Rove Brand's Joanne Jacobson Recognized on Inc. 2025 Female Founders 500 List
Joanne Jacobson's Milestone Achievement
On March 11, 2025, Inc. magazine announced its much-anticipated list of Female Founders for 2025, featuring 500 visionary women from across the nation who are making significant waves in their respective industries. Among these trailblazers is Joanne Jacobson, the leading force behind Rove Brand, a growing name in the cannabis sector. This recognition marks a significant milestone, not just for Jacobson but for the cannabis industry at large, reflecting its ascendance into mainstream business culture.
A Tribute to Female Entrepreneurs
This marks the eighth annual Female Founders list by Inc., which celebrates women who are not just leading firms but reshaping industries through grit, innovation, and leadership. The 2025 list highlights how these remarkable women employed their creativity and determination to raise approximately $9 billion in revenue and secure an astounding $10.6 billion in funding in 2024 alone.
The selection process was rigorous, with thousands of applications filtered through three rounds of judging. The Inc. editorial team looked for measurable achievements such as revenue, sales growth, funding acquisition, and audience reach, along with qualitative factors like social media engagement and stories of impact. Jacobson stood out in this competitive field, thanks to Rove's impressive metrics.
Jacobson's Vision and Leadership
Jacobson has always envisioned Rove as a brand steeped in quality and connection, stating: "Rove was built on hustle, relationships, and an obsession with quality." She attributes much of Rove's success to a dedicated team and strong partnerships with retail leaders. Under her guidance, Rove has expanded its market presence significantly, landing in the top ten sellers of every newly entered market within months.
In 2024 alone, Rove’s footprint grew by 400-500 additional doors, a staggering increase of 45-50% over the previous year. Jacobson’s unique approach of generating leads in-person fosters deep buyer relationships, allowing Rove to establish loyalty even in new markets where recreational cannabis is just beginning to gain traction.
With a reorder rate consistently hovering around 97% between 2021 and 2024, Rove’s appeal speaks to the quality of its product and the savvy nature of its market strategy. Jacobson believes that gaining market entry in states with newly legalized cannabis required not just product excellence but also a detailed understanding of local consumer preferences.
Celebrating the Cannabis Sector
Jacobson’s achievement is particularly notable within the cannabis industry, which faces unique challenges and public perceptions. Her leadership and innovative marketing strategies have played a vital role in repositioning cannabis within the broader business community. According to Jacobson, being part of this growing landscape signals a positive evolution. She mentioned her happiness in attending this year's event and seeing other cannabis industry pioneers also receiving recognition.
Diana Ransom of Inc. remarked on the resilience displayed by the women on the list: "They are experts of improvisation, adaptability, and creativity. Their unwavering commitment and strong leadership play a crucial role in promoting progress, especially in uncertain times."
Future Outlook
As we look ahead, the influence of Jacobson and others like her promises to continue shaping not just the cannabis sector but entrepreneurship as a whole. Rove's agile adaptations, coupled with Jacobson's strategic leadership, suggest a bright future for the company and an encouraging narrative for women entrepreneurs.
Several of this year's honorees, including Jacobson, will be featured in the upcoming Female Founders issue of Inc., set to hit newsstands on March 18, 2025. To explore the complete list of honorees, visit the official Inc. website.
Through her determination and innovative spirit, Joanne Jacobson exemplifies what it means to be a modern-day entrepreneur, pushing boundaries and inspiring others along the way.