ACE Venture Secures Majority Interest in Vireo Health to Build a Social‑Equity‑Focused Cannabis Holding Company
ACE Venture, a New York‑based MWBE‑certified cannabis holding company, today announced the completion of its 51 % acquisition of Vireo Health of New York. The transaction creates a New York‑founded cannabis enterprise where business infrastructure, cultural credibility, and community ownership are intentionally aligned at the highest level.
Leadership Vision and Commitment to Equity
“When I set out to find a partner, I was intentional – I needed alignment not just in business, but in values. That meant partnering with a company that stood on the right side of New York’s equity program from the beginning. Our ownership and leadership include justice‑involved members, and today, one of us has a seat at the table helping shape culture and commerce in this industry. This partnership with John Mazarakis and the Vireo team is built on that foundation, shared values, mutual trust, and a commitment to building something durable and meaningful for New York.”
— Steven Acevedo, Founder and CEO of ACE Venture
Creating a House‑of‑Brands Platform for Scalable, Community‑Rooted Cannabis Brands
With the acquisition, ACE Venture formally launches its house‑of‑brands: a thriving ecosystem built not just for partners, but for brands that want to belong somewhere. A place where ambitious companies find the operational scale, tools, and support to realize their full potential, backed by the credibility of an MWBE‑certified holding company and the infrastructure of Vireo Health New York’s established medical cannabis license and strong operational foundation.
“Industries evolve, but every so often, worlds collide and everything changes. ACE Venture is that moment for cannabis. For the first time, the corporate world, the cannabis industry, and culture are coming together under one roof. We’re building a platform grounded in responsibility, innovation, and representation, where scale meets soul, and where brands rooted in community and creativity finally have a home to grow, thrive, and belong. I’m deeply grateful to John Mazarakis and the Vireo Health team for building the foundation that makes this next chapter possible. This milestone stands on the shoulders of those who fought to ensure equity is more than a talking point in New York’s cannabis industry. I want to thank Governor Hochul and New York State leadership for their commitment to keeping social equity at the center, and for shaping a framework that made this moment possible.”
— Steven Acevedo, Founder and CEO, ACE Venture
INTRODUCING BOUKÉT: NEW YORK’S FLAGSHIP CANNABIS LIFESTYLE BRAND
Alongside the acquisition, ACE Venture announces the consumer launch of Boukét, its flagship cannabis lifestyle brand. New York born and raised, Boukét carries its name from a storied legacy, the jazz‑soaked underground of Harlem during Prohibition, when “bouquet” was a codeword for cannabis. The brand is built around a singular philosophy: give yourself your flowers.
Rather than positioning cannabis as escapism, Boukét spotlights it as an experience that complements intentional living, honoring authenticity, personal rituals, and the communities that inspire them. It is luxury with roots. Commerce with conscience.
Boukét products – Signature Premium Indoor Strains, Pre‑Rolls and Limited “Frequency” Drops are now available at select dispensaries across New York State. A broader expansion across retail, experiential, and digital channels is planned for later in 2026. For more information, visit www.bouketflower.com.
A PORTFOLIO BUILT ON CULTURE: THE ACE VENTURE BRAND PARTNERSHIPS
Anchoring the house‑of‑brands at launch are three partnerships with figures whose careers are deeply woven into New York’s creative fabric. Rohan Marley and Kareem “Biggs” Burke launch their respective brands exclusively within the ACE Venture platform, while Gee Roberson joins as Cultural Creative Partner, bringing a legacy forged at the intersection of music, fashion, and lifestyle to define the creative vision and cultural voice of Boukét.
Source: Here
