Henna Patel

Hello! I’m Henna — a career digital strategist, political junkie, mom, runner and surfer.
Professionally, I am passionate about leveraging digital platforms to galvanize people and communities.
My academic work (so far) as an MET student has focused on learning theory, technologies, tools and its specific applications to various elements of social justice and equality.
In my free time, I like to run as fast as I can — it helps me think and figure things out.
NIBBLEBYTE: Seed Crowdfunding for Women Technologists
By Henna Patel on November 25, 2018
There is a bug in the system — the technology venture system. Women are under-represented and underfunded. And Canada is no exception. This is a big, showstopper of a bug, but it’s not un-fixable, with a bit of re-engineering. Yes! If women’s perspectives, thinking, leadership, views and intelligence are not equally represented in our technology […]
Education for Bias Machines
By Henna Patel on October 13, 2018
Greetings All. I’ve taken an unconventional approach to this venture analyst report. Rather than analyze a specific company, platform or tool, I have chosen a subset of the Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning market; Ethics, fairness, transparency and representational equality in AI and Machine Learning. Perhaps you already have questions. Is that actually a market? […]
Guild Education: Rachel Carlson and Brittany Stich
By Henna Patel on September 25, 2018
CEO & Co-Founder: Rachel Carlson // CO-Founder: Brittany Stich BRIEF: Co-Founders Carlson and Stich started Guild Education — a for profit company with a double bottom line. The company identifies an education gap among working adults: 30% of working adults without a high school diploma 70% of the total US population without college degree. (guildeducation.com) Amid […]
EARTH : The Pitch.
By Henna Patel on September 19, 2018
My search for a current and compelling pitch in the realm of education + technology, which also satisfied criteria for an elevator pitch landed me here — on EARTH (via IndieGogo and previously on Kickstarter). It is an AI and AR-augmented physical model of our planet. EARTH is intended to be used a immersive and […]
Elevating education in underserved regions
By Henna Patel on September 10, 2018
According to UNESCO, in 2016 93% of the 22.5 million refugees lived mobile-networked areas, 39 percent of the homes had internet connectivity ability (UNESCO, March 2018.). And, in a 2017 joint policy paper, UNESCO and Global Education Monitoring Report showed that if everyone completed primary and secondary school education, global poverty could be reduced by […]
Looking forward to looking ahead 🔭
By Henna Patel on September 4, 2018
Hello! I’m Henna — a career digital content strategist, political junkie, mom, runner and surfer. Professionally, I am passionate about leveraging digital platforms to galvanize people and communities. My academic work (so far) as an MET student has focused on learning theory, technologies & tools and their specific applications to social justice and equality. For […]

Incredible, Heewon! This idea is just awesome and it's so easy to see how learning can invigorated by Vreakout. I could use it for aspects of learning in the professional world, to be honest, Both your pitch products were strong and on point with respect to collaboration, problem solving critical thinking and combined pedagogies. I really appreciate the attention you've given to the funding allocation and can see how that would provide potential investors with enough information to want to get in touch for more. It's interesting that you're focus will be higher education and I like the AI direction. I would love to learn more about how the escape rooms will scale in difficulty, subject matter and whether the rooms themselves 'learn' from the human interaction. The addition of a contact form shows you are committed and proactive to interested parties. If I were an investor, I would certain be in touch with you, to learn more about you and your team. Bravissimo!
Incredible, Heewon! This idea is just awesome and it's so easy to see how learning can invigorated by Vreakout. I could use it for aspects of learning in the professional world, to be honest, Both your pitch products were strong and on point with respect to collaboration, problem solving critical thinking and combined pedagogies. I really appreciate the attention you've given to the funding allocation and can see how that would provide potential investors with enough information to want to get in touch for more. It's interesting that you're focus will be higher education and I like the AI direction. I would love to learn more about how the escape rooms will scale in difficulty, subject matter and whether the rooms themselves 'learn' from the human interaction. The addition of a contact form shows you are committed and proactive to interested parties. If I were an investor, I would certain be in touch with you, to learn more about you and your team. Bravissimo!
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- in reply to Vreakout – Immersive Escape Room for Education

