Published: March 13, 2026 at 12:56 pm
Synap was making waves in the Leeds tech scene as far back as 2018 with its revision platform for students.
Fast-forward eight years and two pivots and the EdTech 50 star now provides technology for administering exams as well as supporting students with their work.
Speaking to Founder Friday on top of Bruntwood SciTech’s Platform building, Dr James Gupta – who co-founded the platform to help with his medical studies in Leeds – explains why the West Yorkshire city is a great place to start a business.
With universities – including Ivy League institutions – employers and regulated sectors using the platform, as well as private EdTech and tutoring companies, he says the creative and agile startup transforms into a military-style operation on exam day – which is a “nice mix”.
“I wouldn’t change it for the world,” he says.
The EDM (electronic dance music) and Metallica fan also tells us how he likes to unwind when not working on the business – he and his wife spent two weeks at music festivals last year!