York entrepreneur plants seeds for growth with five-figure tropical horticulture investment

A Yorkshire-based entrepreneur has expanded his portfolio by investing in an online tropical plant retailer.

York-based Tom Maxwell - the managing partner and CEO of Land Rover modification business Twisted-USA LLC Group - has invested a five-figure sum in Leeds online horticultural business Grow Tropicals.

Grow Tropicals, which was launched by Jacob James last year, specialises in rare tropical plants and indoor gardening accessories.

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

Tom Maxwell commented: “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. I have some ideas around custom-built high-end terrariums that I think would open a new route to the affluent consumer who wants the start to finish premium service my other companies are world-renowned for delivering.”

Jacob James added: “I am delighted that 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. Tom understands how to build a start-up successfully and we are delighted to have him as part of the team.”