Medicinal cannabis distributor The Entourage Effect (TEE) has been recognised as one of Australia's ten fastest-growing start-ups by the Australian Financial Review (AFR).
The AFR's 2024 Fast Starters List spotlights companies under five years old, with TEE claiming ninth position on the strength of a compound annual growth rate of 672% (FY22–FY24) and $23 million in revenue over the most recent financial year.
Founder Eidan Havas told the AFR that the company carries an extensive range of brands to meet demand from doctors, pharmacists and patients dealing with conditions such as chronic pain, sleep disorders and anxiety.
He said: "Prescribing doctors and pharmacists are getting into medicinal cannabis more now as it's increasingly recognised as a form of treatment. We have over 100 different brands, which can have anywhere from two to 50 products.
"Cannabis is one of those things where you may need to try a range of different formulations before you find the right one that suits you."
Havas said "there are many people who smoke recreationally who are actually self-medicating a long-standing illness such as PTSD or insomnia".
Those patients stand to gain from being under the care of a doctor who can improve the efficacy of the drug while reducing their THC intake, he added.
In a post on Facebook, Havas expressed gratitude to his family, CEO Lisa Varley — who joined the business in January — and the broader TEE team.
"This recognition represents far more than business success. It's a testament to the trust, sacrifices, and shared purpose of so many people who have been part of this journey," he wrote.
"To our CEO, Lisa Varley, your leadership has been the cornerstone of our success. Your drive, vision, and dedication have turned a bold idea into a thriving reality. I am so grateful to have you leading this company forward.
"To our team, this moment belongs to you, too. You are the heart of The Entourage Effect, and your passion, resilience, and commitment inspire me every single day. We would not be here without you.
"To the pharmacists who trust us to deliver the medicines you dispense, this is for you. Your dedication to serving patients and improving lives inspires everything we do. You are the final step in connecting patients with the care they need, and we are honoured to support your work."
Beyond its wholesale and online distribution operations, the company also runs a face-to-face clinic in Bondi, Sydney through its subsidiary MiDispensary.
