We Can't Wait to See You.
Over a decade ago, we embarked on the journey of building UpWest, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to be part of your own journey. Throughout these years, we have backed over 100 companies founded by brilliant, resilient, and contrarian founders, whom we are privileged to consider part of the UpWest family.
This September, we are bringing UpWest founders together for a special experience filled with curated activities, gourmet meals, amazing wine, and stunning views. Most importantly, our retreat provides meaningful time for community building, self-care, and the chance to unwind, connect, and recharge.
We look forward to an incredible event together, and can't wait to see you in Russian River, California.
Team UpWest
Hotel
Dawn Ranch
Nestled along the Russian River in Guerneville's wine-rich Sonoma Valley, Dawn Ranch is a stunning 22-acre property featuring direct river access, over 100 towering redwoods, a century-old apple orchard, and native meadows. This historic, cottage-style venue offers the perfect backdrop for a rejuvenating retreat.
Opening Dinner
To kick off our Founder Retreat, we are hosting an opening dinner in the charming Kitchen Garden at Dawn Ranch, nestled within the property’s lush, natural surroundings of redwoods, fruit trees, and native plants. Alongside a chef dinner, a 3 Michelin Star Sommelier will accompany us, selecting & serving several types of wines that showcase the amazing wines the Sonoma region is renowned for.
David Gerard
At our opening dinner, we are excited to host David Gerard, a world-renowned mentalist and magician, who has previously performed for Fortune 500 companies, Silicon Valley elites, and international audiences, including over 60 shows at Hollywood's Magic Castle. His modern approach blends perfectly with amazing illusions, keeping the audience entertained and amazed.
CAST Winery
Nestled in Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley, CAST is one of the region's most stunning boutique wineries, offering panoramic views and award-winning wines. During our stay, we will sip several exceptional wines and enjoy a chef lunch on the Upper Terrace which boasts a breathtaking vineyard backdrop. CAST will also be where our sessions will take place, in several beautiful spots across the estate.
Founder Sessions
In our founder-led sessions, we will break into small groups to discuss some of the most pressing challenges faced by leaders of global companies today.
The topics, selected by UpWest portfolio founders, are designed to be highly relevant and actionable, providing valuable insights to enhance founders' leadership journey while offering the chance to gain practical advice and share experiences with fellow founders.
Key discussion areas include: Running Cross-Border Companies & Managing Remote Teams; Founder Wellbeing & Work-Life Balance; Building & Scaling Your Executive Suite:; Fundraising & Investor Relations; and more.
Fireside Chat:
Tomer Weingarten,
SentinelOne
We are thrilled to host Tomer Weingarten, Founder & CEO of SentinelOne (NYSE: S), an UpWest portfolio company, for an engaging fireside chat. In this conversation, Tomer will offer insights and experience from his journey building SentinelOne, navigating unfamiliar grounds, scaling the company from zero to IPO, as well as his perspectives on the evolution of early-stage founders, managing work-life balance, and more.
Founders Wine & Dine at Starr Lake Vineyards
Our second night's program will take place in the stunning Starr Lake Vineyards, set on over 22 acres of rolling hills with spectacular views of Mt. St. Helena, featuring a gorgeous 4-acre lake and a charming, modern rustic barn.
During our Wine & Dine at the estate, we'll sip award-winning wines from the neighboring Domaine de la Rivière, renowned for its extraordinary Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Rosé.
Evening Tunes by
Gage & Gold
Also during our second night's program, we're excited to be joined by recording artist Jackie Gage for a unique and interactive concert experience performed by the Gage & Gold duo.
Founders Conversation
On our third day, we’ll come together at Dawn Ranch's Orchard for an open “Tell it All” conversation among portfolio peers who’ve taken on the challenge of building a company a second (or third) time around. We’ll explore the lessons they’ve applied from past ventures, the challenges they’ve faced, and whether they’ve gone a bit crazy for doing it all over again ;-)
Morning Yoga Flows
We’re excited to offer morning yoga flows as part of our event, designed to promote relaxation and wellness. The sessions will be led by Mary Kate McCartney (E-RYT 500 Vinyasa & Kundalini Yoga, CMT), a seasoned instructor with over 20 years of experience. Mary Kate has been teaching since 2008 and currently leads teacher trainings, retreats, and weekly classes at Dawn Ranch.
AGENDA
Wednesday, September 11th
12:00 PM - 1:15 PM | Pick Up
12:00 PM | Palo Alto pick-up | UpWest Office
1:15 PM | SF pick-up | CalTrain loading zone on Townsend (across the street from 310 Townsend)
3:00 PM | Arrival at Dawn Ranch | Welcome to Russian River
5:00 PM | Hotel Check-In | Dawn Ranch
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM | Opening Dinner
Welcome Reception
Sommeliers' Soiree
Founders Dinner
Guest Performance: David Gerard
Thursday, September 12th
7:15 AM - 8:00 AM | Morning Yoga Flow
*optional. pre-sign-up required
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Breakfast
9:30 AM - 4:00 PM | Ride & Connect | CAST Winery
E-Biking through the Vineyards
Founders Sessions
Lunch & Wine Tasting
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Rest
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Founders Wine & Dine | Starr Lake Vineyards
Wine Tasting
Fireside Chat: Tomer Weingarten, SentinelOne
Founders Dinner
Evening Tunes
Friday, September 13th
7:45 AM - 8:30 AM | Morning Yoga Flow
*optional. pre-sign-up required
8:30 AM - 9:15 AM | Breakfast
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM | Pack up & Check out
10:30 AM - 11:30 PM | Founders Conversation
11:30-12:45 PM | Brunch
1:00 PM | Closing remarks & Departure: Russian River → SF→Palo Alto
SF drop-off | CalTrain SF
SFO (Airport) dropoff | exact location TBD
Palo Alto drop-off | UpWest Office
Questions?
Please email Gil Birnboim at