Hi Bryn, I really like the customizable features of the Slingbit LMS. And the fact that it can embed into a third party site, I imagine would be very useful for market adoption. It is interesting to see how Slingbit can help teachers better understand both student's personal pain points and the for the class as a whole. As you outline in the reflection, understanding how to break into the market that has a notable list of big players would be a challenge. But perhaps there is a Canadian curriculum and home-grown venture angle there? Overall, I like how you've broken down into bits as it lends to a gamification aspect that could be valuable. One thing I didn't see or hear any mention of funding, or why you might not be interested in funding at this time. Thanks for introducing me to Slingbit!
Hi Bryn, I really like the customizable features of the Slingbit LMS. And the fact that it can embed into a third party site, I imagine would be very useful for market adoption. It is interesting to see how Slingbit can help teachers better understand both student's personal pain points and the for the class as a whole. As you outline in the reflection, understanding how to break into the market that has a notable list of big players would be a challenge. But perhaps there is a Canadian curriculum and home-grown venture angle there? Overall, I like how you've broken down into bits as it lends to a gamification aspect that could be valuable. One thing I didn't see or hear any mention of funding, or why you might not be interested in funding at this time. Thanks for introducing me to Slingbit!
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- in reply to Slingbit- The Ultimate LMS

Lori, you've actually inspired me to want to build a PC with my kid. And I'm not even a gamer (yet)! I have build my own machine however, and you've identified and addressed many of the frustrations, rudimentary scavenging and time consuming things that get in the way of actually building. Your elevator pitch and venture pitch combine to make an in-depth and really interesting dive into how you would optimize, re-focus and direct an existing in-market offering. Contrary to your reflection, I find that you've combined the right analysis and market stats to educate and excite even someone who is new to this market. Although, I can appreciate what a challenge it must have been to edit down the amount of information presented. The offering you've described is comprehensive, I can easily see how this would be great for schools, budding computer techs, and even hobbyists. The use of AI user analytics to scaffold learning, is brilliant. And introducing a storefront brings the venture full circle to understanding the path to profitability. Notably, your funding portion is the strongest I've seen yet. The fact that you show how and in which percentage you will allocate the $5mil investment is especially interesting. Finally, your personality really shines in the pitch materials, but it would be great to know a bit more about you, what brought you to this venture opportunity. I think you should do it. :)
Lori, you've actually inspired me to want to build a PC with my kid. And I'm not even a gamer (yet)! I have build my own machine however, and you've identified and addressed many of the frustrations, rudimentary scavenging and time consuming things that get in the way of actually building. Your elevator pitch and venture pitch combine to make an in-depth and really interesting dive into how you would optimize, re-focus and direct an existing in-market offering. Contrary to your reflection, I find that you've combined the right analysis and market stats to educate and excite even someone who is new to this market. Although, I can appreciate what a challenge it must have been to edit down the amount of information presented. The offering you've described is comprehensive, I can easily see how this would be great for schools, budding computer techs, and even hobbyists. The use of AI user analytics to scaffold learning, is brilliant. And introducing a storefront brings the venture full circle to understanding the path to profitability. Notably, your funding portion is the strongest I've seen yet. The fact that you show how and in which percentage you will allocate the $5mil investment is especially interesting. Finally, your personality really shines in the pitch materials, but it would be great to know a bit more about you, what brought you to this venture opportunity. I think you should do it. :)
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- in reply to A3 : PC Building Simulator VR Edition

