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LeapFrog company history timeline

1995

Sales in 1995 were $3 million.

LeapFrog, a member of VTech Group, is based in Emeryville, California, and was founded in 1995 by a father who revolutionized technology-based learning solutions to help his child learn how to read.

Wood began manufacturing the Phonics Desk in 1995.

1997

Knowledge Universe acquired a majority stake in LeapFrog in October 1997.

By 1997 LeapFrog was off to a great start, with growing sales of its Phonics Desk and one other toy.

1998

LeapFrog acquired Explore Technologies in August 1998.

1999

LeapFrog opened its LeapFrog Schoolhouse division, which markets LeapFrog products directly to schools, in 1999.

The LeapPad launched in 1999 and became Leapfrog's flagship product.

2000

The LeapPad began with just a few titles, but by 2000 there were more than 30 books in the SchoolHouse line, including titles for kids up to fifth grade and in subjects such as geography, music, and history.

Annual sales at LeapFrog reached steadily upward, getting close to $200 million by 2000.

2001

By 2001, with toy sales overall flat, LeapFrog had revenue of more than $300 million, a 95 percent increase over the previous year, and net income of more than $10 million.

2002

Beginning in 2002 it had partnered with Sega Toys Ltd. and the Benesse Corp. to introduce Japanese versions of its LeapPad product line.

LeapFrog co-founder Michael Wood became the company's chief executive officer in early 2002.

Sega Toys and Benesse also began producing LeapFrog toys localized for the Japanese market in 2002.

2003

LeapFrog products were sold in more than 25 countries by 2003.

2004

Tom Kalinske was appointed LeapFrog chief executive officer following Michael Wood's retirement in February 2004.

2006

Jeffrey G. Katz replaced Kalinske as LeapFrog chief executive officer in 2006.

2008

LeapFrog discontinued the LeapPad and released its Tag Reading System in June 2008.

2010

William "Bill" Chiasson replaced Jeffrey Katz as LeapFrog president and chief executive officer in March 2010.

LeapFrog also released the Leapster Explorer educational handheld game console in 2010.

2011

John Barbour was named the chief executive officer of LeapFrog in March 2011.

LeapFrog released the LeapPad Explorer educational tablet computer in 2011.

2014

LeapFrog also released its LeapPad3 and LeapPad Ultra XDi tablet devices in 2014.

2015

In August 2015, the company announced LeapFrog Epic, its new Android-based tablet for children, which was released in September 2015.

2016

On April 4, 2016, VTech completed its $72 million acquisition of LeapFrog.

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Founded
1995
Company founded
Headquarters
Emeryville, CA
Company headquarter
Founders
Michael C. Wood,Robert Lally
Company founders
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Hasbro1923$4.1B5,600136
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LeapFrog history FAQs

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LeapFrog may also be known as or be related to LEAPFROG ENTERPRISES INC, LeapFrog, LeapFrog Enterprises Inc, LeapFrog Enterprises Inc., LeapFrog Enterprises, Inc., Leapfrog and Leapfrog Enterprises, Inc.