Thrive Lot

Thrive Lot is a Public Benefit Corporation that operates a web platform connecting homeowners with local ecosystem experts to transform yards into sustainable, edible landscapes and forest gardens. The company was founded in 2019 by Justin West, Daniel Hodge, and Micah Hodge and is headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee. Justin West, the CEO, was inspired by his childhood on a farm and a desire to find a sustainable way to feed people that benefits both humanity and biodiversity.

The company's core service is to design, install, and maintain these ecological landscapes, which can include pollinator gardens, vegetable and herb gardens, food forests, and even beehives and compost stations. Thrive Lot targets health-conscious, affluent homeowners who want the benefits of a garden without the labor. The platform provides project transparency from design to installation and ongoing maintenance. This approach aims to create aesthetically pleasing, multi-functional yards that produce nutritious food, improve curb appeal, and support local wildlife.

The business model functions as a marketplace, taking a revenue share from the transactions it facilitates between clients and its network of vetted, local agro-ecologists, which it refers to as "Ecosystems Specialists" or "Master Growers". Thrive Lot handles the marketing, sales, and business management for these local experts, allowing them to focus on their landscaping work. Project budgets can range from $5,000 to over $100,000, depending on the complexity. The company is venture-backed, with investors including Closed Loop Partners, Because Ventures, and Responsibly Ventures.

Keywords: edible landscaping, sustainable agriculture, food forestry, ecosystem design, regenerative practices, yard-to-table, biodiversity, permaculture, agro-ecology, home gardening