What if ONE week could change
the next 10 years of your business?
FOUNDER Island Fest | Madeira, December 4-10, 2026
Hey, I'm Michelle Maree.
I’m a Super Connector, Entrepreneur, facilitator and the founder of The Nomad Escape.
Before I tell you what this event is about, I want to share a short story, so you understand why I built it, and why it this will be a life-changing experience for you.
At 14, I became homeless. Living in shelters, I saw how people became a victim of their environments, and blamed others for it. I made myself a promise: I would never let that happen to me. Because of this experience I have learned:
the right people, in the right environment, at the right time, change everything.
That's why I created Founder Island Fest.
This isn’t the typical conference where you collect business cards and never connect again. It’s a holistic experience, where entrepreneurs who are done with small talk, playing small, come together to make real moves. Growing personally, professionally, financially, and emotionally.
Where partnerships worth $100K+ form over dinner.
Where your next hire finds you.
Where the clarity you’ve been chasing finally clicks.
And where you remember why you started this journey in the first place.
Ticket Sales End on November 25th!
Next Price Increase in:
This is NOT for beginners learning "how to become a digital founder"
Here's What Actually Happens When You Join Us:
This IS for purpose-driven founders who already run profitable businesses and want to:
Expand your network with the RIGHT people (not just more people)
Create partnerships and opportunities that actually move the needle on your revenue
Finally get the clarity you need to scale without burning out
Recharge completely so you come back sharper, stronger, and ready to win
The ROI is real: Our past attendees have closed over €500K in deals, found their key team members, and completely
transformed their business strategies in just 7 days!
Why Madeira? Why December?
Wild cliffs. Endless ocean. Energy that rewires you.
For 7 days, this island becomes YOUR space to:
Build the relationships that scale your business
Get crystal-clear on your next big move
Remember what freedom actually feels like
Plus, we handle everything. You just show up ready to grow.
Awarded BEST RETREAT in 2025
The Global Nomad Awards recognized us because we don't just host events.
We create transformation.
Since 2019, we've hosted 45+ retreats and 1000+ entrepreneurs who walked away with:
High-ticket deals closed
Key hires made on the spot
Business breakthroughs that changed everything
And friendships that last for life
Here’s the 7-Day Program That Will
Transform You
Nomad Island Fest Would Like to Thank Our Sponsors
Speakers From 2026 Edition
Who We Learn From
Bajaj
Vijay Bajaj is a serial entrepreneur who has built 3 market-leading businesses from the ground up, including the 10 largest conferences in the US in his sectors. A high performance coach, keynote speaker and author, he created the Flywheel of Fulfilment™ framework for reaching extraordinary success while thriving in every part of life.
Mosbeh
Don Mosbeh is a global leader bridging technology and transformation, currently Senior Vice President at JAGGAER in Dubai. With leadership roles at IBM, Microsoft, Cisco, and Huawei, he oversees operations in 84+ countries and manages a $2B portfolio. Don drives digital transformation and leadership innovation across markets, empowering organizations to grow with vision and impact.
Jacobs
International speaker (1,000 keynotes and 2 TEDx speeches), author of 30 books, 750 interviews in the global media. VIP Ghostwriter and writing coach. I help people find, shape and share the stories that matter.
Foltz
Jonathan Foltz is a futurist entrepreneur and CEO & Co-Founder of The Collective AI, a global community of AI pioneers and entrepreneurs. With 15+ years in tech and marketing, he also founded Digital Frontiersmen, Digital Age Business, and Pitch Investors Live. Jonathan empowers the next generation of conscious leaders by merging technology and wisdom for impact-driven business growth.
Honda
Ken Honda is Japan’s most recognized money teacher, known as the ‘Zen Millionaire.’ Author of over 120 books including Happy Money, he teaches people how to manage wealth with gratitude, happiness, and purpose, inspiring thousands worldwide to transform their relationship with money and achieve financial well-being.
