
Growcore Investments: We scale consumer brands.
About Us
Growcore™ invests in the creation of scalable platforms within growing consumer verticals. We provide long-term capital - debt and equity - and extensive experience working with founders to grow unique brands. We believe in building strong partnerships that depend on identifying and investing in experienced, proven management teams. Our reputation of respect, integrity and forward-thinking comes directly from our founders, the Fireman family, and extends to our network of loyal investors and entrepreneur advisors. The Growcore team has a proven track record developed over 39 transactions and over $400m invested across a wide range of consumer categories.


The Team

Dan Fireman
Managing Partner
As a Co-Founder of Growcore, Dan focuses on all aspects of the firm’s investment strategy, execution and portfolio company management. Dan received his BA from Emory University and his MBA from the F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business at Babson College.

Chris Akelman
Partner
As a Co-Founder of Growcore, Chris is responsible for evaluating and executing new investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies. Chris received his BA in Economics from Brown University.

Devon Howard
Principal
Devon has been with the Growcore team since 2015. He is responsible for evaluating and executing new investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies. Devon received his BComm in Finance with a minor concentration in Entrepreneurship from McGill University.

Russ Kazorek
Vice President & Controller
Russ has been with the Growcore team for over 10 years and has over 18 years of private equity experience in finance. He is responsible for the financial accounting and tax reporting functions of the firm. Russ received his BA in Political Science and Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont.

Viniqua Gooding
Executive Personal Assistant
Viniqua joined Growcore in 2020. She is responsible for maintaining the Partners daily schedules, correspondence, contacts, personal projects, meeting arrangements as well as travel. Viniqua received her BA in Communication from The University of New Hampshire.

Ben Rogers
Analyst
Ben joined Growcore in 2020. He is responsible for sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities and supporting portfolio companies. Ben received his BS in Philosophy and Political Science from Emory University.

Patti Olson
Accountant
Patti joined Growcore in 2021. She is responsible for the financial accounting of the firm and funds. Patti received her BS in Management from Bentley University.

David O'Connor
Head of Business Development
David focuses on business development and analyzing potential acquisitions for Growcore. David received his BA in Managerial Economics from Bentley University.
Investments
Over the last thirteen years, the Growcore team has completed 39 transactions and has deployed over $400m in capital across a wide range of consumer categories.

Docklight Brands
Current
A portfolio of CBD-infused beverage, food and skin care brands.

Dr. Jolly's
Current
The #1 selling extract brand in Oregon.

Garden Remedies
Current
A vertically integrated cannabis company serving medical and recreational consumers in Massachusetts.

Leafly
Current
The largest cannabis website in the world, producing cannabis focused content and facilitating online ordering in select markets.

Purity Organics
Current
A multi brand holding company focused on better for you, organic beverage products.

The Herb Center
Current
One of the first dispensaries in Bend, Oregon and a local favorite due to its vast array of products and consistently low prices.
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The Parent Company
Current
The largest vertically integrated omnichannel cannabis platform in California.

Tilray
Current
A global leader in cannabis research, cultivation, processing and distribution.
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Tumalo Industries
Current
A cannabis focused portfolio of brands, farms, dispensaries, and manufacturing facilities which embody the commitment to quality and innovation that reinforce Oregon’s reputable cannabis market.

Bandon Holdings
Realized
The largest network of gyms in the Anytime Fitness franchisee system.

CANarchy
Realized
A disruptive collective of independent brewers dedicated to bringing quality & innovative flavors to beer drinkers in the name of craft beer.

Dunn's River Brands
Realized
A holding company of beverage brands focused on tea and functional wellness.

Evolution Fresh
Realized
A producer of cold-pressed fruit juices, fruit smoothies, gourmet soups, salads and signature bowls.

Hudson Jeans
Realized
A premium denim manufacturer and distributor.

IdeaPaint
Realized
A producer and distributor of dry erase paint for the office, school, and home.

Left Coast Ventures
Realized
A leading manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of premium cannabis products focused on the California market.

Newton Running
Realized
A manufacturer and distributor of premium natural running footwear.

Pilla
Realized
A manufacturer of technical sports eyewear.

Privateer Holdings
Realized
A private equity firm focused on shaping the future of the global legal cannabis industry.

Serena & Lily
Realized
A lifestyle retailer focused on home décor.

Skip Hop
Realized
A global lifestyle brand devoted to designing innovative products for parents, babies and kids.

Surfside Holdings
Realized
A southern Florida based operator of Dunkin' Brands restaurants.
