We’ve been running our Annual Founder Retreat since 2016. It has been an extraordinary experience to bring together founders and CEOs from across our portfolio for a few days of reflection, and connection and it gets better every year. The event has become a space to reflect on what it takes to build enduring, category-defining companies in a changing world.

This year, we’ve been talking about New Frontiers; and particularly the transformational impact of artificial intelligence. The impact of AI on the world will potentially be as profound as the industrial revolution, creating entirely new industries and ways of working, impacting every aspect of how we build companies that will stand the test of time.

We explored the history of platform supercycles (mainframe, PC, networking, internet, SaaS & Cloud and now of course AI), with Jos White and Benedict Evans and discussed how our understanding of how those technologies played out will impact how the AI Age will unfold. One conclusion - every platform supercycle had a huge impact on the world - but not in the way that was thought at the time they started.

Exploring the Impact of AI

We discussed the way AI is transforming industries and the way we build companies. Across the retreat, we had extraordinary presentations, breakouts and workshops, walking groups, and plenty of fun along the way, from team building with axe throwing to countless sidebar chats, to some great walks and talks.

Many learnings came from people operating in different parts of the economy, learning as they go, and sharing that knowledge openly.

“Notion provides us with so much strategic insight, a fantastic network of great people. Some have done this journey before, some are at the early stage, and others are midway through. Fundamentally, we were able to share insights, talk about experiences, get new ideas, and level-set around how our businesses can grow and how we can be better founders.” Caroline Grey, Treefera.

The speaking quality has been exceptionally high. Hearing from people like Benedict Evans and Phil Chambers, and learning what they’re thinking about at this moment in the industry’s history, has been interesting and insightful.

Benedict is an extraordinary guide to the world of technology and his perspective on how the AI supercycle will play out was exceptional. As a repeat founder, Phil’s insights on company building in this new era will similarly profound.

“There was an unbelievable presentation this morning where we got a really good perspective on AI growth in the market—the impact of AI on venture and the trends we’re seeing where AI and SaaS cross over. It’s given me a lot of perspective for my own business, reflecting on how we position ourselves in the market, the experiences and product features we’re building, and how we can best use what AI has to offer.” Josh Hart, Yulife.

"Analyst perspective was interesting this year, a great build on Jos' annual market overview which is always super helpful". Harrison Rose, GoodFit.

"Sharing ideas on so many topics, AI of course, but also leadership and hiring. The sidebar chats are fantastic.  We are building relationships that I’m sure will last our lifetimes." James Gozney, Aslan.

Sessions Designed for Founders

We take a lot of time in preparation to ensure the sessions reflect what founders at different stages of their journey care about.

The most gratifying thing for me is always seeing founders, some of whom don’t know each other, just exploding into conversation and discussion, because they’re in a safe space.

Everyone understands the challenges they’re all mutually going through, and that empowers real, open, honest, substantive discussions. Sometimes that’s during the day, sometimes it’s late at night, when you see founders in a huddle talking about the topics that are really important to them.

Jos always set the scene with his ‘What’s going on out there’ presentation, which grounded the event in market dynamics - public markets, The Magnificent 7, fundraising trends, exits, IPOs. He spans macro and micro masterfully.

"So much thought goes into organising this event with what founders need. It  is really impressive." Daniel Gibney, Ferovinum.

"I always love Jos's state of the union!" Rachel Turner, VC Talent Lab

This year Kam joined forces with Jos to share his perspectives on the AI landscape and the opportunity for Europe to build world-beating companies in the AI-Application Layer.

"I loved Kam's perspective on AI. Jess on B/C fundraising was also super helpful. I would love to have more about AI and GEO next year as with one year more, we will have learnt a lot on these two topics!" Maxime Eduardo, Naboo.

Shared Learning and Candid Conversations

Throughout the retreat, founders share ideas about how the world is changing around them, how their companies can be at the forefront of the shift towards AI, the changes they are making and the challenges they are facing within their businesses and of course where the true value lies.

One of my favourite sessions was with the founders of four native AI businesses: Cogna, Protex AI, Techwolf and Upciti. All shared a common thread in terms of an obsession with the problem they solve and the value they deliver. Summed up for me by Ciaran O‘Mara: we refuse to talk about proof of concepts, only proof of value.

The message of focusing on AI solutions that deliver true customer value and of the imperative of defensibility came through loud and clear.

There have been learnings across leadership, execution, and strategy, as well as countless sidebar chats that have been engaging and valuable.

The retreat has also helped founders develop networks and relationships that will last a lifetime.

“There’s a camaraderie amongst founders here. You’ve got a whole bunch of people in the same boat, experiencing the same things. That camaraderie creates a free sharing of stories, challenges, playbooks, and solutions, which I’ve found really fascinating and valuable.” Dean Elwood, Umony.

Lasting Value and Perspective

By the end, many left feeling energised, intellectually stimulated, and grateful for the opportunity to spend time with such an exceptional group.

“It might seem like an indulgence in some ways, but the value you take away from it far outweighs that. This is my second year coming to the retreat; it was absolutely worth it last year, and even more so this year.” Mitchel Fowler, Ferovinum.

For many, the retreat offers something founders rarely get: perspective.

“For every founder, it’s quite a lonely journey. You’re faced with enormous challenges that you have to overcome to build something amazing. And to do that, you need help. What a place like this gives you is perspective—and that perspective can be the difference between achieving your mission and not.” Avina Nigram, TERN.

And making powerful connections with founders in many different businesses.

"Appreciated all the conversations with the founders that attended as this part is where the real hidden value of the conference lives. Thanks Josh for a hauntingly good session on product." Mitchel Fowler, Ferovinum

Having Fun, Making Money

And it wouldn’t be a Notion Capital event without some fun and indeed some silliness. The top rated session is invariably the walking groups, which is a reminder to us to not jam-pack the agenda. So we love room for informal discussions, as well as a trip to the spa, hitting the gym or going for a run.

And as you will see from the video, the silliness involved cowboy hats and bucking broncos for the last night, riffing on the “new frontiers’ theme.  

"My favourite founder/startup event of the year." Harrison Rose, GoodFit.

And last but not least a word of thanks to our sponsors

• Dan Glazer and Mike Labriola of Wilson Sonsini, who facilitate numerous side discussions on US expansion, fundraising and exits as well as chairing our Cowboy themed New Frontiers Panel
• Jonno Southam of, HSBC Innovation Banking
• Dan Hyde, Erevena - who shared some fascinating insights into how the world’s tech giants are rethinking hiring in the Age
• Oksana Stowe of Google Cloud.

As we look back on this extraordinary event and reflect on what is to come, its good to remind ourselves that company building and success is not a scientific, logical process. It is built around extraordinary people, dreaming big, imagining new possibilities and bringing extraordinary people along with them on the journey.