For cannabis companies, the potential for technological integration is limitless. Nearly every aspect of the business can be streamlined and optimized with innovative tech solutions. One startup that’s curating efficiency is BulbTech, a cannabis ecosystem connecting sellers with consumers in an easy-to-use interface. BulbTech is an online store, a delivery app, and a CRM all rolled into one intuitive platform.
As the cannabis sector grows, so too will the demand for tech-enabled solutions. According to BulbTech CTO and Founder Tiffany Burtt, “This is an emerging industry and one that will be worth almost $150 billion by 2025. None of us will ever see another industry emerge like this.” With so much money on the line, partnering with the right technologies now could add up to significant savings later on. We spoke with Burtt to hear about her experience
as a female founder in the cannabis space and discover how startups can better integrate tech into their business plans.
Cannabis & Tech Today: How would you describe your experience as a female founder in the cannabis industry?
Tiffany Burtt: My experience as a female founder has been exciting. I feel compelled every day, 20 hours a day, literally. There’s never a dull moment. Everyone needs and wants quality technology.
There is a lot of stress though. Banking is the bane of our existence; that’s why I’m thrilled to think about the collaboration and creativity that went into our payment solution options.
I was a little disappointed that [the gender demographics] reminded me of the tech and home services industries. Then it just pissed me off to see the scale tipping. But, then I came full circle and began looking for opportunities to lead, mentor, and promote change.
C&T Today: What inspired the creation of BulbTech?
TB: When I began to see the tragedy that companies were calling technology and I started listening to the pain of systems not being integrated – state track-and-trace systems taking a crap and shutting dispensaries down for an entire holiday weekend, no operational lens into the business, etc. – I decided that we needed to provide wellness to the cannabis economy. We needed to build the experience the consumer craves and a platform for the sellers and distributors to thrive in, in the integrated and automated world they deserve.
C&T Today: How could the cannabis sector improve its interaction with technology?
TB: I wish we could get the word out that quality technology is not that expensive and must be a part of the initial build of any business in cannabis. I’ve seen so many businesses allot tons of cash for applications, licenses, brick-and-mortar requirements, product inventory, and marketing – leaving nothing for tech. Lastly, a lot of people are afraid of tech because it “records every single thing under the sun” and somehow it knows your black-market past and is going to alert authorities. Those are fear-based rumors and totally false. Embrace the freedom!
C&T Today: As a tech startup in the cannabis space, what advice would you offer other entrepreneurs entering the industry?
TB: My advice: when you meet a wall, tear it down and climb on over. Network. Sponsor. Keep showing up. Grind every day. Hydrate. Be uncomfortable; it means you’re growing.
Image by William Iven from Pixabay
