PROVIDENCE, R.I. – June 3, 2025 – Lullabot Inc., a leading agency specializing in scalable web platforms and content systems, announced the sale of its Tugboat platform and subsidiary to James Sansbury, the platform's longtime manager and product leader.
The transaction allows Tugboat to operate independently while enabling Lullabot to focus resources on its core services for enterprise clients.
"This move benefits both companies," said Seth Brown, Lullabot's CEO. "Tugboat needs the flexibility to invest in sales and marketing, which is difficult within our ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) structure. Meanwhile, Lullabot can concentrate on what we do best – helping large organizations deliver better digital experiences."
Tugboat provides automated testing and preview environments for web development teams. The platform has grown steadily since launching in 2018, but struggled to reach profitability within Lullabot's business model.
Sansbury, who has led Tugboat's development for four years, will continue operating the service with his team. Tugboat's technical lead, James Bain, will join the independent company.
"We're excited to take some bigger risks and explore new growth opportunities," Sansbury said. "The Lullabot team has been incredibly supportive, and we'll maintain strong ties as we build Tugboat's future."
Lullabot will continue using Tugboat services for client projects under a partnership agreement. The transition will not affect current Tugboat customers.
Tugboat will operate from Atlanta under Sansbury's leadership.
About Lullabot
Lullabot is a strategy, design, and development agency that helps organizations create exceptional digital experiences using open-source technology. Since 2006, Lullabot has partnered with leading institutions to build user-focused, accessible, and future-friendly websites. As active contributors to the Drupal community and advocates for thoughtful digital strategy, Lullabot is known for its technical excellence, human-centered approach, and commitment to open collaboration. Learn more at lullabot.com.
About Tugboat
Tugboat provides automated testing and preview environments that help engineering teams move faster, collaborate better, and ship with confidence. Built for modern development workflows, Tugboat supports everything from code reviews and QA to staging and infrastructure testing. Learn more at tugboatqa.com.
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Contact
Ellie Fanning
press@lullabot.com