Thanks Esther! Totally ditto long sales cycle in the education cycle. Just spoke to an edutech founder in sg who folded. Some ecosystems can be especially insular to external influence which I think is quite a shame - in contrast some international schools go as far as to have their own in-house venture funds.

I think when tech finally takes over some roles like marking - I see teachers being caregivers, a stern friend, a guide to encourage student to explore their interests even when the grind gets tough. I've joked to my past students that I would be with pompoms I have just to get them out of their seats and into the world to see and experience things ("touch grass" if you will).

As cursed as it sounds, I wish them a healthy dose of bad luck and will encourage them to make all sorts of friends along the way https://ghostleek.medium.com/to-my-graduating-students-one-last-time-eeef5072fee3?sk=7b812808ad37c8b61fed76050681e8cb - and maybe in the process, they will find a co-founder for a long, hopefully fun journey. Whatever risks they take, with scars or joy I think every educator encouraging them to take that chance will make all the difference (: