Veteran Kids' Entertainment Executive Donna Friedman Meir Launches WOW Explorations To Develop Innovative Recreation Experiences for Kids and Families
Company Plans to WOW Kids with First Touring Attraction, WOWtopia, in 2017
Raises $500,000 in Seed Funding Led by Lyrical Partners; Plans Series A Round
SAN FRANCISCO, March 30, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Veteran kids' entertainment executive Donna Friedman Meir has launched WOW Explorations to design and develop innovative recreation experiences for kids and families. The Company inspires kids with the wonders of the world, incorporating physical play, hands-on creating and active, multi-sensory experiences.
WOW Explorations' first attraction, WOWtopia (working title), is a hands-on, grab-on, global festival for kids and families that will tour from city to city. An innovative advance in family entertainment, WOWtopia combines the physicality of an adventure park, the hands-on interactivity of a maker experience and the awe of a cultural festival, all presented in a Cirque-like touring model.
WOWtopia brings to life the people, places and cultures of our extraordinary world in a festival atmosphere. It offers active engagement such as ziplining, rock-climbing, dance, music and art activities; authentic cultural experiences with an international team of artists and ambassadors; and broad appeal through a variety of hands-on workshops, playscapes and interactive performances for kids and adults, all at a price that is affordable for most families.
Ms. Friedman Meir, Founder and CEO of WOW Explorations, said, "We solve a common problem for parents—finding recreation options that they can feel good about and their kids will love. Parents know that it's rare to find entertainment that combines adventure, artistry and authenticity and is also fun for the whole family, enriching and affordable. With something for everyone, the WOWtopia experience will meet all of these needs."
In bringing together the best of adventure, maker and cultural experiences, WOWtopia represents an entirely new form of family entertainment within the growing $23 billion family leisure entertainment market. This touring attraction not only addresses strong consumer demand for highly active, enriching recreation but also responds to growing interest among U.S. consumers in smaller-scale, less time-consuming and more affordable location-based entertainment opportunities for the whole family.
WOW Explorations has closed $500,000 in seed funding, led by Lyrical Partners, a New York-based investor in traditional equity, private equity, real estate and venture capital. The Company intends to expand its Series A funding round to new institutional and angel investors in May 2016, having already secured Lyrical's early commitment to this next round of financing. Proceeds will be used to design, build and launch the first WOWtopia tour, targeted to begin in the United States in Fall 2017.
About the Team
The team developing WOWtopia, based in San Francisco, is comprised of experts with a proven track record creating and building profitable brands and businesses in children's media, location-based entertainment, museums and touring events.
Donna Friedman Meir, Founder and CEO of WOW Explorations, is an accomplished brand builder, producer, programmer and marketer of children's media content. Donna was founder and President of National Geographic Kids Entertainment and held senior executive positions with the WB Television Network and Nickelodeon. A graduate of Harvard University, Donna has dedicated her career to creating inspiring entertainment experiences for children across multiple platforms globally.
Jeffrey Wyatt, Producer, is a seasoned executive with expertise in global entertainment venues, major events, and exhibitions in domestic and international locations for the museum and entertainment industries. Jeff has produced and toured exhibits for Global Experience Specialists (GES), AEG Live, Arts & Exhibitions International (AEI), and Clear Channel Exhibitions, including Harry Potter–the Exhibition, King Tut and Michael Jackson. He produced Universal Studios Hollywood's live shows Terminator 2: 3-D and Totally Nickelodeon, and was show producer for Coca-Cola Olympic City–1996 Olympics.
Sara Hougan, Vice President, Programming, is a deeply engaged museum professional with experience in all aspects of content development. She led cultural programming for the Boston Children's Museum where she organized festivals, helped develop exhibits and created group programs accompanying BCM's traveling exhibits. Sara also has worked extensively with schools, matching programming content to state and national education standards. Her work for the Maine Alliance for Arts Education was funded and honored by the Kennedy Center and the National Endowment for the Arts.
About WOW Explorations
WOW Explorations was founded in 2015 by Donna Friedman Meir to develop innovative recreation experiences for kids and families. WOWtopia, WOW Explorations' first touring attraction, is dedicated to inspiring kids with the wonder of the world through physical play, hands-on creating and active multi-sensory experiences. WOWtopia is expected to begin touring the U.S. in Fall 2017. For more information, visit the Company's website at wowexplorations.com.
SOURCE WOW Explorations
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