Where Did LeapFrog Originate?

LeapFrog originated in California. It also originated in the mind of Michael Wood, a lawyer. He was a partner in Cooley LLP, which is based in Palo Alto, California. However, it wasn’t his profession as a lawyer that led him to the creation of LeapFrog Enterprises.

The concept that propelled the LeapFrog electronic learning toys dates back to the late 1980s. Wood wanted to teach his child how to read. He had some difficulty with the task, and he wanted to make it easier for his child. So he started researching phonics, which focuses on the relationship between letters or words with sounds.

That research led Wood to create the Phonics Desk. The prototype was created in 1994. In 1995, Wood founded LeapFrog Enterprises with partner Robert Lally. The Phonics Desk was the brand’s first product. LeapFrog is based in Emeryville, California.

The brand is still in Emeryville even when it has been acquired by VTech, which is based in Hong Kong. LeapFrog, too, has retained its identity as a brand that creates innovative products for children’s learning. VTech is known for the same thing while also manufacturing cordless phones in the U.S.

Wood eventually resigned from the law firm and focused on the company, which he started through money pitched in by family and friends. Some of Wood’s former clients also helped financially. Eventually, the seed funding reached $800,000.

The Phonics Desk was first displayed in Toys “R” Us. Other major retail brands followed suit, even those that are not specifically targeting children. LeapFrog also has its own online store. Its website is also more than just a store. It provides many articles that will help parents guide their children’s learning and more.

Currently, LeapFrog is available in dozens of countries, and it has main offices in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

You can find LeapFrog products at Amazon.