VC RETREAT 2025
ATTENDEE
RESOURCES
THANK YOU TO
OUR SPONSORS
THE BASICS
If you need anything during the event or before, please call Lisa 206-660-7443
Venue
The bulk of our programming takes place at Topa Institute: 9739 N Ojai Rd, Ojai, CA 93023
The only exception is our opening day Happy Hour, which will take place at Hotel El Roblar on Monday, 27th.
You will need to have your own ride to and from the venue each day from your hotel.
Weather
Highs: Daily highs decrease from around 78°F at the beginning of October to about 72°F by the end of the month.
Lows: Daily lows decrease from around 56°F to approximately 49°F over the course of October.
Comfort
We will be both indoors and outdoors the entire retreat. Please plan for walking, light movement, sitting, standing and laying down at times.
It gets cool at night so come prepared with warm layers for evening time. Our meals will be outdoors under cover.
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
SCHEDULE
Day 1 | Drop In
Monday 27, 2025
Half-day
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Arrive at Topa Institute to Check-In and get your gift bag. Light refreshments provided.
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Gather with our coaches and sponsors to drop-in and frame up our space for the next three days.
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Drive a few minutes to downtown Ojai. Guests will have an hour before Happy Hour to check in to their hotel and freshen up.
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Join us at La Cantina at Hotel El Roblar for apps and drinks. Guests are free to explore the amazing restaurants of Ojai for dinner.
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if you’re still hungry after Happy Hour, you’re free to take your pick of any number of great local restaurants for dinner! Most places in Ojai are open until 9 but be mindful not to wait too long.
Day 2 | Deepen
Tuesday 28, 2025
Full day
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Join our coaches for an optional 30-minute morning meditation guided by Elizabeth Armistead in the council house at Topa.
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Take your time arriving, grab a coffee or tea and settle in.
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A combination of facilitated large and small group activities to help you deepen into your own self discovery and work.
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We will have a catered lunch on site in our beautiful dining area.
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A mix of small and large group sessions. We will have some open space in here for you to choose your own adventure, whether that be resting in the council house, taking a walk, or visiting with each other.
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Join us in our beautiful dining area for happy hour featuring our favorite low alc wine, Arlow! We will roll right into a style dinner.
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Do what feels right, if you need space to unwind and rest at your hotel, take that space. If you’re feeling social, stay and play with us. Music, dancing, and a bonfire in the traditional Kiva fire pit in our dining area.
Day 3 | Closing
Wednesday 29, 2025 | Half day
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Join our coaches for an optional 30-minute morning meditation guided by Elizabeth Armistead in the council house at Topa.
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Take your time arriving, grab a coffee or tea and settle in.
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We’ve been through a lot together. We will start to integrate what we discover and powerfully close up our time together.
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Whether you stay in Ojai to enjoy a long weekend and continue integrating our experience or you return home, we hope you take something of value with you as you leave our shared space.
GUEST LIST
Take a minute to get to know our guests, coaches and sponsors!
VENUE MAP
Our event takes place in various spots around the gorgeous Topa Institute Retreat Center. The property features thoughtfully designed spaces and special projects carried out by resident artists over many years.
Presented By
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.
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
Champions
Emery is more than a brand consultancy; we’re your partners in awakening. We help brands wake up to their deeper purpose, capitalize on inflection points, and experience life-changing growth, both professionally and personally.
Supporters
Inception Talent Consulting partners with committed business leaders who seek to accelerate the impact of their people by implementing intelligently designed systems & processes as well as finding and enabling top talent.
JPMorgan's Aumni solution provides VC portfolio monitoring and management, all in one place.
Documents, KPIs, workflows, reporting, industry benchmarks, and more.
RuneSight Security provides strategic cybersecurity guidance and vCISO mentorship to startups and venture capital firms, helping them navigate risk, build trust, and scale securely. We specialize in translating complex technical and regulatory issues into clear, actionable strategies that align with business goals.
The Catalyst Group is an innovative high-tech, high-touch financial services firm specializing in institutional Fund Administration, Corporate Services, and Client Accounting. We combine cutting-edge technology with deep industry expertise to enhance fund operations, governance, and transparency.
With teams strategically located in South Africa, Brazil, Canada, the U.S., and the Cayman Islands, we offer a truly global service model with deep local expertise in key financial markets.
Ojai Recommendations
To Do
Walk Up:
Bart’s Books: Used book store | FInd your next treasure
American Ceramic Society Show at Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts: https://www.beatricewood.com/exhibits.html
Ojai Farmers Market(Sunday 9-1): Vegan cheese, handmade soaps, fresh produce, beautiful flowers.
The Naturalist Wines: Organic Winery/Tasting Room
Hike to Willett Hot Springs on the Sespe Creek Trail in Los Padres National Forest
Make your own candle at Gwen Marie
Book In advance:
Take a pottery class at Firestick Pottery Studio
Ojai Tea Hut: Book a tea ceremony- Small groups and limited offerings-Definitely reserve ahead |Meditative, connecting, beautiful | https://www.ojaiteahut.com/about
Live Music at the Libbey Bowl-Outdoor Venue
To Eat/Drink
Pinyon (Low-key Pizza Joint)
https://pinyonfamily.com/ojai
The Dutchess (Burmese Food)
https://www.thedutchessojai.com
Rory’s Place (Mediterranean American)
https://www.rorysplaceojai.com
Rory’s Other Place (Breakfast/Lunch/Drinks)
https://www.rorysplaceojai.com/rorys-other-place
The Nest (Lunch Spot)
https://thenestojai.com
Hip VGN (Vegan)
https://hipvgn.square.site/
Ojai Valley Brewery & Side Street Wine (local brewery/winery with outdoor seating)
Topa Topa Brewing (Casual drinks with outdoor seating)
https://topatopa.beer/pages/ojai
Ojai Coffee Roasters (Coffee and small bites)
https://ojaicoffeeroasters.com
