SLED Webinar Takeaway and Recording

Last week's webinar brought together two sides of a conversation that doesn't happen often enough, the people building EdTech and GovTech companies and the people investing in them. The result was one of the most grounded, tactical sessions I've hosted.

Tej (tej@unionsoftwaregroup.com) from Union Software Group shared how USG approaches the companies they invest in. Not just as a financial exercise, but as an operational partnership. USG doesn't just acquire and observe. They come alongside founders with hands-on operational support designed to help these businesses grow over the long term. It's a model that resonated with the group because it mirrors what so many early-stage founders are actually looking for: a partner.

That perspective was reinforced by BusPlanner, one of USG's portfolio companies, who joined the conversation and shared firsthand insight into their own growth strategy. Hearing directly from a company that has lived the experience of partnering with an operator-led acquirer added a layer of credibility and specificity that you just can't get from a slide deck.

The interaction between attendees was equally valuable. The questions were sharp, the dialogue was honest, and the energy made it clear that this community is hungry for real conversation about what it takes to build, scale, and sustain in this market.

I also walked the group through my SLED Strategy Playbook. Delivering a framework or structured approach to building your go-to-market strategy for state, local, and education markets. This isn't theory. It's the same framework I've used to help companies navigate K-12 buying cycles, map funding pathways, and build repeatable revenue in government and education. Whether you're just entering SLED or refining an existing approach, this framework gives you a starting point you can build on and make your own.

Don't Miss a Thing

Whether you joined us live or couldn't make it, we've got you covered.

Full video of the session is available for download [here]. This link will be active for 30 days, so grab it while it's available.

We've also put together a one-page PDF packed with valuable links to help you get started building your SLED strategy. Consider it a cheat sheet for navigating state, local, and education markets, from funding sources to procurement pathways. Download the one pager here.

SLED Strategy Webinar_Melody McDonald_0227Final.pptx.pdf

Download PDF • 386KB

Help Shape What Comes Next

I'm building toward delivering a full sales bootcamp for EdTech and GovTech founders, and your input matters. I want to make sure the topics I cover in the next webinar, and the one after, are the ones supporting your daily grind.

Take a look at this poll and drop me a note with your number. Your response directly shapes what we build next.

Let's Keep the Conversation Going

If anything from the session sparked a question, or if you're in the thick of building your go-to-market strategy and want hands-on support with execution, I'd love to connect. This is the work I do every day with EdTech and GovTech founders, and nothing energizes me more than getting into the details with people who are ready to move.

Reach out anytime. I'm here.

— Melody