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Princeton Ventures is a private investment firm established in 2006 by Jim Waskovich, focusing on growth equity investments in high-growth franchisor, multi-location, and network businesses. The firm operates through its affiliate, Princeton Equity Group, since 2020, which emphasizes a hands-on approach to support its portfolio companies. Headquartered in Princeton, NJ, Princeton Ventures also maintains an office in Dallas, TX.
Over the years, Princeton Ventures has built a reputation for its expertise in franchisor businesses and multi-location consumer services. The firm has made over 30 investments across various sectors, including fitness, health and wellness, beauty, and automotive services. This extensive experience positions Princeton Ventures as a significant player in the growth equity space, particularly within the United States.
Princeton Ventures has a strong commitment to preserving founder culture while scaling businesses, which has led to notable milestones in its investment history. The firm’s approach combines flexible capital solutions with operational support, allowing portfolio companies to thrive in competitive markets.
Princeton Ventures specializes in growth equity investments ranging from $10 million to over $100 million. The firm targets high-growth franchisor businesses and multi-location consumer services, particularly in sectors such as fitness, health and wellness, beauty, and automotive services. Their investment strategy is designed to fuel growth, facilitate acquisitions, strengthen balance sheets, and provide liquidity to shareholders.
The firm employs a hands-on operating-partner model, leveraging its in-house GrowthEdge team to support portfolio companies in achieving operational improvements and growth initiatives. Princeton Ventures emphasizes a people-first partnership approach, which aims to maintain the unique culture of the founders while scaling their businesses effectively.
Princeton Ventures is deal size agnostic, actively leading larger financing rounds and co-investing with top investors. This flexibility allows them to tailor investments to the specific needs of their portfolio companies, ensuring that they can adapt to various market conditions and opportunities.
Princeton Ventures has invested in a diverse range of companies, focusing on franchisor and multi-location businesses. Notable portfolio companies include:
Additionally, Princeton Ventures achieved a notable exit with the sale of IFPG (International Franchise Professionals Group) to CNL Strategic Capital in July 2025, further demonstrating their successful investment strategy.
Jim Waskovich - Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Jim founded Princeton Ventures in 2006 and co-founded Princeton Equity Group around 2019. He sets the firm’s strategy and leads the investment committee.
Doug Kennealey - Co-Founder and Managing Partner. Doug co-founded Princeton Equity Group and emphasizes portfolio-company growth execution. His experience spans various sectors, enhancing the firm's investment strategy.
Robert Finn - Partner. Robert brings over 15 years of growth-market investing experience, contributing to the firm's strategic decision-making and investment evaluations.
Phil Piro - Partner. Phil was promoted to Partner in December 2024 after nearly seven years at the firm, bringing an entrepreneurial and operational background to the team.
Paul Kuppich - Partner, Capital Formation and General Counsel. Paul leads LP capital formation and legal matters, ensuring compliance and strategic partnerships.
Naz Quadri - Partner, CTO. Naz oversees FusionPoint, the firm's data services platform, enhancing operational efficiencies across portfolio companies.
Jack Nagle - Principal. Jack sources and executes new investments and sits on multiple portfolio boards, playing a critical role in the firm's investment strategy.
Joseph Trahan - Principal. Joseph is the investment lead on KidStrong and has been quoted in deal announcements, showcasing his active role in the firm's investment activities.
Derek DeBenedetto - Principal, Head of Business Development. Derek is the primary outbound deal-sourcing contact for founders, facilitating connections and investment opportunities.
Jeremy Wright - Operating Partner, Group Head, GrowthEdge. Jeremy leads the firm's in-house value-creation team, embedding with portfolio companies to drive growth and operational improvements.
To pitch Princeton Ventures, founders should utilize the contact form available at princetonequity.com/contact or send an email to info@princetonequity.com. It is recommended to include a detailed overview of the business model, market opportunity, and growth strategy in the pitch deck. While there are no specific application forms required, a clear and concise presentation will facilitate the review process.
Response times may vary, but Princeton Ventures operates on a rolling application cycle, allowing for timely engagement with potential investments. Founders are encouraged to provide as much relevant information as possible to expedite the decision-making process.
In March 2026, Princeton Ventures announced a growth equity investment in KidStrong, a science-based kids enrichment franchise, further expanding their portfolio in the education sector.
In January 2026, the firm led a growth equity investment in Amped Fitness, a high-value low-price fitness franchise, demonstrating their commitment to the fitness industry.
In January 2026, Strickland Brothers closed a $360 million committed financing line with Golub Capital and Audax, with Princeton Ventures participating as a key investor.
In July 2025, Princeton Ventures successfully exited its investment in IFPG (International Franchise Professionals Group) through a sale to CNL Strategic Capital, marking a significant milestone for the firm.
In January 2025, Princeton Ventures made a strategic investment in Barry's, a global boutique fitness brand, further solidifying their presence in the fitness sector.
What are Princeton Ventures' investment criteria?
Princeton Ventures focuses on growth equity investments in franchisor and multi-location businesses, particularly in sectors like fitness, health and wellness, beauty, and automotive services. They typically invest between $10 million and $100 million.
How can I pitch to Princeton Ventures?
Founders can pitch to Princeton Ventures through their contact page at princetonequity.com/contact or via email at info@princetonequity.com. They maintain an open pitch policy.
What makes Princeton Ventures different from other investors?
The firm employs a hands-on operating-partner model, providing operational support through its in-house GrowthEdge team. This approach helps portfolio companies achieve growth while preserving founder culture.
What is the geographic focus of Princeton Ventures?
Princeton Ventures primarily invests in companies located in the United States, focusing on businesses that have the potential for significant growth.
What is the decision timeline for investments?
While specific timelines are not disclosed, Princeton Ventures operates on a rolling application cycle, allowing for timely decisions based on the needs of their portfolio companies.
What types of support do portfolio companies receive?
Portfolio companies benefit from operational improvements, growth initiatives, and strategic resources provided by Princeton Ventures' in-house team, which focuses on enhancing business performance and scaling operations.
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