KidStrong, a leading Frisco-based franchisor and operator of science-based kids training programs, has landed a strategic investment from Princeton Equity Group, a private equity firm focused on investing in and partnering with leading franchisor and multi-unit concepts.

Founded in 2015 by husband-and-wife Matt and Megin Sharp and also Lincoln Brown, KidStrong provides science-based programming developed by child development experts, educators, occupational therapists, and sports performance specialists which aims to build strong, confident, and high-character kids. KidStrong’s membership offers 45-minute classes for children 11 and under designed to improve emotional, mental, and physical skills through a fun and engaging curriculum. KidStrong also offers parties and camps.

“In Princeton, we found a partner aligned with our mission of empowering children to ‘win at life’ and reach their full potential,” KidStrong CEO Matt Sharp said in a statement. “We’re excited to tap into Princeton’s expertise and resources to support our growing base of member families and franchisees.” 

Matt and Megin Sharp created KidStrong because they struggled to find a program that would help their daughter, Ella, develop critical athletic, academic, and social skills. They built the first KidStrong in the back of their house in Lexington, Kentucky, in 2015 and then partnered with their friend Lincoln Brown to help scale the business from a new home base in Frisco.

“We’re immensely proud of the brand we’ve built and are excited to continue working tirelessly on behalf of our talented franchisees and loyal member families,” Executive Chairman Lincoln Brown said. “The future is so bright for KidStrong, and partnering with Princeton is an important step in the lifecycle of the company.” 

‘Transformational brand’

KidStrong began franchising in 2019 and now has 184 centers with more than 85,000 members across the United States and Canada. The company has another 320+ franchise locations in development across 33 states, making it one of the fastest-growing franchise brands in the country. 

“We’re very excited to partner with this special company and exceptional team to continue serving kids, families, and franchisees across North America,” said Doug Kennealey, Managing Partner of Princeton Equity Group. “KidStrong is a remarkable company that is truly changing kids’ and families’ lives. We are honored to partner with Matt, Megin, Lincoln, and the rest of the team to continue delivering on the KidStrong mission.”

Joseph Trahan, Principal at Princeton Equity Group, agreed.

“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,” Trahan said. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to partner with this transformational brand through its next phase of growth.”

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