The Happy Startup School runs founder gatherings in Sussex and the French Alps for people who need time, conversation and perspective away from everyday business demands.
At a glance
Best for: Founders and leaders willing to step away from work and take part in facilitated conversations and shared experiences.
Not ideal for: Anyone seeking a short webinar, a tightly scripted conference or an entirely passive learning format.
Type: Experience
Cost: Varies by event; check current dates and prices.
Commitment: Three days for Summercamp or seven days for Alptitude, plus travel.
Where: Sussex, UK, or the French Alps.
The experience
Both gatherings make room to think alongside other people building businesses and navigating change. Talks and facilitated sessions sit alongside informal conversation, time outdoors and shared activities. The group experience is central; neither follows a conventional speaker-led conference format.
Choose this if…
You want distance from daily delivery and are open to meeting people through participation, rather than collecting contacts or consuming a programme from the sidelines. Summercamp offers a larger, livelier UK gathering. Alptitude offers a smaller, slower retreat with more time for reflection in the mountains.
What to expect
Summercamp: An annual three-day gathering in Sussex, usually in September, with talks, workshops, wellbeing and social experiences. Alptitude: A seven-day retreat in the French Alps, usually in June, combining group conversation, shared meals and outdoor activities. For more on the people behind the school, read our Founder Story, A Decade of Delight.
Why it’s in the Directory
Founder support is not only about tactics and output. These gatherings make space for perspective and better conversations when working alone or at full pace makes those harder to find.
Practicalities
Both are paid experiences requiring advance booking. Confirm what the fee includes, accommodation, travel, accessibility and cancellation or transfer terms before paying. Summercamp’s outdoor setting may affect facilities and access. Alptitude involves international travel and potentially physical activities; check the current programme against your needs.
What changes year to year
Dates, venues, prices, availability, programme details and inclusions can change. The 2026 editions have passed; the school currently lists 2027 dates. Review the live event pages before making plans.
Next step
Compare current live experiences and check which format, timing and total commitment suit you.
Last checked: September 2026