Focus V
About this raise
Focus V, with a valuation of $24.2 million, is raising funds on StartEngine. The company designs and develops smart vaporizers for the cannabis market. Focus V is developing smart cannabis devices to revolutionize the way cannabis hash and flower are consumed. The company’s flagship product, CARTA, was released in April 2022 and has received significant accolades for its performance. The other newer products of Focus V include AERIS, INTELLI-CORE, and CARTA 2. Samuel Jurist founded Focus V in February 2015. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $15,000 and a maximum target of $1.23 million. The campaign proceeds will be used for research and development, inventory, and working capital.
Investment Overview
Committed $391,889 :
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2015
- Industry
- Alcohol, Tobacco, & Recreational Drugs
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2C
- Margin
- Medium
- Capital Intensity
- Low
Financials
- Revenue +10% YoY
-
$10,296,804
as of FY2023
- Monthly Burn
-
Profitable
as of FY2023
-
Cash on Hand
-
$50,000
as of Aug '24
- Gross Margin
-
50%
as of FY2023
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Synopsis
Focus V is a California-based company specializing in the design and development of smart vaporizers for the cannabis market. The company's mission is to revolutionize the consumption of cannabis hash and flower through advanced technology. Focus V's flagship product, CARTA, launched in April 2022, has garnered significant praise for its performance. Other notable products in their lineup include AERIS, INTELLI-CORE, and CARTA 2. The primary customers of Focus V are cannabis consumers who seek a sophisticated and efficient way to consume cannabis concentrates and flowers.
The problem Focus V addresses is the lack of advanced, user-friendly devices for cannabis consumption. Traditional methods such as smoking or using basic vaporizers often fail to provide a consistent and controlled experience. Additionally, these methods can be cumbersome and lack the technological advancements that modern consumers expect. This gap in the market presents a challenge for consumers who are looking for a more refined and efficient way to enjoy cannabis.
Focus V's solution is to offer smart cannabis devices that integrate hardware and software to enhance the user experience. Their products, like the CARTA vaporizer, are designed to provide precise temperature control, longer battery life, and a sleek design. These features aim to make cannabis consumption more enjoyable and efficient. By incorporating smart technology, Focus V allows users to customize their experience, ensuring consistent and controlled consumption every time.
In everyday experiences, the problem Focus V addresses can be likened to the difference between using a basic mobile phone and a modern smartphone. Just as smartphones offer a range of functionalities and a superior user experience, Focus V's smart vaporizers provide cannabis consumers with advanced features that elevate their consumption experience. For instance, imagine a consumer who enjoys cannabis but finds traditional smoking methods harsh and inconvenient. With Focus V's devices, this consumer can easily control the temperature and enjoy a smoother, more consistent experience, much like how a smartphone offers a more integrated and user-friendly experience compared to a basic phone.
Price
Focus V is offering Common Equity in its current fundraising round on StartEngine. The pre-money valuation for the company is set at $24.2 million, with each share priced at $1.50.
Investing in common equity provides shareholders with ownership stakes in Focus V, but it does not come with the preferential treatment often associated with preferred equity, such as priority in dividend payments or liquidation preferences. This means that common equity investors may face higher risks, especially in scenarios of financial distress or liquidation. However, common equity can offer substantial upside potential if the company performs well and achieves a successful exit.
The exit potential for Focus V will largely depend on its ability to continue innovating and expanding its market share in the competitive cannabis vaporizer industry. To provide a 10X return to investors, Focus V would need to reach a post-exit valuation of approximately $242 million. This would likely require significant revenue growth, market expansion, and possibly strategic acquisitions or partnerships to enhance its product offerings and market reach.
Currently, Focus V has a revenue multiple of 2.35x based on its recent annual revenue of $10.3 million. Achieving a 10X return would necessitate either a substantial increase in revenue or a higher revenue multiple, reflecting improved profitability, market position, or strategic value to potential acquirers. For instance, if the company could grow its annual revenue to $50 million while maintaining or improving its margins, it could potentially attract a higher multiple, making a 10X return more feasible.
