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VC RETREAT 2025

THE HUMAN EDGE

Rediscovering the science of togetherness

Oct 27-29 - Ojai, CA

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Heartwood Collective logo with a stylized geometric mountain icon above the text 'Heartwood' and 'COLLECTIVE' in capital letters.

INVEST IN WHAT TRULY SCALES

Our work helps founders and teams unlock transformation that accelerates their growth as leaders and collaborators.

We’d love to give you a taste of that transformation.

AN IMMERSIVE

EXPERIENCE

We design this three-day retreat every year to catalyze your personal growth so you can better support your founders in theirs.

Walk away with:

  • A deeper understanding of the hidden dynamics that make or break a company’s ability to scale.

  • A stronger ability to identify and mentor high-performing teams.

  • A sense of how to utilize embedded coaching to support founders at every stage of their journey.

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wHO’S

COMING?

A select group of VCs and platform leaders who believe that great companies require great teams.

If you’re committed to being a better partner to your founders, and to experiencing the deep work of transformation, this retreat is for you.

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Rachel Hirsch

Wellness Growth Ventures

“So often these events focus on best practices related to metrics, but this focused on the other pieces of being a founder and supporting their work that are rarely discussed. 

It's a rare opportunity to make yourself both a better investor and human as we invest and support the next generation of founders. 

It brought me back in alignment with my values, what's important to me, and how I can showcase that with my actions every day.”

Presented By

The Heartwood Collective logo with a triangle symbol above the text 'Heartwood' and 'COLLECTIVE' written below, all in white on a black background.

Heartwood Collective (formerly Pilea) is a coordinated team of coaches and consultants who help founders and executive teams navigate the complexity of growth.

We facilitate the growth of individuals and groups to create high-functioning teams.

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Hosted By

Pure Ventures is a California-based, early-stage venture capital firm run by seasoned GPs and experienced operators.

The fund invests 60% in consumer sectors and 40% sector agnostic in deeper tech realms such as Defense Tech, AI, and Aerospace.

Our Sponsors

Your participation and experiences are paid for by our amazing sponsors so that we can offer this retreat at no cost to you!

Super Stars

An abstract logo featuring concentric circles in gold and navy blue with the word 'CATALYST' beneath.

Champions

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Supporters

Inception Talent Consulting logo featuring a circular emblem with blue, maroon, white, and gold colors and the company name in black text.
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Victoria Garcia Besne

“As I gained experience in the investment industry, I started observing an ecosystem that thrives on pushing individuals to their limits, often overlooking their emotional well-being and overall health. This left me with a sense of doubt, questioning whether I could truly make a difference.

The trip to Napa (VC Retreat 2023) was an awakening for me. It made me realize my value as an investor and the impact I could bring to my founders.”

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We are experts in crafting transformative experiences that walk you through a developmental journey.

Over the course of three days, we will structure and shape the space to allow you to walk deeper into yourself and your participation in the collective.

WHAT TO EXPECT

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SCHEDULE

Experiences include but are not limited to, individual reflection, small group experiences, large group processing, breathwork, experiential movement, happy hours, family dinner and Kiva bonfires.

Day 1- October 27 | Half-Day

Land and Drop the Mask

We will gather, and drop into our space together.

October 28 | Full-Day

Deepen

Our full day of immersive programming.

October 29 | Half-Day

Integrate

We’ll close with a soft re-emergence and intention setting.

Attendees will enjoy meals and sessions on us! You just cover your travel and lodging for your time in Ojai.

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Held at the serene Topa Institute in Ojai, CA, this retreat offers a complete diversion from your day-to-day.

We limit attendees to an intimate group so you have space to breathe and time to deepen in.

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JOIN US