Thatch: The origins of our company name.

The backstory for why we picked the name Thatch and how we’re building a new future for global travel.

West Askew

Founder & CEO

Thatch: The origins of our company name.

Jul 15 2021

(Cover Photo: A thatched roof in 📍Santana Portugal)

In the ever-evolving landscape of travel, a quiet revolution has been brewing in plain sight. As we scroll through our social media feeds, mesmerized by sun-drenched beaches and quaint cobblestone streets, we're often unaware of the profound influence wielded by the architects of these digital postcards: travel creators. These modern-day explorers have become the unsung heroes of the tourism industry, their curated content inspiring wanderlust in millions and driving billions in booking decisions.

“The big players in travel were reaping the rewards, while those who sparked the journeys were left empty-handed”

Yet, as my co-founder Abby and I observed in 2018, there was a glaring disconnect. Despite their growing influence, these creators were unable to capture their fair share of the economic value they generated. The big players in travel were reaping the rewards, while those who sparked the journeys were left empty-handed.

This realization became the cornerstone of Thatch, our brainchild born from a desire to rebalance the scales of the travel economy. We envisioned a platform that would not only empower creators to monetize their influence but also provide them with the tools to transform their passion into thriving businesses.

As our vision began to take shape, we found ourselves searching for a name that would be the banner of the movement. We needed a name that would encapsulate the essence of our mission – to create a home for travel creators, regardless of their niche or expertise. We sought a moniker that would reflect our global aspirations of connecting millions of travelers and travel creators. And the name had to speak to the discerning nature of our community and their appreciation for authenticity and craftsmanship.

Our search led us to an unlikely source of inspiration: the humble thatch roof. This ancient building technique, found in cultures spanning from the English countryside to tropical beaches and Himalayan heights, resonated deeply with our vision.

Thatch in 📍Szentendre, Hungary

Thatch, a natural roofing material crafted from local vegetation, embodies the very qualities we aspire to in our platform.

It represents shelter – a home for our global community of creators. Its ubiquity across continents mirrors our desire to build a truly international network. The skill and knowledge required in thatching, passed down through generations, echo the expertise and authenticity our creators bring to their craft.

Even better, the versatility and resilience of thatched roofs reflect our adaptability to the diverse needs of global travelers. Just as thatch is economical and sustainable, we aim to make exceptional travel experiences accessible to all, while remaining mindful of our impact on local communities and environments.

“The result is a seamlessly crafted travel experience that, like a well-thatched roof, shelters and delights its inhabitants while standing the test of time and elements.”

The process of creating a thatched roof is itself a beautiful metaphor for what our travel creators do. Master thatchers meticulously weave together countless strands of straw or reed, each piece carefully selected and placed to create a sturdy, weatherproof whole. Similarly, our travel creators curate and weave together the myriad elements of a journey – from hidden local gems and must-see attractions to perfectly timed transports and ideal accommodations. The result is a seamlessly crafted travel experience that, like a well-thatched roof, shelters and delights its inhabitants while standing the test of time and elements.

Thatch roofers in 📍Nebel, Germany

In choosing the name Thatch, we've woven together the threads of our mission: to provide a home for travel creators, to build a global community, and to celebrate authenticity and craftsmanship in travel experiences.

“We see Thatch not just as a platform, but as a movement”

As we look to the future, we see Thatch not just as a platform, but as a movement. We're reimagining the travel landscape, one where creators are valued, travelers are enriched, and local communities thrive. In this new world of travel, everyone has a seat at the table – or perhaps more fittingly, a spot under roof - covered by Thatch. Join us as we embark on this journey to reshape the future of travel, one authentic experience at a time.