Given the competitive landscape and the need for continuous innovation, Focus V will need to execute its growth strategies effectively to achieve such an ambitious target. Investors should consider the inherent risks and the company's strategic plans when evaluating the potential for significant returns.
Market
The cannabis vaporizer market in the U.S. is currently valued at approximately $1.7 billion, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3% between 2024 and 2032. This growth is driven by several key factors, including the increasing legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use, technological advancements in vaporizer design, and a growing preference among consumers for smoke-free methods of cannabis consumption.
One of the primary market drivers is the ongoing legalization of cannabis across various states, which is expanding the consumer base and increasing market demand. This trend is positively impacting companies like Focus V, which are well-positioned to cater to both new and existing consumers looking for advanced and user-friendly vaporizer options.
Technological advancements are another significant driver. Innovations such as temperature control, longer battery life, and sleek designs are making vaporizers more appealing to tech-savvy consumers. Focus V's products, which integrate smart technology, align well with these consumer preferences, potentially enhancing their market appeal.
However, public health concerns related to vaping, including reports of vaping-related lung injuries and illnesses, pose a significant threat to the market. These concerns could negatively impact consumer perceptions and demand, thereby affecting sales of vaporizers, including those from Focus V. Additionally, the lack of consistent regulations due to the federal illegality of cannabis in many countries introduces variability in quality and safety standards, which could further impact consumer trust and market growth.
Focus V's products primarily target the broader cannabis vaporizer market rather than a specific niche. Their range of smart vaporizers, including CARTA, AERIS, and CARTA 2, are designed to appeal to a wide spectrum of cannabis consumers looking for advanced, efficient, and reliable consumption methods. This broad target market allows Focus V to tap into the growing demand from both recreational and medical cannabis users who prioritize quality and technological innovation.
Overall, while the cannabis vaporizer market presents substantial growth opportunities, Focus V will need to navigate regulatory challenges and public health concerns to fully capitalize on its potential. The company’s ability to innovate and maintain high product standards will be critical in leveraging the positive market trends and expanding its market share.
Team
Focus V is led by a team of experienced professionals with diverse expertise in the cannabis, technology, and consumer goods sectors. The key team members include:
Samuel Jurist: As the CEO, Director, and Principal Accounting Officer, Samuel Jurist brings over eight years of experience in the cannabis industry. His background as an entrepreneur in tech and consumer goods provides a strong foundation for leading Focus V. Jurist's skills in sales, mergers and acquisitions, product development, and marketing are crucial for driving the company's growth and innovation.
John Quion: Serving as the Head of Product Development, John Quion has nearly two decades of experience in graphics and design. His expertise spans conceptualization, product and packaging design, branding, UX/UI, and motion graphics. Quion's passion for innovation, efficiency, and usability aligns well with Focus V's mission to create advanced and user-friendly cannabis devices.
Barry Rothbard: As the Content Director, Barry Rothbard manages Focus V's content strategy, social media pages, influencer program, and content production. His experience as a writer and his role in developing the brand's voice and messaging are essential for building a strong brand presence and engaging with the target audience.
Robert Macente: The VP of Operations, Robert Macente, oversees fulfillment, customer service, website management, IT troubleshooting, and data analytics. His deep understanding of computers and operations management ensures that Focus V's operational processes run smoothly and efficiently.
Eric Lancaster: As the VP of Sales, Eric Lancaster is dedicated to driving growth through strategic vision and cultivating successful partnerships. His extensive network in the industry and sales leadership experience are vital for expanding Focus V's market reach and increasing revenue.
Toni Ferrante: The Controller, Toni Ferrante, brings decades of experience in managing daily accounting needs and financial statements for large product-based companies. Her deep understanding of accounting principles is crucial for maintaining financial health and ensuring accurate financial reporting.
