Taking time to breathe, recharge and organize your thoughts is key
to building a healthier, longer-lasting business.
From deciding which direction to take the business and managing finances to choosing your team members and navigating interpersonal relationships. There is no single right answer, yet the responsibility and consequences of these decisions ultimately fall on the CEO.
Wanting to share this experience with more founders, we started a small gathering.
A small, private gathering
(4-5 hours)
We started with only 8-12 founders, in their first to third years of business, gathering to share their experiences through trial & error and their perspectives. As the conversations unfolded, many founders expressed a desire for more time to connect, reflect, and engage in deeper conversations.
A time for Rest and Recovery
(1 night-2 days / 2 nights-3 days)
Our gathering has grown beyond a few hours of conversation into a full retreat program where founders can step away from work, engage in deeper conversations, and recharge both body and mind.
This is a time to take a breather, feel less lonely on your entrepreneurial journey and engage with like minded people who are walking the same path as you. we are creating a space where you can let go of the burdens you carry, receive support and recharge in preparation for what lies ahead in your journey.This is a time to take a breather, feel less lonely on your entrepreneurial journey and engage with like minded people who are walking the same path as you. we are creating a space where you can let go of the burdens you carry, receive support and recharge in preparation for what lies ahead in your journey.
※ Founders Retreat is not a professional psychotherapy nor a psychological counseling program. It is a community program where early founders can rest and recover while sharing their experiences and building relationships.
01
Open up about the challenges you’ve been facing alone. Share and discuss your worries such as business direction, revenue and team operations with founders at the same stage as you. Slowly sort out your thoughts while listening to different perspectives and experiences.
02
Drop the title of ‘CEO’ for a while. Step back from work and decision making and take some time for your mind and body. Through activities like painting, nature walks, and plenty of rest, you can recharge and regain the energy you need to keep moving forward.
03
Meet fellow founders who are on the same journey as you. Get to know each other over good food and insightful discussions. Going beyond networking, we aim to build a community where founders can continue to connect, share, and support one another even after the program.
Fill out your basic information, business status and any worries or concerns you are currently facing.
We will review your responses to confirm your eligibility and ensure the program is the right fit for you.
After the application review, We'll share more about the program's purpose, format and interview schedule.
We'll briefly discuss your current business, the challenges you're facing and your reasons for joining the program, to ensure a meaningful experience for all participants.
If you are selected to participate, we'll provide all the details including the schedule, venue, participation fee, and any preparation needed before the retreat.
Founders Retreat is aimed at founders in their first to third years of business. Founders who are currently operating a business offering a product or a service, generating revenue or working with a team, are eligible to apply. Since this program is designed for sharing realistic concerns and experiences encountered while running a business, our criteria is based on actual business operations not including the idea stage.
Founders Retreat is built around the challenges and experiences that come from actively running a business, so it is not currently open to aspiring founders. We believe the conversation becomes more meaningful for everyone when it is grounded in firsthand experience with business direction, revenue and funding, team management, and relationships.
Founders Retreat uses an application and selection process rather than accepting every applicant immediately. Honest and meaningful conversation is easier when participants are at similar stages and their situations and expectations align. We first review the application, then hold an online interview to discuss your current concerns, goals, and fit with the program. Participation is confirmed when we believe the experience can be meaningful for everyone involved. Because the group is formed through this thoughtful process, participants can meet in a more comfortable setting and speak candidly.
The retreat includes small-group conversations, fire talks, restorative activities for body and mind, shared meals, and rest. It is not only a place to discuss business. Participants step away from work, reflect on how they are doing, and naturally connect with other founders through a range of activities. Details may vary by schedule, location, and session theme.
Founders Retreat is not a place to exchange as many business cards as possible or promote your company. A small group of founders at similar stages gathers to speak honestly about challenges and mistakes and to listen closely to one another. We value relationships that continue beyond a single event, allowing participants to support one another's business journeys and reconnect when needed. It is a place to meet peers who can walk alongside you when entrepreneurship has felt lonely.
Each session is kept to a small group of around 20 people so everyone has enough time to speak and connect naturally. The program combines full-group sessions and smaller activities so every participant can share their story.
Detailed fees are provided after the application and selection process. The amount may vary by program and location, but a two-day retreat is generally around KRW 300,000 and a three-day retreat around KRW 500,000. Accommodation, meals, and program operation are included. Please refer to the announcement for each session for final details.
