Uncork Portfolio Summit 2024: Where Innovation Meets Connection

Amit and Maryam, Founders of DataPeople with LiquiDonate CEO Disney Petit at the Opening Event of the Uncork Portfolio Summit 2024 in Monterey, CA.

Where Innovation Meets Connection

From October 22 to October 24, Uncork Capital's annual portfolio summit brought together a powerhouse of founders, executives, and visionary leaders in Monterey, California. Against the backdrop of California’s stunning coastlines, the summit was an opportunity for industry leaders to share their journeys, challenges, and strategies. LiquiDonate was thrilled to be in the mix, connecting with other dynamic Uncork portfolio companies and absorbing invaluable insights.

The event attracted an impressive lineup of speakers, including the founder of Slack, the CEO of Instacart, and even a past CEO of Twitter. From day one, it was clear this wasn’t your typical networking event; it was an intimate gathering where leaders openly exchanged stories of innovation, resilience, and transformation.

Highlights & Key Takeaways

1. The Power of Community: One theme that resonated throughout the summit was the importance of building a community around a product or service. Leaders shared insights on how cultivating relationships with users, clients, and stakeholders strengthens brand loyalty and drives sustainable growth. At LiquiDonate, this idea aligns with our commitment to fostering strong ties with our nonprofit partners and retail collaborators, creating a community united by a shared mission of sustainability and circularity.

2. Navigating Change with Agility: From technological shifts to market challenges, adapting quickly is essential for survival in today’s landscape. We heard from experts who have not only navigated but embraced change. These stories underscored the importance of flexibility in evolving industries — a lesson that’s at the core of LiquiDonate’s mission to reimagine retail returns. Hearing from leaders who have faced similar hurdles gave us fresh perspectives on navigating our own path forward.

3. Tech for Good: Making an Impact Beyond Profit: As a company dedicated to rerouting excess inventory to nonprofits, LiquiDonate was thrilled to see so many founders discussing their commitment to social impact. The idea that businesses can drive positive change while achieving profitability was a recurring theme, and it reaffirmed our dedication to a sustainable future. Building a business that’s good for people and the planet? That’s something to celebrate.

4. Forging Real Connections: Events like the Uncork Portfolio Summit are reminders that behind every brand are people with shared goals and visions. The opportunity to connect with Maryam Jahanshahi of DataPeople, Ryan Gaertner of DubClub, Edward Tian of GPTZero, and Julian Park of Bezi was invaluable. Sharing insights, collaborating on challenges, and simply getting to know each other outside of the typical Zoom screen brought a refreshing depth to these relationships.

Moments to Remember

A highlight of the summit was an evening gathering under the lights in Monterey, with a magical ambiance that encouraged open conversation. Pictured here, Disney Petit of LiquiDonate shared this unforgettable evening with Maryam Jahanshahi and Amit Bhasi of DataPeople. Together, we celebrated our collective achievements, learned from one another, and left with a renewed commitment to pushing boundaries in our respective fields.

Interested in learning more about Uncork Capital and their support for LiquiDonate’s mission to revolutionize excess inventory management? Click here.