The skills and experience of the Focus V team align well with the company's goals of innovating and expanding in the cannabis vaporizer market. Samuel Jurist's leadership and entrepreneurial background, combined with John Quion's design expertise, support the development of cutting-edge products. Barry Rothbard's content strategy and Eric Lancaster's sales leadership are essential for building brand awareness and driving market penetration.
However, there are potential gaps in the team that could impact the achievement of future milestones. For instance, additional expertise in regulatory compliance and legal affairs could be beneficial given the complex and evolving landscape of cannabis regulations. Furthermore, strengthening the team with more specialized marketing and technology development professionals could enhance Focus V's ability to innovate and stay ahead of competitors.
Differentiation
Focus V operates in the competitive cannabis vaporizer market, with key competitors including Volcano, DaVinci, and Arizer. Each of these companies offers high-quality vaporizers, but they differ in terms of company size, product quality, and pricing.
Volcano: Volcano is a well-established brand known for its high-end desktop vaporizers. The company’s products are often considered the gold standard in terms of quality and performance. However, Volcano's vaporizers are typically priced at a premium, which can be a barrier for some consumers. In comparison, Focus V offers a range of smart vaporizers that integrate advanced technology at a more accessible price point, appealing to a broader audience without compromising on quality.
DaVinci: DaVinci specializes in portable vaporizers that emphasize precision and control. Their products are known for their sleek design and advanced features such as temperature control and app connectivity. While DaVinci’s vaporizers are competitive in terms of technology, Focus V's products like CARTA and CARTA 2 offer similar features with an emphasis on smart integration, potentially providing a more enhanced user experience at a comparable price range.
Arizer: Arizer is another strong player in the vaporizer market, offering both portable and desktop models. Arizer’s vaporizers are known for their durability and ease of use. Focus V differentiates itself by focusing on smart technology and user customization, which may appeal more to tech-savvy consumers looking for a modern and interactive vaping experience.
Focus V targets a diverse demographic of cannabis consumers who prioritize quality, technology, and convenience. This includes both recreational and medical cannabis users who seek advanced and reliable methods for consuming cannabis concentrates and flowers. The typical customer profile includes tech-savvy individuals who appreciate the benefits of smart technology, such as precise temperature control and app connectivity, which enhance the overall user experience. Additionally, Focus V appeals to younger consumers who are more likely to adopt new technologies and prefer sleek, modern designs in their devices.
By offering smart vaporizers that integrate hardware and software, Focus V aims to provide a differentiated product experience that stands out in a crowded market. The company's focus on technological innovation and user-friendly features positions it well to attract a broad customer base, from tech enthusiasts to everyday cannabis users seeking a more refined and efficient consumption method.
Performance
Focus V has shown a slow, growth trajectory. The company's annual revenue increased from $9.4 million in 2022 to $10.3 million in 2023, representing a year-over-year growth rate of approximately 9.9%. While this growth is positive, it is relatively modest given the competitive dynamics of the cannabis vaporizer market.
The slow revenue growth between 2022 and 2023 is a concern. If this trend continues, it could limit the company's ability to scale and achieve significant returns for investors. Focus V will need to accelerate its growth rate to meet investor expectations and justify its current valuation.
Focus V carries a significant debt burden, with $7.4 million in short-term debt and $2.1 million in long-term debt, totaling $9.5 million. This high level of debt could constrain the company's financial flexibility and ability to invest in growth initiatives. While the company's profitability lowers the debt risk, it can still be a concern for investors.
Despite these financial constraints, Focus V has achieved notable milestones. The company has generated over $50 million in lifetime revenue and served more than 200,000 customers. It has also established a strong presence in the retail market, with over 3,000 retail partners and 70,000 app users. These figures indicate a solid market presence and customer base, which could be leveraged for future growth.
In summary, while Focus V has demonstrated a strong market presence and customer base, its financial performance indicates challenges that need to be addressed. The company must manage its cash flow carefully, reduce its debt burden, and find ways to accelerate revenue growth to achieve its long-term objectives.
