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al Harrington
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The emergence of the holiday season usually means an array of parties, an abundance of shopping, and a lot of seasonal foods and drinks. And when it comes to food, some venture out and try new recipes. However, many people stick to their parents’ and grandparents’ tried-and-true culinary dishes. While the consistency of grandma’s sweet potato pie and deeply brewed sweet tea never misses, former NBA star Al Harrington is putting quite the unique spin on some of his favorites from his grandma that he believes will not disappoint. Harrington enjoyed a long and successful career in the NBA, spending 18 seasons with seven teams. During his time, he averaged 13.5 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. As he approached the final years of his basketball career, Harrington entered an industry many may not have thought of for him. However, inspiration from a loved one sparked his entrepreneurial pursuits. Harrington had a close relationship with his grandmother Viola. She had long suffered from...
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
Al Harrington and the cannabis industry are starting to go hand in hand. Cannabis brand Pilgrim Soul has closed a $2 million seed round, Benzinga reports. Participating investors include Merida Capital Holdings, Bee House, Skip-Hop founder Michal Diament, and other notable tech entrepreneurs. More brand advisors and equity holders include Soothe founder Merlin Kauffman, former Sperry & Club Monaco CMO Ann Watson, and Viola Brands founder Al Harrington. “Like Skip Hop, the company I founded that brought product innovation to baby gear, I invest in companies and people that see around corners and help to redefine industries,” Diament said, according to Benzinga. “Shawn Gold [founder and CEO of Pilgrim Soul] has a keen eye for culture and a long history of assembling amazing teams that build breakthrough products.” Harrington joined the investment round due to Pilgrim Soul’s efforts to support marginalized communities. “Like Viola, Pilgrim Soul is a purpose-driven brand. For them, it’s...
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...
NBA star Al Harrington’s Village company is looking to diversify the cannabis industry. The cannabis world has seen tremendous growth, despite the alarming consequences the pandemic has infiltrated into the economy. According to a recent study, the cannabis industry has witnessed a growth of 50.92 percent in 2020 alone and the numbers are projected to increase to 32.04 percent within the decade. While this may be a celebration for some as marijuana continues to become steadily legalized in more states, the reality is minorities are not reaping the benefits. Village — founded by Al Harrington and Dan Pettigrew — is looking to change that by ensuring women and minorities will be at the forefront of the industry. MarketWatch reports, the company plans to become a multi-state operator distinct from its competitors and promote social equity in the cannabis industry. “The concept for Village is to work through the application process as well as through mergers and partnership, to develop...
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....
These former NBA players are meeting up once more, but this time it’s bigger than just hoops! Larry Hughes and Al Harrington will work together to continue to expand Harrington’s cannabis business in St. Louis. Previously Harrington announced that the two will work together on his Viola brand when he opens a cultivation and processing center along with two cannabis dispensaries early next year, according to Black Enterprise . The new venture is a partnership with Harrington and his cannabis company, Village Brands, and will be called Viola Missouri (VMO). “I am honored to bring VMO to life in St. Louis. Over the course of my career in the NBA, and since my retirement, I have focused my energy and resources on being a positive influence in this community,” said Hughes in a written statement. “I have championed efforts to break the stigma around mental health and spent a great deal of time helping to develop this city’s young leaders. VMO will serve the medical needs of our community,...
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...