Marijuana delivery giant Eaze may go up in smoke
0Reported today on TechCrunch
For the full article visit: https://techcrunch.com/2020/01/16/eaze-out-of-cash-to-burn/
Marijuana delivery giant Eaze may go up in smoke
The Uber of pot is almost out of cash
The first cannabis startup to raise big money in Silicon Valley is in danger of burning out. TechCrunch has learned that pot delivery middleman Eaze has seen unannounced layoffs, and its depleted cash reserves threaten its ability to make payroll or settle its AWS bill. Eaze was forced to raise a bridge round to keep the lights on as it prepares to attempt major pivot to 'touching the plant' by selling its own marijuana brands through its own depots.
TechCrunch spoke with nine sources with knowledge of Eaze's struggles to piece together this report. If Eaze fails, it could highlight serious growing pains amid the 'green rush' of startups into the marijuana business.
Eaze, the startup backed by some $166 million in funding that once positioned itself as the "Uber of pot" - a marketplace selling pot and other cannabis products from dispensaries and delivering it to customers - has recently closed a $15 million bridge round, according to multiple source. The funding was meant to keep the lights on as Eaze struggles to raise its next round of funding amid problems with making decent margins on its current business model, lawsuits, payment processing issues, and internal disorganization.
An Eaze spokesperson confirmed that the company is low on cash. Sources tell us that the company, which laid off some 30 people last summer, is preparing another round of cuts in the meantime. The spokesperson refused to discuss personnel issues but noted that there have been layoffs at many late stage startups as investors want to see companies cut costs and become more efficient.
From what we understand, Eaze is currently trying to raise a $35 million Series D rou