I became pretty excited by the idea of rethinking the existing school lunch programs. Thanks Katie! I like how Lunch Kit Chef blends experiencial learning with food literacy and a bit of financial literacy. I also think this could bring a lot understanding about different diets. My family is vegetarian and I am extra conscious about sharing values about eating well, local produce when possible, and supporting small producers. To this end, it would be great if Lunch Kit Chef could partner with small grocers and organic delivery services. One concern I would have is major chains logging data points from kids making food choices. Provided that issues is thought through, You've done a nice job of explaining how food literacy can be fun, engaging and rewarding.
I became pretty excited by the idea of rethinking the existing school lunch programs. Thanks Katie! I like how Lunch Kit Chef blends experiencial learning with food literacy and a bit of financial literacy. I also think this could bring a lot understanding about different diets. My family is vegetarian and I am extra conscious about sharing values about eating well, local produce when possible, and supporting small producers. To this end, it would be great if Lunch Kit Chef could partner with small grocers and organic delivery services. One concern I would have is major chains logging data points from kids making food choices. Provided that issues is thought through, You've done a nice job of explaining how food literacy can be fun, engaging and rewarding.
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- in reply to Lunch Kit Chef

Hi Victoria, Your focus on literacy for those with learning disabiliites is admirable and needed in many communities around the world. Your pitch materials were clear and comprehensive. Since Beyond Reading is in market, it would be exciting to see a demo of someone using it. An investor might appreciate that emotional value in something that has been market tested. Since Canada is your initial primary market, as an investor I might also want to see your plan for Canadian expansion. Finally in exchange for the $1.5 million investment, I would want to see your path to profitability; number of target # school boards over the course of the next few years, would be a key metric. Thanks!
Hi Victoria, Your focus on literacy for those with learning disabiliites is admirable and needed in many communities around the world. Your pitch materials were clear and comprehensive. Since Beyond Reading is in market, it would be exciting to see a demo of someone using it. An investor might appreciate that emotional value in something that has been market tested. Since Canada is your initial primary market, as an investor I might also want to see your plan for Canadian expansion. Finally in exchange for the $1.5 million investment, I would want to see your path to profitability; number of target # school boards over the course of the next few years, would be a key metric. Thanks!
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- in reply to A3 – Beyond Reading

A very thoughtful idea, Aggie -- thanks for bringing it to our attention. Writing was so fundamental to my early schooling that I can't imagine struggling with it. That would be very unsettling from a learning and remembering perspective. I liked how your elevator pitch captured how interwoven a concept this is -- merging mixed reality with a very human need and linking it to a pedagogical need. Your venture pitch provided in depth insight into market, technology, and reasons that Scribe Right is needed. I think the information could be a bit better organized to bring your company to the forefront. Also the funding link did not work for me, so I hope you are able to fix that issue. I'll check back! In the meantime, I think your idea is great and could even be used to help non-native learners in any language, bring another dimension to their learning.
A very thoughtful idea, Aggie -- thanks for bringing it to our attention. Writing was so fundamental to my early schooling that I can't imagine struggling with it. That would be very unsettling from a learning and remembering perspective. I liked how your elevator pitch captured how interwoven a concept this is -- merging mixed reality with a very human need and linking it to a pedagogical need. Your venture pitch provided in depth insight into market, technology, and reasons that Scribe Right is needed. I think the information could be a bit better organized to bring your company to the forefront. Also the funding link did not work for me, so I hope you are able to fix that issue. I'll check back! In the meantime, I think your idea is great and could even be used to help non-native learners in any language, bring another dimension to their learning.
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- in reply to Scribe Right- using technology to improve printing skills

Your idea and pitch are inspiring, Ryan! Both from the perspective of serving an underserved demographic with a need an appetite for learning technology, and because I too (like others) have been on many tech support calls with parents and extended family. Both your elevator and venture pitch captured the idea, market and company vision well. It's really good to see a diverse team behind you, including a woman. A few questions that came to mind are around how the current revenue model contributes to your bottom line and how it will scale up in the years to come. How you plan to reach $1-mil by next year. And where the $500,000 investment would be allocated. I hope your quest for government and private funding becomes a Canadian success story!
Your idea and pitch are inspiring, Ryan! Both from the perspective of serving an underserved demographic with a need an appetite for learning technology, and because I too (like others) have been on many tech support calls with parents and extended family. Both your elevator and venture pitch captured the idea, market and company vision well. It's really good to see a diverse team behind you, including a woman. A few questions that came to mind are around how the current revenue model contributes to your bottom line and how it will scale up in the years to come. How you plan to reach $1-mil by next year. And where the $500,000 investment would be allocated. I hope your quest for government and private funding becomes a Canadian success story!
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- in reply to Olive Connect

