Cannabis retailer Sweet Flower has successfully raised $15 million of equity in its first external raise. Led by AFI Capital Partners, investors also include leaders in retail, media, entertainment and finance.

The investment positions Sweet Flower to rapidly scale its expansion, including the launch of its flagship store in Culver City, the launch of its manufacturing and distribution vertical hub in downtown Los Angeles, the rollout of its sub-brand of retail stores in new markets throughout California, and the roll-out of its private label program.

“As Sweet Flower continues to build the best-in-class retail and delivery footprint in Southern California, creating the most recognized and respected retail brand in the largest sector of the largest regulated cannabis marketplace in the world, the investment provides the financial backing to rapidly scale our store growth and reach, building significant equity in the Sweet Flower brand,” said Timothy Dodd, Sweet Flower’s CEO and co-founder. “Our ability to win new premium licenses and launch new stores while doubling same-store revenues year-over-year speaks to the strength, bench depth and focus of our management team.”