Avathon taps previous $200m education fund to acquire Yellow Brick Road

Avathon Capital acquired Yellow Brick Road Early Childhood Development Center, a network of early education centers.

The deal marks Avathon’s third investment in early childhood education, reinforcing its strategy of supporting high-quality learning institutions.

Founded in 2006 as a single center, Yellow Brick Road has since grown to 25 locations, serving thousands of families with education-based programs for infants through school-age children. The acquisition expands Avathon’s presence in the sector, following previous investments in Big Blue Marble Academy, which was sold in 2024, and Magical Beginnings in the Northeast.

Jessica Johnsen will continue as CEO, leading the company’s next phase of growth. Avathon has also formed a board of directors to support Yellow Brick Road, including education industry veteran Dan Sommer as chair and early childhood education expert Sarah Clabby as a director.

Avathon Managing Partner Jason Rosenberg emphasized the firm’s commitment to investing in early childhood education and providing strategic support to high-quality operators. Principal Shawn Domanic added that Avathon aims to enhance Yellow Brick Road’s operations and curriculum while maintaining its strong mission-driven approach.

BakerHostetler served as Avathon’s legal advisor on the transaction.

Source: Business Wire

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