iCode currently has 56 locations nationwide, with 18 more units in construction and 121 units sold in total.
This article is part of “Where Are They Now?”—an ongoing series in which Franchise Times managing editor Emilee Wentland and reporter Alyssa Huglen catch up with emerging brands.
As coding continues surging in popularity among kids, so does coding school iCode’s reach nationwide.
The company was founded in 2015 by CEO Abid Abedi and offers coding and STEM education to kids through after-school programs and camps.
Abid Abedi
Franchise Times last reported on iCode in 2021, when the franchise had 26 locations. Three years later, that number has grown to 56, with 18 more units in construction and 121 units sold in 24 states.
Earlier this year, iCode announced its goal to sign more than 200 deals by the end of 2025. But “a tough year” has Abedi rethinking that number.
“Because of it being an election year, a lot of people are sort of holding back investment. They want to see how that goes. The interest rates obviously are not helping … so we’re not going to get to the 200 mark,” he said.
Given those setbacks, Abedi believes a reasonable aspiration is 150.
iCode’s most popular program is the Belt Program, where kids earn “belts” as they progress through levels teaching various technical and soft skills. The school offers camps outside of the school year as well as opportunities for Girl Scouts to earn STEM badges and participate in courses through STEM clubs.
New this year is iSports, a 12-week esports league introducing kids to the world of competitive gaming in a safe environment. Kids play against other iSports kids from all over the country, with the best teams competing in regional and national iCode competitions.
“There’s a huge attraction to kids in terms of esports,” Abedi said. “The whole concept of iCode speaks of teamwork and collaboration, and I think a great way to do that is through esports.”
Plans for iCode next year include implementing “STEAM for Schools,” a pilot program partnering with Ohio school districts. STEAM for Schools will use AI software to create coding and technology-focused lesson plans adhering to statewide curriculum, so teachers can effectively teach STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts and math—lessons in school.
Students receive hands-on experience in iCode’s STEM-focused courses, including building and flying drones.
Three years ago, Abedi proposed the idea of offering adult-certified courses during the day. While that plan seems less likely today, he said iCode is in the process of deciding how to use its spaces outside of existing programs.
The company set up a committee of five franchisees responsible for brainstorming daytime programming ideas.
Abedi said possibilities include providing classes for homeschooled children, teaching AI and web development classes to parents or renting out spaces to be used as testing centers. iCode looks to pilot one of these programs next year.
The investment required to open an iCode franchise ranges from $298,425 to $427,425, according to its franchise disclosure document. Average unit volume in 2023 was $432,322.
Franchisees utilizing their knowledge of the field is essential to iCode’s business model. A large part of the brand strategy is bringing in franchisees with passion, a background in technology and “a strong sense of community,” Abedi said.
“They genuinely feel they could add value to the community by opening an iCode because it’s something they believe in—something that’s important,” he added. “Invariably, every single one of them will tell you, ‘I wish something like this existed’ when they were kids themselves. This is a business that gets involved very deeply within the community it operates in, and that’s sort of what I’m looking for.”