Yassin
Nuseir Yassin, founder of Nas Daily and Nas.io, created a global media platform reaching over 70 million followers. Through 1,000 one-minute videos in 1,000 days, he shares powerful, positive stories that inspire change and empowers creators to build thriving online communities worldwide.
Tokko
Roland Tokko is a visionary entrepreneur, bestselling author, international speaker, and founder of Becoming International. Dedicated to helping heart-led changemakers expand globally, he has inspired tens of thousands through Estonia’s top personal growth brand, impacting over 5% of the nation’s population with purpose-driven leadership and empowerment.
Vincenzi
Simone Vincenzi is an award-winning serial entrepreneur, author and founder/co-founder of GTeX. He is known for helping experts turn their knowledge into profitable businesses and has delivered 2,000+ speaking engagements. His company says he helped launch 500+ profitable businesses before age 30, and his work has been featured in outlets including Forbes and Entrepreneur.
Maree
Michelle Maree, CEO of The Nomad Escape, is a super-connector who facilitates transformative experiences for established founders and entrepreneurs. She helps them identify opportunities, grow their network, and achieve personal and business growth. She is also the founder of Ripple, a global online community connecting founders through meaningful introductions, collaborations, and opportunities.
Weijermans
After exiting two tech businesses, Marcel Wijermars founded the Amsterdam Founders Club, building one of Amsterdam’s most popular entrepreneurial communities through in-person events. He has hosted thousands of founders at exclusive events and workshops across cities worldwide. Today, he helps established coaches sell their high-ticket programs through high-converting workshops.
Wood
Daniel Wood is an entrepreneur, investor and co-founder of the Swedish Wealth Institute, focused on financial education, entrepreneurship and personal development. SWI says it has reached 50,000+ event attendees across 20+ countries and worked with major international figures.
Simons
Leigh Simons is an award-winning producer, director and creative entrepreneur with decades of experience across television, film, music and sports. Through Leigh Simons Productions, he has worked alongside Hollywood actors, Grammy-winning musicians and world-renowned athletes and produced content for major international television networks and sporting events.
Chois
Rae T. Chois is an ICF Master Certified Coach, keynote speaker, mentor, and trainer who has worked with thousands of people across 33 countries and five continents. With more than two decades in coaching, she helps accomplished leaders and coaches build greater confidence, create meaningful transformation, and expand their impact.
Gotel
Paul Gotel is an author, inspirational speaker, life coach and international DJ. His five-year spiritual journey across 92 countries inspired his book *The BIG U – A Guide to Self Revolution*. Through his talks, coaching and music as DJ DIVA⭐️DEVA, Paul inspires people to challenge their limitations, embrace their worth and discover they are already MORE than Enough.
Smith
Derek Smith is a Event & Public Speaking Coach with over 15 years of experience, having led more than 5,000 live and virtual events across conferences, workshops, festivals, and award shows. He specializes in helping entrepreneurs and leaders enhance their speaking skills, audience engagement, and event delivery.
Speakers From 2025 Edition
Who We Learned From
Honda
Ken Honda is Japan’s most recognized money teacher, known as the ‘Zen Millionaire.’ Author of over 120 books including “Happy Money,” he teaches people how to manage wealth with gratitude, happiness, and purpose, inspiring thousands worldwide to transform their relationship with money and achieve financial well-being.
Yassin
Nuseir Yassin, founder of Nas Daily and Nas.io, created a global media platform reaching over 70 million followers. Through 1,000 one-minute videos in 1,000 days, he shares powerful, positive stories that inspire change and empowers creators to build thriving online communities worldwide.
Maree
Michelle Maree, CEO of The Nomad Escape, facilitates transformative experiences for remote professionals and entrepreneurs. She helps people identify opportunities, grow their network, enhance skills, and achieve personal and business growth in a global setting.
Gupta
Gaurav Gupta, founder & CEO of Gabit and former co-founder of Zomato, develops personalized wellness and nutrition solutions. Recognized as a Young Global Leader, he combines tech, health, and entrepreneurial expertise to guide businesses and individuals toward growth, innovation, and success.
