The Hanway Company
Adventures in drug policy
We build businesses where regulations change and stigmas fade.
The Hanway Company was founded on Hanway Street in Soho by drug policy entrepreneurs that take fringe ideas to the mainstream.
In 1752, Jonas Hanway, a merchant and philanthropist, strode through the rainy streets of London’s Soho with an umbrella in hand. Passers-by laughed and heckled him as umbrellas were strictly taboo at the time – perceived as a sign of weakness. 200 years later only a fool would go out without an umbrella on a rainy day. At The Hanway Company, the spirit of Jonas lives on, in our risk-taking, taboo-breaking, life-improving work.
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Europe’s preeminent cannabis advisory firm specialising in market research, M&A and strategy. Founded in 2017 by a doctor, a lawyer and a creative it quickly became the go-to partner for corporates and startups navigating the cannabis sector.
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Spin out: A UK-based clinical research organisation focused on drugs for psychedelic-assisted therapy. Backed by Matt Cooper (Capital One/Octopus), Exceptional Ventures, AYUH Ventures, Convergence www.clerkenwellhealth.comPartners, and Lionheart Ventures. Large minority position developed through incubation
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Minority holding: Leading global cannabis business media and data platform with highly respected portfolio of brands. Large minority position developed through the sale of Cannabis Europa in 2019.
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Starting in 2018, First Wednesdays quickly became Europe’s biggest cannabis entrepreneur and investor network. Since 2020 the brand has operated as the publishing arm of The Hanway Company.
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CROP17 is a turnkey solution for those looking to build and operate cannabis facilities in the UK. A joint venture with FTSE250 Savills PLC, Cambridge HOK engineering group, Subrosa Group security, and Woodley Bioreg consultants.
We work with mainstream partners that share our future-facing values.
2015-17
Founding team at Volteface, the first UK drug policy think tank.
2017
Founded Hanway Associates, the UK’s first cannabis consultancy
2018
Launched First Wednesdays, Europe’s largest cannabis investor network
2018-19
Built, operated and exited Cannabis Europa conference business
2020
Launched CROP17, cannabis cultivation joint venture with FTSE250 Savills PLC
2020
Won 1st commercial cannabis licence on British Isles since 2001
2020
Won 1 of 10 recreational cannabis licences in Dutch government tender
2021
Led cannabis industry submissions to UK Government Taskforce, TIGRR
2023
Developed a strategic economic plan for domestic industry with the Government of Jersey