Colorado company buys a controlling stake in marijuana tracker Agrisoft

Agrisoft Development Group LLC, a Kansas City company that helps marijuana growers and sellers track products and comply with regulations, has a new owner.

Surna Inc., based in Boulder, Colo., agreed to buy a controlling stake in Agrisoft, which began offering its systems last year to companies in states where marijuana is legal.

An announcement from Surna, whose shares trade in over-the-counter markets, did not disclose the terms of the agreement.

Surna makes equipment for the legal cannabis industry. Its products include water-based chillers and ductless air handlers that help growers run operations more efficiently. The company’s strategy includes acquiring and developing other technologies for the industry.

Its chief executive officer is Tom Bollich, a co-founder of the online gaming company Zynga, which he left in 2009.

“We are convinced that this highly sought acquisition will enable us to substantially increase our strength and impact in the cannabis industry,” Bollich said in the announcement. “This is a game changer for us.”

Surna reported revenue of $1.2 million through the first nine months of 2014, but its operations lose money. Agrisoft, as a privately owned company, does not report its financial results.

Agrisoft’s “seed to sale” systems help companies track the growth, manufacture and sale of marijuana and products infused with marijuana. Elaborate tracking helps ensure that nothing gets detoured into the black market or falls into the hands of children or others who would be illegal users.

It competes against other established companies in the industry, including MJ Freeway Business Solutions in Denver.

This story was originally published January 9, 2015 at 1:30 AM with the headline "Colorado company buys a controlling stake in marijuana tracker Agrisoft."