Hi TechMates Community,
Mark Pavlyukovskyy and Hendrik Remigereau here, excited to bring you another inspiring conversation powered by NZVC, the venture firm backing the next generation of iconic companies from New Zealand and beyond.
In this episode, we sit down with Penelope Barton, CEO of Crimson Global Academy (CGA), whose journey from selling sherbet and catching frogs in a tiny New Zealand town to leading one of the world’s most innovative online schools is nothing short of remarkable. Her passion for entrepreneurship ignited early and has guided her through diverse ventures, from running food trucks to transforming global education with tech-driven learning.
Explore the episode
In this episode, you’ll discover:
🌱 The power of deeply understanding your customer's needs – Penelope’s essential startup insight.
💡 Why clear and authentic communication is key to successful scaling – practical pitching takeaway.
🔥 Redefining education: the future of personalized online schooling – today's engaging headline topic.
🌍 How growing up in small-town New Zealand shaped Penelope’s global entrepreneurial vision – insightful location-based lesson.
🚀 Penelope’s incredible career trajectory from food trucks to edtech CEO – her standout achievement.
Don’t miss out on these exclusive insights!
Listen or read the highlights below
⏰ Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction & Penelope’s Early Life
02:42 - Entrepreneurial Spirit from Childhood
05:57 - Early Entrepreneurial Ventures and Learnings
09:54 - Transition to Tech and Startups
13:21 - Crimson Education and Launching Markets
17:25 - Joining Crimson Global Academy
22:18 - How Online Schooling Models Work
27:33 - Crimson Global Academy's Unique Approach
31:30 - Use of AI in Education and Its Implications
35:59 - Importance of Physical Interaction in Online Education
38:02 - The Evolution of Schooling
42:41 - Advice for Young Entrepreneurs
47:45 - Thoughts on University Education
51:43 - Purpose of Education in Modern Society
54:15 - Crimson's Vision for Global Expansion
56:52 - Navigating Government Partnerships in Education
58:49 - Final Reflections on New Zealand Startup Ecosystem
Why Personalized Online Learning is Education’s New Frontier
From Sherbet Sales to CEO
Penelope Barton has always been a hustler at heart, turning a childhood side gig of selling sherbet into a lifelong entrepreneurial journey. "I always had side hustles, multiple jobs, and have taken that entrepreneurial spirit into my career," Penelope recalls. Her relentless drive and willingness to embrace new challenges have consistently propelled her forward, leading her to the helm of Crimson Global Academy.
Launching a Revolutionary Online School
At CGA, Penelope and her team have built an online school model driven by personalized education, enabling students worldwide to excel based on their abilities rather than their age. "We stream by ability, not age," she emphasizes. This innovative model helps prodigies and young athletes thrive academically without sacrificing their passions, something Penelope describes as "igniting a passion for learning in every student."
Scaling Education Globally
The pandemic accelerated the demand for online education, proving CGA’s model globally viable. Penelope shares that CGA now serves thousands of students in over 70 countries, blending rigorous academics with flexible, student-centered learning. She notes, "Our vision is to be the world’s best school, offering flexibility and quality education globally." As she leads CGA into partnerships with governments worldwide, the goal is clear: to broaden educational access and impact at scale.
Navigating the Future of AI in Education
Looking forward, Penelope sees significant opportunities—and challenges—in integrating AI into education. She predicts a hybrid future where tech amplifies learning, stating, "AI tutors will soon be integrated into classrooms, helping to tailor education like never before." She also points out the critical role educators will continue to play in guiding and mentoring students, emphasizing that technology complements, rather than replaces, human insight.
Penelope Barton’s journey from small-town hustler to global edtech leader highlights the transformative potential of entrepreneurship, personalized learning, and relentless innovation in reshaping education for the better.
For more in-depth insights from Penelope Barton, be sure to listen to the full TechMates podcast episode!
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Happy listening,
The TechMates Team