Risk
Investing in Focus V comes with several specific risks that potential investors should carefully consider:
While Focus V has achieved over $50 million in lifetime revenue and has a strong customer base, the revenue growth between 2022 and 2023 was notably slow. This sluggish growth raises concerns about the company’s ability to scale and maintain momentum in an increasingly competitive market. If this trend continues, it could hinder the company’s ability to achieve significant returns for investors.
The company has a combined short-term and long-term debt of approximately $9.5 million. This high level of debt could pose significant financial risk, especially if revenue growth does not accelerate. Servicing this debt could also detract from funds available for growth initiatives, thereby limiting the company’s strategic flexibility.
Focus V operates in the cannabis vaporizer market, which is subject to stringent regulations and public health concerns. Reports of vaping-related lung injuries and illnesses could negatively impact consumer perception and demand for vaporizers, including those produced by Focus V. Additionally, the company's pending patents indicate potential intellectual property risks. If these patents are not granted or if intellectual property disputes arise, it could affect the company’s competitive edge.
The company has faced lawsuits in the past, which introduces legal risk. Ongoing or future legal challenges could drain financial resources and divert management attention from business operations and growth strategies.
The cannabis vaporizer market is moderately competitive, with established players like Volcano, DaVinci, and Arizer. To stay relevant, Focus V will need to continuously innovate and invest in marketing. The need for continuous innovation can be resource-intensive and risky, especially in a crowded market where consumer preferences can shift rapidly.
Investors should weigh these risks against the potential rewards and consider how Focus V plans to address these challenges to achieve its growth objectives.
Bullish Outlook
Several factors contribute to a bullish outlook for Focus V, highlighting the company’s potential for growth and success in the cannabis vaporizer market. One of the primary positive factors is the substantial market opportunity. The U.S. cannabis vaporizer market is valued at approximately $1.7 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3% between 2024 and 2032. The increasing legalization of cannabis for both medical and recreational use is expanding the consumer base, creating significant growth potential for companies like Focus V.
Focus V’s unique strengths and competitive advantages also contribute to a positive outlook. The company’s focus on integrating smart technology into its vaporizers sets it apart from many competitors. Products like CARTA and CARTA 2 offer advanced features such as precise temperature control and app connectivity, which appeal to tech-savvy consumers looking for a modern and customizable vaping experience. These smart features can enhance user satisfaction and loyalty, potentially driving higher sales and market penetration.
In terms of partnerships and achievements, Focus V has established a solid market presence with over 3,000 retail partners and a loyal customer base of more than 200,000 individuals. The company's traction, evidenced by over $50 million in lifetime revenue and 70,000 app users, indicates strong market acceptance and a foundation for future growth. These achievements demonstrate the company’s ability to attract and retain customers, which is crucial for long-term success.
From a financial perspective, Focus V’s steady revenue growth, albeit slow, reflects a stable business model. The company’s ability to generate over $10.3 million in annual revenue and maintain high margins of around 75% on retail sales and 45% on wholesale and distribution indicate strong profitability potential. While the current cash reserves are low, the company’s historical performance and market traction suggest a capacity to overcome financial challenges and secure necessary funding to support its growth initiatives.
In summary, the positive factors contributing to a bullish outlook for Focus V include significant market opportunities, competitive advantages in smart vaporizer technology, a strong and experienced leadership team, solid market traction, and growth drivers related to product innovation and expansion plans. These elements collectively position Focus V for potential success and growth in the evolving cannabis vaporizer market.
Bearish Outlook
Several factors contribute to a bearish outlook for Focus V, highlighting potential challenges and concerns for investors. One of the primary market challenges is the increasingly competitive landscape in the cannabis vaporizer industry. Established competitors like Volcano, DaVinci, and Arizer have strong brand recognition and loyal customer bases, making it difficult for Focus V to differentiate itself and capture significant market share. Additionally, public health concerns related to vaping, such as reports of vaping-related lung injuries, could negatively impact consumer perception and demand for vaporizers, including those from Focus V.
