Avathon Capital Acquires Yellow Brick Road

Avathon Capital Acquires Magical Beginnings Learning Centers

January 31, 2024

Education

Avathon Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on education and workforce investments, has acquired Magical Beginnings Learning Centers, a Massachusetts-based network of seven early childhood education centers operating in the Greater Boston area. Avathon named Mark Donovan as CEO, formed a new board chaired by Sarah Clabby, and the founder Linda Hassapis Bonfanti will move to a board director role as part of the transaction.

Leeds Equity Partners Acquires Big Blue Marble Academy from Avathon Capital

January 3, 2024

Education

Leeds Equity Partners has acquired Big Blue Marble Academy, a leading early childhood education and childcare provider operating 67 schools across eight U.S. states. The seller was Avathon Capital, which invested in BBMA in 2018 and helped grow the business to serve over 10,000 students with more than 2,000 staff; terms were not disclosed.

Big Blue Marble Academy Acquires Odyssey Early Schools

October 6, 2023

Education

Big Blue Marble Academy, a portfolio company of Avathon Capital, has acquired Odyssey Early Schools, a premium early childhood education provider based in Birmingham, Alabama. The transaction brings Odyssey into BBMA’s platform of early care and preschool centers and was advised by Founders Advisors; Odyssey was owned by Bob Mitchell and his family.

Avathon Capital Invests in ReUp Education

August 5, 2021

Education

Chicago-based Avathon Capital has made a growth investment in ReUp Education to accelerate the edtech company's product, technology, and coaching capabilities and expand its reach to adult learners. As part of the transaction Avathon will invest in engineering, digital marketing, learner experience, and data/analytics; ReUp also appointed Terah Crews as CEO to lead the next phase of growth.

Avathon Capital Acquires Summit Professional Education

May 15, 2024

Education

Avathon Capital has acquired Summit Professional Education from Greybull Stewardship. Summit is a provider of in-person and online continuing professional education (CPE) for physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists; Avathon plans to accelerate the company’s go-to-market, expand its content library, and pursue add-on acquisitions.

Avathon Capital Acquires OculusIT from ElevenX Capital

April 28, 2025

IT Services

Avathon Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on education and workforce markets, has acquired OculusIT, a managed IT and MSP provider serving over 200 higher education institutions, from ElevenX Capital. Avathon plans to invest in leadership, go-to-market capabilities, and technology to scale OculusIT as a platform for higher-education IT services.