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WHAT TO EXPECT

Intimate by design. Curated on purpose.

Two focused days

Wednesday afternoon through Thursday midday, opening with a reception and dinner Wednesday evening.

Three concurrent rooms

Dedicated sessions for franchisors preparing for capital or exit, deep dives on deal structure and diligence, and an Investor Track.

Every seat reviewed

A deliberate mix of franchise brands and finance professionals, weighted toward franchisors, so conversations stay specific.

IFA26 SCALE: The Franchise Growth and Capital Summit

Two days of education and networking on preparing for — and executing — a private equity transaction, built for franchise leaders and the investors, lenders, and advisors who fund them. IFA26 SCALE convenes for the first time this November, and the inaugural room will set the tone for everything that follows. If your brand is approaching an inflection point — or you are a capital partner who wants to understand franchising the right way — reserve your seat while seats remain.



NOVEMBER 18-19, 2026 | NASHVILLE, TN

Why Now

Capital has already arrived. The question is readiness.


Five years ago, private equity was a small but meaningful presence in franchising. Today it is a structural feature of how franchise growth, ownership, and succession get financed. The brands that understand this shift early will have more options. The capital sources that understand franchising deeply — as an operating model, not just an asset class — will make better investments. SCALE exists so both sides walk in prepared.

1 in 8

franchise brands is backed by private equity

181,800+

franchised locations — nearly 1 in 3 U.S. units — have PE behind them at the brand level, the franchisee level, or both

~50%

of all brands with 500+ units have a private equity partner somewhere in the ownership structure

Reserve Your Seat

Learn first. | Connect early. | Decide well.

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THE EDUCATION

Two days built around the deal — before the deal.


SCALE is an education summit first. The programming follows the arc of a transaction — from the first honest self-assessment to the final signature — so you leave knowing what to do next, whether your next move is 12 months out or three years away.

The starting point

Whether your brand is investment-ready — and what closes the gap

The fundamentals investors evaluate: unit economics, franchisee profitability, Item 19 strength, leadership depth, and reporting infrastructure.

The story

What actually moves valuation

How to build the financial story, present growth strategy, and set valuation expectations grounded in how buyers really underwrite franchise systems.

The process

The anatomy of a private equity transaction, step by step

Engaging an investment banker, compiling the data room, managing the bid process, negotiating terms, and selecting a buyer.

The fine print

The terms that decide who controls your brand

Board control, growth mandates, earnouts and holdbacks, reps and warranties, noncompetes, and indemnification — explained before you are across the table from someone who negotiates them for a living.

The partner

How to choose the right capital partner

The questions to ask about investment horizon, track record, governance expectations, and franchising experience — and how to read the answers.

The alternatives

Your options beyond private equity

Traditional debt, minority investment, and continued independent growth — so the decision you make is a choice, not a default.

Reserve Your Seat

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