Entrepreneur expands portfolio with online horticultural retail business

A 26-year-old Yorkshire entrepreneur who has built a multi-million dollar automotive business since the first lockdown has expanded his portfolio by investing in an online tropical plant retailer.

Tom Maxwell from York, is the managing partner and CEO of Land Rover modification business Twisted-USA, LLC group, which he launched in April 2020.

The company is on target to turn over $8.5m/£6.2m in its first year of trading.

Maxwell has now invested a five-figure sum in Leeds online horticultural business Grow Tropicals, which specialises in rare tropical plants and indoor gardening accessories.

Grow Tropicals was launched by Jacob James, in April 2020, and experienced a boom in sales driven by Covid and the millennial market.

Tom Maxwell

Maxwell’s investment will allow the business to set up a tropical hydroponics nursery and online sales distribution centre in Leeds as well as expand its current team.

Grow Tropicals will produce, grow, and sell rare tropicals tailored for indoor growing for B2B and B2C customer.

Maxwell said: “I’m thrilled to be investing in other young entrepreneurs in North Yorkshire. As soon as Jacob approached me, I knew I would do something with Grow Tropicals.

“The brand is strong, the business case is solid, and it is something completely different to automotive. Jacob’s passion for his business coupled with the tenacity of his pitch made it happen.

“I’m looking forward to working with Jacob and his team to leverage my experience of delivering luxury products to a discerning clientele.

Jacob James

“I have some ideas around custom-built high-end terrariums that I think would open a new route to the affluent consumer.

“I am also excited to be investing in a sustainable business that has achieved significant growth in challenging economic times, much like my own.”

James added: “I am delighted Tom has joined us as an investor. He saw the potential in Grow Tropicals his financial injection will help the business advance to its next stage of growth.

Tom’s previous success and experience as an entrepreneur will provide us with invaluable business insight and acumen to support Grow Tropicals.

“He understands how to build a start-up successfully and we are delighted to have him as part of the team.”

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