From a financial perspective, Focus V faces several concerns that could hinder its growth. The company's revenue growth has been slow, increasing only by approximately 9.9% from 2022 to 2023, rising from $9.4 million to $10.3 million. This modest growth rate is a concern, especially in a market environment where rapid scaling is often necessary to achieve significant returns. Furthermore, Focus V has low cash reserves, with only $87,554 on hand at the end of the most recent fiscal year. This limited cash flow, combined with a high debt burden of $9.5 million, constrains the company's financial flexibility and ability to invest in growth initiatives effectively.
Technological and regulatory hurdles also pose significant growth inhibitors for Focus V. The need for continuous innovation in a fast-evolving market requires substantial investment in research and development. However, given the company's financial constraints, maintaining a competitive edge through technological advancements may be challenging. Additionally, the lack of consistent regulations due to the federal illegality of cannabis in many countries introduces variability in quality and safety standards, which could further impact consumer trust and market adoption.
Concerns about the team and leadership also factor into a bearish outlook. While the current team possesses relevant industry experience and expertise, there are potential gaps, particularly in regulatory compliance and legal affairs. These areas are critical given the complex and evolving landscape of cannabis regulations. The absence of specialized skills in these domains could pose risks to the company's ability to navigate regulatory challenges effectively.
In summary, the factors contributing to a bearish outlook for Focus V include a highly competitive market, slow revenue growth, low cash reserves, high debt levels, technological and regulatory hurdles, and potential gaps in the leadership team. These challenges collectively pose significant risks to the company's growth prospects and may deter potential investors.
Executive Summary
Focus V designs and develops smart vaporizers for the cannabis market. The company's primary customers are cannabis consumers seeking advanced and efficient methods for consuming cannabis concentrates and flowers. Focus V's flagship product, CARTA, along with other offerings like AERIS and CARTA 2, targets a broad demographic of tech-savvy and quality-conscious users.
The company is offering Common Equity at a pre-money valuation of $24.2 million, with shares priced at $1.50 each. This valuation reflects the company's established market presence and significant lifetime revenue of over $50 million. To achieve a 10X return, Focus V would need to reach a post-exit valuation of approximately $242 million, requiring substantial revenue growth and market expansion.
The U.S. cannabis vaporizer market, valued at around $1.7 billion, is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.3% from 2024 to 2032. Key drivers include the increasing legalization of cannabis and technological advancements in vaporizer design. However, public health concerns and inconsistent regulations pose significant challenges.
Focus V has shown steady but slow revenue growth, with annual revenue increasing from $9.4 million to $10.3 million at a growth rate of approximately 9.9% between 2022 and 2023. The company has low cash reserves of $87,554 and a significant debt burden of $9.5 million, which could constrain its financial flexibility. Despite these challenges, Focus V has achieved notable milestones, including a strong customer base and extensive retail partnerships.
In terms of differentiation, Focus V competes with established brands like Volcano, DaVinci, and Arizer. The company's focus on integrating smart technology into its vaporizers provides a unique value proposition, appealing to a broad customer base. The target demographics include tech-savvy individuals and younger consumers who prioritize advanced features and modern designs.
Unique risks associated with Focus V include slow revenue growth, low cash reserves, high debt levels, and market-specific challenges such as public health concerns and regulatory variability. The company's ability to innovate and maintain high product standards will be critical to navigating these risks.
Focus V benefits from significant market drivers, a solid customer base, and a team with relevant expertise. The growing cannabis vaporizer market and the company's focus on smart technology offer substantial growth potential.
The slow revenue growth, high debt levels, and low cash reserves present significant financial risks. Public health concerns and inconsistent regulations could also negatively impact market demand and consumer trust.
In conclusion, Focus V presents a mixed investment opportunity. While the company has achieved notable milestones and operates in a growing market, the financial constraints and market-specific challenges pose significant risks. Investors should weigh these factors carefully when considering an investment in Focus V.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $0
- VC Backed?
- No
Close Date | Platform | Valuation | Total Raised | Security Type | Status | Reg Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04/30/2025 | StartEngine | $24,200,000 | $391,889 | Equity - Common | Active | RegCF |