diff --git a/README.rst b/README.rst
index d13dc0cb78c..db9b79a237a 100644
--- a/README.rst
+++ b/README.rst
@@ -1,21 +1,34 @@
-=========================================================================
-Synapse |support| |development| |documentation| |license| |pypi| |python|
-=========================================================================
-
-Synapse is an open-source `Matrix `_ homeserver written and
-maintained by the Matrix.org Foundation. We began rapid development in 2014,
-reaching v1.0.0 in 2019. Development on Synapse and the Matrix protocol itself continues
-in earnest today.
-
-Briefly, Matrix is an open standard for communications on the internet, supporting
-federation, encryption and VoIP. Matrix.org has more to say about the `goals of the
-Matrix project `_, and the `formal specification
-`_ describes the technical details.
+.. image:: https://github.com/element-hq/product/assets/87339233/7abf477a-5277-47f3-be44-ea44917d8ed7
+ :height: 60px
+
+===========================================================================================================
+Element Synapse - Matrix homeserver implementation |support| |development| |documentation| |license| |pypi| |python|
+===========================================================================================================
+
+Synapse is an open source `Matrix `_ homeserver
+implementation, written and maintained by `Element `_.
+`Matrix `_ is the open standard for
+secure and interoperable real time communications. You can directly run
+and manage the source code in this repository, available under an AGPL
+license. There is no support provided from Element unless you have a
+subscription.
+
+Subscription alternative
+------------------------
+
+Alternatively, for those that need an enterprise-ready solution, Element
+Server Suite (ESS) is `available as a subscription `_.
+ESS builds on Synapse to offer a complete Matrix-based backend including the full
+`Admin Console product `_,
+giving admins the power to easily manage an organization-wide
+deployment. It includes advanced identity management, auditing,
+moderation and data retention options as well as Long Term Support and
+SLAs. ESS can be used to support any Matrix-based frontend client.
.. contents::
-Installing and configuration
-============================
+๐ ๏ธ Installing and configuration
+===============================
The Synapse documentation describes `how to install Synapse `_. We recommend using
`Docker images `_ or `Debian packages from Matrix.org
@@ -105,8 +118,8 @@ Following this advice ensures that even if an XSS is found in Synapse, the
impact to other applications will be minimal.
-Testing a new installation
-==========================
+๐งช Testing a new installation
+============================
The easiest way to try out your new Synapse installation is by connecting to it
from a web client.
@@ -159,8 +172,20 @@ the form of::
As when logging in, you will need to specify a "Custom server". Specify your
desired ``localpart`` in the 'User name' box.
-Troubleshooting and support
-===========================
+๐ฏ Troubleshooting and support
+=============================
+
+๐ Professional support
+----------------------
+
+Enterprise quality support for Synapse including SLAs is available as part of an
+`Element Server Suite (ESS) ` subscription.
+
+If you are an existing ESS subscriber then you can raise a `support request `
+and access the `knowledge base `.
+
+๐ค Community support
+-------------------
The `Admin FAQ `_
includes tips on dealing with some common problems. For more details, see
@@ -176,8 +201,8 @@ issues for support requests, only for bug reports and feature requests.
.. |docs| replace:: ``docs``
.. _docs: docs
-Identity Servers
-================
+๐ชช Identity Servers
+==================
Identity servers have the job of mapping email addresses and other 3rd Party
IDs (3PIDs) to Matrix user IDs, as well as verifying the ownership of 3PIDs
@@ -206,8 +231,8 @@ an email address with your account, or send an invite to another user via their
email address.
-Development
-===========
+๐ ๏ธ Development
+==============
We welcome contributions to Synapse from the community!
The best place to get started is our
@@ -225,8 +250,8 @@ Alongside all that, join our developer community on Matrix:
`#synapse-dev:matrix.org `_, featuring real humans!
-.. |support| image:: https://img.shields.io/matrix/synapse:matrix.org?label=support&logo=matrix
- :alt: (get support on #synapse:matrix.org)
+.. |support| image:: https://img.shields.io/badge/matrix-community%20support-success
+ :alt: (get community support in #synapse:matrix.org)
:target: https://matrix.to/#/#synapse:matrix.org
.. |development| image:: https://img.shields.io/matrix/synapse-dev:matrix.org?label=development&logo=matrix
diff --git a/changelog.d/17324.misc b/changelog.d/17324.misc
new file mode 100644
index 00000000000..c0d7196ee0a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changelog.d/17324.misc
@@ -0,0 +1 @@
+Update the README with Element branding, improve headers and fix the #synapse:matrix.org support room link rendering.
\ No newline at end of file