over $12 million, exited founder after orchestrating a strategic acquisition, and now an investor and founder of a boutique law firm dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs.

Colby talks about the grueling fundraising process, navigating the complexities of a strategic acquisition, and the importance of understanding key legal considerations throughout the entrepreneurial journey.

Here's what you're in for:

• 00:00 - Intro

• 00:45 - Colby's transition from corporate law to entrepreneurship

• 02:25 - Challenges of being a first-time founder and raising capital

• 05:50 - Navigating the fundraising process and courting investors

• 10:05 - Raising over $12 million across two rounds for Enlightened

• 13:22 - Strategic acquisition of Enlightened by Weedmaps

• 18:06 - Leveraging legal expertise to drive a successful exit

• 24:19 - Joining Weedmaps and public companies post-exit

• 28:58 - Launching Transition Point Law to guide other founders

• 50:08 - Outro

  
  

This episode is sponsored by ThunderVC, an investment bank for founders by founders.

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ABOUT COLBY MCKENZIE

Colby Mckenzie is a business-minded attorney and M&A expert. From practicing law at one of the top firms in the world to being a seasoned entrepreneur with numerous successful exits as both a founder/operator and private equity investor, Colby marries his legal and business careers to bring an unrivaled viewpoint to unique and unconventional transactions.

McKenzie founded Transition Point Law to give business owners and funds the experience that he was looking for while operating companies himself.

Prior to founding Transition Point Law, he was the co-founder of venture-backed startup Enlighten, a leading canntech company, which had a successful exit in 2022 to Weedmaps (Nasdaq: MAPS). And, thereafter, spent two years as part of senior management and the c-suite of multiple public companies.

He has helped companies in a wide array of businesses including digital media, ad tech, mobile apps, IoT, health & wellness, cannabis, food/service, financial services, professional services, construction and commercial real estate.

Connect with Colby on:

• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colby-mckenzie-08423372/

• Website: https://www.transitionpointlaw.com/

  
  

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