Cultivator Founders’ Retreat proved to be more ‘energizing’ than ‘relaxing’
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines ‘retreat‘ as the following…
(1): an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable
(2): a place of privacy, rest, refuge, or safety
(3): a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director
We know that being a founder is not easy. We have found that providing an outlet for founders to step back from their company (for a short amount of time — one or two days) with a group of peers, can restore their energy and reinvigerate their passion for their startup.
At cultivator, we use the word ‘retreat’ to describe the event we host quartlery that brings founders together and encourages them to focus on their personal growth and develop their skillset.
To kick off 2023, we curated a Founders’ Retreat that allowed founders to roll up their sleeves and get their hands ‘dirty‘ learning from guests who have expertise in different areas of the tech industry. This retreat was far from relaxing– we kept founders busy with a detailed schedule of workshops, presentations, and networking. With regular cohort calls throughout the year, founders are able to virtually dive into content on a bi-weekly (GROW program) or monthly basis (SCALE program); but with a Founders’ Retreat, we are able to offer an intimate experience where founders can support one another through a shared connection in a focused environment.
We were lucky enough to welcome six incredible experts to the Cultivator HQ on February 2 – 4, 2023.
Danielle Gifford, Marty Yaskowich, Dana Abdullah, Charles Plant, Giovanna Payne, and Chris Payne met one to one with each of Cultivator’s founders in the GROW and SCALE program. The meetings were curated based on the founders’ needs and the stage of their company. We also organized presentations and panels for the founders to take part in as a group. The energy and excitement was at an all-time high. Founders left the retreat sessions feeling energized and ready to tackle what’s to come this year in the world of tech.
Strategy Session: How to build a brand, with Marty Yaskowich
Investor Panel, with Erin Trapp (Manager, Investor Relations & Portfolio Management – Conexus Venture Capital & Emmertech), Danielle Gifford, Dana Abdullah, and moderated by Kayla Baum (Founder & CEO, Twello).
Strategy Session: Scaleup Math, with Charles Plant
Founders’ Feast: Path to Acquisition, with Chris Payne and Sean O’Connor (Managing Director – Conexus Venture Capital & Emmertech)
This retreat allowed founders to recenter and focus on what’s next for their startup! We are riding the waves of energy and excitement for 2023! Thank you to everyone who made our Founders’ Retreat a success.
See what Dana, Danielle, and Marty got up to on Saturday night, as they extended their stay at Cultivator and joined our team as guest judges at the 2023 – 24 Hour Startup.