Part 21 of 24 in Reclaiming Education: The Micro-School Revolution← Part 20Part 22 →
I sat down with a group of parents recently, something I do quite often as part of my advocacy work in education reform. This meeting was different, though. It was the first of its kind in a new school setting we are experimenting with, which aims to break free from the conventional constraints of the traditional system. The parents were eager and slightly anxious, much like investors at a pitch meeting. They were looking for clarity, assurance, and a vision they could believe in. It struck me that, in many ways, this was not unlike the first meetings I have with startup founders seeking investment.
When parents and educators come together to discuss the future of their children, it should be treated with the same gravity as any high-stakes investment. After all, what could be more important than the future of a child? In our current education system, children are often not allowed to be what they naturally are. They are boxed into predefined roles, much like startups forced to fit into rigid business models rather than exploring innovative paths. The question that looms large is: What is each child no longer allowed to be in the current system?
The parallels with my experience in angel investing are striking. Just as founders are pushed to chase unsustainable growth, children are pressured to chase grades and accolades, often at the expense of genuine learning and curiosity. I’ve seen firsthand how this approach can stifle creativity and innovation, both in the boardroom and the classroom. The solution, I believe, lies in redefining what ‘success’ looks like. In the startup world, this means focusing on sustainable growth and meaningful impact. In education, it means valuing the development of critical thinking, empathy, and resilience.
I recall a founder I backed who was obsessed with metrics that looked good on paper but meant little in the real world. It took a candid discussion to shift his focus towards building a product that genuinely solved a problem for his users. Similarly, in education, we need to shift our focus from what looks good on report cards to what truly benefits the child’s development. What will we do on the day two children fight and one parent takes a side? It’s not about resolving conflict on paper but fostering an environment where children learn to navigate social dynamics and understand different perspectives.
One of the key challenges we discussed in the meeting was how to handle screen time. In today’s digital environment, screens are ubiquitous. Are they a tool, a reward, or something to be banned? It’s a question that doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer, much like the question of how much equity a founder should give away in their first funding round. In both cases, the decision hinges on context, goals, and the broader vision. In my view, screens should be a tool, integrated thoughtfully into the learning process, much like technology in a startup should enhance rather than dictate the business model.
Another point of discussion was the backup plan: who is the second adult when the first is ill? This is a practical concern that mirrors the need for a solid management team in a startup. You can’t rely on a single individual to shoulder all the responsibility. In education, as in business, resilience comes from having a robust support system. This is why I believe in nurturing a community around each child, just as I advocate for building a strong network around each startup.
We also addressed the question of what “it’s working” looks like in 90 days, in the child’s body and voice, not just on paper. This is a crucial aspect that often gets overlooked. In my experience as an investor, I’ve learned that the most telling signs of a startup’s success aren’t always in the financial projections but in the passion and commitment of the founders. Similarly, the true measure of a child’s progress is not just in their test scores but in their enthusiasm for learning and their ability to articulate their thoughts and feelings.
As we wrapped up the meeting, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of cautious optimism. We are attempting something bold, something that challenges the status quo. But then, isn’t that what angel investing is all about? Taking calculated risks to support ventures that have the potential to change the world? In both education and investing, the stakes are incredibly high, and the rewards, when we get it right, are immeasurable.
In the end, perhaps the most significant lesson I’ve learned in my dual roles as an IVF specialist and an angel investor is the value of patience. Whether nurturing a new life or a new business, the process requires commitment, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the possibility of a better future. As we move forward with our education experiment, I am reminded that the most important investments are those we make in people — in their potential, their dreams, and their capacity to grow beyond the limitations imposed by outdated systems.
Let’s have the courage to reimagine what education can be and approach it with the same innovative spirit we bring to the world of startups. After all, every child deserves the chance to be more than what the current system allows.