US ECEC provider Big Blue Marble Academy the latest to receive private equity investment

Sterling Partners’ Education Opportunity Fund (Sterling) has made an investment in US-based early education provider Big Blue Marble Academy (BBMA).

Although no financial terms were disclosed, Sterling noted that this investment marks its fifth investment in an early education platform with follow-up investments in East lake Academy and Brenwood Academy who are now part of the BBMA family of schools.

BBMA operates 22 community-based schools and six public elementary after school programs located across South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia and Texas.

Founded in 2012 by Nan Rikard, BBMA provides education-based programs for children ranging from infancy to four years old.

The company offers a proprietary curriculum, a language immersion program, and a hands on student-led community outreach schedule to its attendees.

“I started the company because I felt a responsibility to provide more than a daycare environment for children and their families and to truly help the children develop into curious and engaged global citizens,” explained Ms Rikard. “I’m thrilled to now have trusted partners to help bring our program to even more young students to help ensure their future success.”

Scott Cotter, will join BBMA as Chief Executive Officer. Mr Cotter, joins from Childcare Network, the fourth largest private childcare provider in the US, where he was President and CEO.