Children’s Enrichment Franchise Develops Academic, Athletic and Social Skills
- Princeton Equity Group has taken a stake in the KidStrong franchise. The private equity firm invests with an eye toward long-term, supportive relationships with the founders and managers of multi-unit businesses.
- Experts designed KidStrong’s fun, science-based curriculum to improve children’s emotional, mental and physical skills.
- KidStrong began franchising in 2019 and already has 184 units that serve 85,000 member clients in the U.S. and Canada.
- Another 320 KidStrong franchises are now in development in 33 states.
Princeton Equity Group announced today that it has invested in KidStrong, a franchise that builds children’s academic, athletic and social skills through a science-based curriculum. The private equity firm has focused its investing on franchisors and other multi-unit business entities.
Through its stake in the KidStrong franchise, Princeton Equity Group will indirectly nurture well-rounded citizens to lead future generations. According to an article from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, “Research indicates that well-structured, high-quality out-of-school-time programs can contribute to social and emotional growth, helping youth develop responsibility, a positive work ethic, social skills and civic-mindedness.”
KidStrong’s Approach
The child enrichment franchise’s 45-minute classes have been crafted by child development experts, educators, occupational therapists and sports performance specialists, according to a news release about the investment by Princeton Equity Group. KidStrong coaches lead the fun curriculum that’s designed to build strong, confident, high-character kids – improving their emotional, mental and physical skills. KidStrong’s educational techniques include:
- Shaping character through games that develop life skills such as teamwork, sportsmanship and mental toughness.
- Promoting physical skills by means of enjoyable activities that enhance agility, balance, coordination and strength.
- Developing brainpower via puzzles, games and challenges that aim to improve creativity, mental development and problem-solving capabilities.
The brand was founded in 2015 by the married couple Matt Sharp and Megin Stein along with Lincoln Brown. KidStrong serves children from the time they walk through age 11. Besides the brand’s mainstay classes, franchisees can add to their revenue streams by hosting parties and camps.
In the news release, KidStrong CEO Matt Sharp said he considers Princeton Equity to be an ideal partner, “aligned with our mission of empowering children to win at life and reach their full potential. We’re excited to tap into Princeton’s expertise and resources to support our growing base of member families and franchisees.”
Franchise Executive Chairman Brown – also quoted in the news release – praised the brand’s teaming with Princeton Equity Group. “Partnering with Princeton is an important step in the life cycle of the company. … We are excited to continue working tirelessly on behalf of our talented franchisees and loyal member families.”
History of the KidStrong Franchise
The Sharps created KidStrong because they wanted a wide-ranging enrichment program for their daughter, Ella. They built the first KidStrong in the back of their Lexington, Ky., home. Then they partnered with Brown, a close friend, to scale the brand from its new headquarters in Frisco, Texas, a suburb north of Dallas.
Although KidStrong didn’t start franchising until 2019, the brand has rapidly expanded its footprint. KidStrong already has 184 centers serving 85,000-plus members around the United States and in Canada. Many additional centers are on the way: More than 320 franchise locations are in development across 33 states.
Reaction from Princeton Equity Group
Princeton Equity Group leadership sees the KidStrong franchise as ripe for continued robust growth. “KidStrong is a remarkable company that is truly changing kids’ and families’ lives,” Managing Partner Doug Kennealey said in the news release. “We are honored to partner with Matt, Megin, Lincoln and the rest of the team to continue delivering on the KidStrong mission.”
Also in the news release, Joseph Trahan, principal at Princeton Equity Group, complimented KidStrong as “a highly innovative brand which is having an immeasurable impact on the families it serves, equipping children to be leaders in their classrooms and communities. We could not be more thrilled to partner with this transformational brand through its next phase of growth.”
About Princeton and Investment Advisers
Princeton Equity Group emphasizes long-term, supportive partnerships with the business founders and managerial teams of multi-location businesses and franchisors. The investment firm currently manages some $1.6 billion in assets.
Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP served as legal counsel to KidStrong. Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP and DLA Piper LLP served as legal counsel to Princeton.
Visit the KidStrong website for further details about the franchise and about ownership opportunities for entrepreneurs. For more information about the private equity firm, visit the Princeton Equity Group website.
