At Upstart, much of our work happens digitally. We collaborate across time zones, connect over Slack, and move quickly from wherever we are. But once a year, we come together in-person for something bigger: Upstart Live.
This year, more than 1,300 Upstarters gathered in Orlando, Florida for our largest annual event. Teammates who usually meet through screens met face-to-face, many for the first time, and the energy was immediate.
For us, Upstart Live is a chance to step away from the day-to-day and focus on what matters most. It brings clarity to where we’re headed, strengthens connections across the company, and gives teams the momentum to move forward together.
This year was no different. The theme, Lock In, was simple but powerful. It reflects our shared commitment to focus, alignment, and execution. It’s about showing up and doing the work that moves us forward.
As CEO Paul Gu shared during the event, “We all have limited time and attention, and every decision we make either moves the product forward for our customers or holds us back. Getting this right comes down to focus and being willing to say no to the things that don’t matter.”
Creating Moments That Matter
At Upstart, we’re proudly digital-first, and intentional about how we build relationships and create lasting connections. Upstart Live is one of the ways we bring that to life.It creates space for conversations that don’t always happen online. Ideas take shape more naturally, and connections deepen in ways that last well beyond the event.
Over three days in Orlando, Upstarters heard directly from leaders and gained a clearer view of how their work connects to company priorities. They learned from one another through peer-led discussions, spent dedicated time with their teams, and had the flexibility to simply be together. That mix is what makes the experience resonate year after year.
“There’s always a point at Upstart Live where something clicks,” says Kellyn Weiland, program lead for Upstart Live. “It’s not usually a big stage moment, it’s the smaller interactions: a conversation that reframes the work, a quick intro that turns into a real partnership, or a team starting to see how what they do fits into something bigger. Over a few days, those moments build quickly. You get a level of context and connection that would normally take months, and that carries back into how people work together long after the event ends.”
Looking Ahead Together
Upstart Live isn’t just a moment on the calendar. It’s something teams carry with them afterward. People return to their work with clearer context and a shared sense of direction. Conversations pick back up, connections hold, and the energy carries forward.
For a company that works the way we do, that kind of alignment matters. It helps us move faster and stay focused on what comes next. At its core, Upstart Live is a reminder that even in a digital-first environment, coming together in- person can have a lasting impact.
Interested in joining a team that values both flexibility and meaningful connections? Explore careers at Upstart.
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