Exciting area for a venture! I often think kids will have no idea about the tangible characteristics of money. It is easier to spend from an unseen account than from your own wallet for example. And that could contribute to financial obliviousness. So I'm for an app and education program in this area. A main differentiator for In the Bank is the accreditation, if I’m not mistaken. For pitch and and venture presentation purposes, perhaps bringing that forward in the narrative would help it stand out. It would be great to see a program like this in place across Canada. Knowing a bit more about you and your team within the materials, as they are referred to a few times, would also be great. Thanks Evan!
Exciting area for a venture! I often think kids will have no idea about the tangible characteristics of money. It is easier to spend from an unseen account than from your own wallet for example. And that could contribute to financial obliviousness. So I'm for an app and education program in this area. A main differentiator for In the Bank is the accreditation, if I’m not mistaken. For pitch and and venture presentation purposes, perhaps bringing that forward in the narrative would help it stand out. It would be great to see a program like this in place across Canada. Knowing a bit more about you and your team within the materials, as they are referred to a few times, would also be great. Thanks Evan!
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- in reply to

Hi Reg! Nice. The AAIR elevator pitch was well supported, clear and concise. I respond to numbers so your market statistics made an impression on me. They gave me very good sense of need and potential for growth across sectors and geographies. Overall the venture sounds compelling, certainly in a robust growth area of tech and edtech. The exciting parts were the view into how learning and training across sectors can be transformed into immersive experiences. The prospective investor package was also packed with useful, forward looking market and forecast information. I appreciate your noting the certain aspects of your video and the format of the investor package that you may improve on. I had noted both as benefiting from a bit more creativity given the area of the venture. But having read your reflection I get where you’re coming from.
Hi Reg! Nice. The AAIR elevator pitch was well supported, clear and concise. I respond to numbers so your market statistics made an impression on me. They gave me very good sense of need and potential for growth across sectors and geographies. Overall the venture sounds compelling, certainly in a robust growth area of tech and edtech. The exciting parts were the view into how learning and training across sectors can be transformed into immersive experiences. The prospective investor package was also packed with useful, forward looking market and forecast information. I appreciate your noting the certain aspects of your video and the format of the investor package that you may improve on. I had noted both as benefiting from a bit more creativity given the area of the venture. But having read your reflection I get where you’re coming from.
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- 1 Replies
- in reply to A3 – Artificially Augmented Intelligent Reality – AAIR

This is one of those technologies that gives me a lot to think about with respect to my value system. Does it place the parent in the role of outside observer and student in the role of the one being watched by so many, at all times? Do students truly learn compassion, emotional intelligence, social responsibility and accountability? Or are they motivated mostly by trying to get their photos and videos taken by the teacher? I'm certainly not saying it doesn't sound compelling. Any tool that is is a positive way for teachers to manage a classroom and increase transparency with parents probably results in more quality in actual learning experiences. What I do like is the ground-up research that was done in the creation of ClassDojo. And for a company of 30 employees, it appears to boast some impressive user numbers. Thanks for the profile, Aggie!
This is one of those technologies that gives me a lot to think about with respect to my value system. Does it place the parent in the role of outside observer and student in the role of the one being watched by so many, at all times? Do students truly learn compassion, emotional intelligence, social responsibility and accountability? Or are they motivated mostly by trying to get their photos and videos taken by the teacher? I'm certainly not saying it doesn't sound compelling. Any tool that is is a positive way for teachers to manage a classroom and increase transparency with parents probably results in more quality in actual learning experiences. What I do like is the ground-up research that was done in the creation of ClassDojo. And for a company of 30 employees, it appears to boast some impressive user numbers. Thanks for the profile, Aggie!
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- in reply to Sam Chaudhary and Liam Don- Co-founders of ClassDojo
