A $10 million fund aimed at helping local brick-and-mortar businesses grow and create jobs has launched in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Backed by Atlanta-based safety tech company Flock Safety and managed by growth capital firm Homegrown, the Thriving Cities Fund offers flexible, revenue-based financing to support physical-location businesses across the region.
Dallas-Fort Worth is the second metro to receive investment through the fund, following its initial rollout in Atlanta.
In an announcement, Flock Safety said the region was selected for its strong base of independent businesses and entrepreneurial activity. The fund targets businesses with at least two physical locations—such as restaurants, fitness studios, childcare centers, salons, and other neighborhood hubs—that contribute to local connection and economic vitality.
“Solving crime is a critical part of the equation, but it’s only one step in building a better community,” said Flock Safety founder and CEO Garrett Langley in a statement. “Through the Thriving Cities Fund, we’re investing in the small businesses that serve as the heart of our neighborhoods.”
That’s the premise behind the fund, Langley said: “When these businesses succeed, communities thrive, and that’s the future we want to help build.”
Left: Garrett Langley, founder and CEO of Flock Safety; Right: Homegrown Founder and CEO Michael Davis [Photos: LinkedIn/Homegrown]
Backing the “backbone of our local economies’
The fund’s $10 million anchor investment from Flock Safety is managed by Homegrown, which provides revenue-based growth capital to brick-and-mortar operators. The model is positioned as an alternative to traditional lending or equity: instead of loans or selling ownership, businesses repay a portion of their revenue over time. There are no fixed terms, personal guarantees, or upfront fees, and returns are capped, the company said. Check sizes typically range from five to six figures.
While the fund marks a new direction for Flock, the company is primarily known for its public safety technology. It provides camera systems and software to cities, police departments, schools, and businesses to support crime prevention and investigations. According to the company, its platform is used by more than 5,000 communities and 4,500 law enforcement agencies nationwide.
Homegrown, founded in 2023, has deployed more than $7 million to help launch 40 business locations across the U.S., creating over 500 jobs, according to the company.
“Traditional lending has only gotten harder for small businesses, especially those with storefronts,” said Homegrown founder and CEO Michael Davis. “We created this fund to offer flexible, non-dilutive capital that helps entrepreneurs grow without giving up ownership or taking on high-interest, short-term debt. They’re the backbone of our local economies. They employ our neighbors, activate our main streets, and create places where communities connect.”
“Big step forward”
In Fort Worth, City Councilmember Michael D. Crain said he supports the effort to expand capital access to small businesses. “I see every day how they fuel our economy, create jobs, and bring unique energy to our neighborhoods,” Crain said in a statement. “When small businesses thrive, our entire city becomes stronger and more vibrant.”
In a LinkedIn post, Homegrown said the Dallas-Fort Worth launch is a “big step forward” for its mission and that the first round of local investments will be announced soon. The company described the fund as “founder-friendly” and designed to help entrepreneurs “grow on their terms.”
With DFW now live, the company said more cities are on deck. “More cities coming. More businesses to back.”
Quincy Preston contributed to this story.
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