Bedford-based youth enrichment platform Unleashed Brands has partnered with a private equity firm to fund the company’s future growth.
Unleashed Brands announced Tuesday that it had entered into a “strategic partnership” with California-based Seidler Equity Partners “to fund future Company growth and child enrichment programs.”
The American Psychological Association defines an enrichment program as an “educational program designed to supplement the academic curriculum and facilitate the intellectual stimulation of children.”
Unleashed describes itself as “invested in helping children learn, play, and grow to support and expand their concepts” on its website, explaining, “Our mission is to impact the lives of every kid by providing fun, engaging, and inspiring experiences.”
To help achieve these goals, the company plans to use Seidler’s capital infusion to acquire additional brands that will expand its portfolio. This will support Unleashed’s next phase of development, according to a statement from the company.
Founded in 2021, Unleashed Brands currently comprises a total of six portfolio brands, including:
- Urban Air Adventure Park, an indoor trampoline and activity park geared toward young kids;
- Snapology, a children’s enrichment program focused on STEM education;
- The Little Gym, an enrichment and physical development center for children that utilizes movement-based learning and imaginative play;
- XP League, a coach-led competitive gaming league in North America for elementary, middle, and high school-aged players;
- Class 101, a business focused on helping kids plan and prepare for college; and
- Premier Martial Arts, a martial arts studio focused on building leadership skills and self-confidence in kids.
Making a positive difference in a child’s life and helping drive their educational growth is all about what Unleashed Brands stands for, according to Leonard Lee of Seidler Equity Partners.
“Unleashed Brands has an incredible track record of serving America’s youth at every stage of their young lives, and it’s an honor to partner with the company for this next chapter,” said Lee in a press release.
“Their portfolio of leading brands is paving the way for youth enrichment programs today and in the future.”
The exact percentage stake Seidler took in Unleashed Brands was not disclosed. However, an exclusive interview given to Axios in May by Unleashed CEO Michael Browning suggested it was a majority equity stake valued at more than $1 billion.
“We invest in world-class brands that align with our overall Company ethos,” Browning said in the February 8 announcement.
“Through our partnership with Seidler Equity Partners, we’ll be able to … expand our franchise opportunities across the country” and “become an even more trusted resource for families.”
With new equity backing the future growth of Unleashed Brands, Browning told Axios that the capital infusion would better position the company for any new opportunities as well as an eventual initial public offering.
Although former investors have exited the business, they continue to offer their support from the sidelines, said Patrick K. McGee, a managing partner at MPK Equity Partners, one of several private equity firms to exit their position with Unleashed.
The other private equity firms to sell shareholder stakes in the Bedford-based company include AHR Growth Partners and Mantucket Capital, according to Axios reporting.
After only a couple of years in business, Unleashed Brands has developed into a powerful enrichment brand for kids, claimed John Bahr, managing partner at AHR Growth Partners.
“Supporting the growth of Unleashed Brands from a few dozen indoor adventure parks to an entire platform of brands helping kids and families has been quite the ride,” said Bahr.
“The entire team’s dedication and commitment to that shared vision is contagious, and we look forward to seeing where this next phase takes them – cheering them on every step of the way.”
