KidStrong, a leading franchisor and operator of science-based kids training programs, has received a strategic investment from Princeton Equity Group as the private equity firm pushes deeper into the fitness and wellness industry.
Financial details of the investment weren’t disclosed.
Founded in 2015, KidStrong is known for its science-backed programming created by child development experts, educators, occupational therapists and sports performance specialists.
Its mission centers on helping kids become stronger and more confident through 45-minute classes for children up to age 11 that focus on improving emotional, mental and physical skills through fun and engaging activities. KidStrong locations also offer parties and camps.
“KidStrong is 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,” said Princeton Equity Group principal Joseph Trahan. “We could not be more thrilled to partner with this transformational brand through its next phase of growth.”
Matt Sharp, who serves as the brand’s CEO, founded KidStrong in partnership with his wife Megin after a long and arduous search for a program for their daughter that combined critical athletic, academic and social skills.
From there, the couple built the first KidStrong in the back of their house in Kentucky in 2015, then partnering with now-executive chairman Lincoln Brown to help scale the business, later franchising in 2019.
Now, the brand has reached a phase of rapid growth, with 184 locations and over 85,000 members across the U.S. and Canada, and more than 320 franchise locations in development across 33 states.
“In Princeton, we found a partner aligned with our mission of empowering children to ‘win at life’ and reach their full potential,” said Sharp. “We are excited to tap into Princeton’s expertise and resources to support our growing base of member families and franchisees.”
Princeton has focused on investing in top fitness-focused franchisors and multi-unit brands, as KidStrong joins the likes of Amped Fitness, Barry’s, Stretch Zone and D1 Training, another franchise that’s known for youth fitness.
