A partnership with the NSW Government

Be a part of a movement: to transform your EdTech business and take your place as a leader in the Australian EdTech ecosystem.
The Women’s Education Leaders Syndicate is a one-of-a-kind program designed exclusively for women leaders in EdTech across New South Wales. It brings together successful entrepreneurs, business leaders, and educators who are driving innovation in digital education and shaping the future of learning.
Supported by Study NSW, this program offers a trusted, collaborative space for women to expand their leadership capabilities, share their experiences, and strengthen their impact in the EdTech sector.
Four times a year, members gather to connect, learn, and hear from high-profile speakers on the evolving challenges and opportunities in education and technology. Each session is designed to spark reflection, inspire strategic thinking, and encourage collaboration among peers.
The WEL Syndicate empowers women to reimagine the way they lead — fostering growth, confidence, and innovation in an environment built on shared purpose. Together, members are driving forward New South Wales’ reputation as a leader in global digital education.

Strengthen Strategic Thinking

Learn from Experts
Access to Education Leaders

Share Challenges

Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the LaunchPad WEL Syndicate program important?
Leading a business can be isolating, and the additional dimensions of the education sector creates unique challenges for EdTech entrepreneurs. The LaunchPad WEL Syndicate Program aims to connect EdTech women, education sector business leaders and leading educators regularly to enhance the journey through connection and collaboration.
Is the LaunchPad WEL Syndicate the right program for me?
LaunchPad WEL Syndicate membership is an exclusive, executive level that promotes thought leadership, personal and business development.
What will I get out of joining the LaunchPad WEL Syndicate program?
You will be joining a collegiate environment where women leaders can learn alongside their peers in an open, respectful and confidential environment.
- Connect with education sector peer executives on a shared journey of reimagining learning in the digital age
- Learn with expert speakers providing insights into specific areas of business growth including capital raising, entering international markets, customer acquisition, government, policy, legal, financial, investment, strategy and more
- Share your journey with the members of your syndicate and receive new perspectives on the challenges facing your business from peers facing similar challenges
- Guidance from an expert syndicate chair with extensive experience in building education technology and innovation products, services and businesses without the governance challenges of a board chair
- Join a syndicate with other EdTech women leaders focussed on the K12 schools market or higher education market
What is the structure of the program?
The LaunchPad WEL Syndicate Program is structured as follows:
- Six half-day meetings across the year
- An independent syndicate chair with significant education sector experience
- Each syndicate comprises 10-12 education technology and innovation leaders
- Expert speakers will provide insights into specific areas of business growth
- Syndicate members have the opportunity to share their business experiences under Chatham House rules and seek the perspectives of others sharing a similar journey
Is there a financial commitment to participate in this program?
There is no financial commitment to participate in the Women’s Education Leaders (WEL) Syndicate.
This initiative is proudly supported by Study NSW, allowing participants to join at no cost.
The program is designed to create a trusted space for women in EdTech to connect, learn, and collaborate
Can I participate if I’m not based in Sydney?
Participation in the Women’s Education Leaders (WEL) Syndicate is limited to those based in Sydney or New South Wales, as the program is proudly sponsored by Study NSW.
This support enables us to offer the program at no cost to participants within the region.
Members of the WEL Syndicate Program…
are supporting learners, teachers, schools, institutions and companies to positively impact educational outcomes, support access to learning and increase the efficiency of educational processes and systems.

Past Speakers Include

Rita Ferrandino
Founding Partner | Arc Capital Development

Kerri-Lee Krause
Vice Chancellor and President | Avondale University

Sandra Heldsinger
Founder | Brightpath Assessment and Reporting Software

Rachel Bentvelzen
Head of FinTech | Macquarie Capital

Sarah Rich
Head of Education and Co-Founder | Inquisitive

Maria Spies
Co-CEO & Co-Founder | HolonIQ

Rose Luckin
Founder & CEO | EDUCATE Ventures Research
Join the Program
To learn more or express your interest in joining the Women’s Education Leaders Syndicate program, please complete the form below or send an email to [email protected]
Open Contact Form
“When syndicate members are having direct conversations, when they meet independently outside the meeting, when they leverage each other’s expertise, that’s the real value.”
David Linke
Managing Director, EduGrowth