Soudi
Dariush Soudi has spent over 30 years running his own business across telecommunications, consumer goods, services, and health and beauty sectors. As founder of Arena Capital, he educates and inspires individuals and businesses to achieve abundance through sales and marketing mastery. Dariush’s insights help leaders grow, innovate, and reach long-term success while fostering impactful ventures.
Nuriel
Gali Nuriel has built over 20 successful businesses with a 90% success rate, achieving multiple exits and public listings. Starting with no capital or connections, he turned ideas into thriving ventures through grit and resilience. A dynamic speaker, Gali shares practical, proven strategies for building sustainable, scalable businesses without burnout while balancing life as a devoted father and wellness advocate.
Q. Ford
Alonzo Q. Ford, Cofounder and CEO of Lowe’s Guardian Angel, scaled a 30+ location care network into one of Georgia’s fastest-growing companies, achieving 10X growth and 270% returns. A West Point graduate, combat veteran, and Emory MBA, Alonzo has led $1B+ in deals and inspires others to create wealth, impact, and lasting generational success.
Titova
Julia, Global Business Connector and founder of SVOI International, transforms trust into billion-dollar outcomes through strategic networking. With 18 years’ experience across 50+ countries, she’s hosted over 2,000 events and built a 200,000+ member ecosystem of founders and investors. Julia empowers leaders to turn relationships into revenue and communities into powerful, sustainable assets.
Pieroni
Alessio Pieroni, founder of Scale For Impact, helps online education businesses scale from 7 to 8 figures. Former Mindvalley CMO, he specializes in marketing funnels, ad optimization, and global scaling, working with top authors and thought leaders to maximize reach and impact.
Mosbeh
Don Mosbeh is a global leader bridging technology and transformation, currently Senior Vice President at JAGGAER in Dubai. With leadership roles at IBM, Microsoft, Cisco, and Huawei, he oversees operations in 84+ countries and manages a $2B portfolio. Don drives digital transformation and leadership innovation across markets, empowering organizations to grow with vision and impact.
Dixon
Hannah Dixon is a VA and Freelancer Coach, Recruiter, and Founder of The Virtual Excellence Academy. Dedicated to building an equitable future through freelancing, her teachings have prepared over 30,000 learners in more than 170 countries. Hannah empowers people to create freedom-driven careers with accessibility, independence, and meaningful global impact.
Vincenzi
Simone Vincenzi is an award-winning entrepreneur and founder of GTeX, where he helped over 500 entrepreneurs build profitable businesses before age 30. Featured in Forbes and Entrepreneur, he’s known for transforming experts into authorities and creating community-driven brands. Simone helps businesses scale their impact while building loyal, engaged audiences worldwide.
Hagood-Earl
Annalee is a leadership strategist and coach helping organizations build high-performance, heart-centered teams. Through her unique empathy-driven framework, she teaches leaders how to foster trust, collaboration, and resilience—without sacrificing well-being. Annalee empowers founders and executives to create cultures of care that drive growth, innovation, and sustainable success.
Jacobs
Esther Jacobs, known as the ‘No Excuses Lady,’ is the author of 30 books and creator of the Reverse Writing System. With 1,000+ keynotes and two TEDx talks, she’s been featured in 750+ media interviews. Esther helps entrepreneurs turn their expertise into bestselling books that elevate authority, visibility, and long-term impact.
Tokko
Roland Tokko is a visionary entrepreneur, bestselling author, international speaker, and founder of Becoming International. Dedicated to helping heart-led changemakers expand globally, he has inspired tens of thousands through Estonia’s top personal growth brand, impacting over 5% of the nation’s population with purpose-driven leadership and empowerment.
Perez
Jorge Pérez is a bestselling author, speaker, and founder of The Shut the Fck Up Method® (El Método Cállate La Boca). He helps leaders and teams worldwide reduce conflict, spark creativity, and build real connection. Fluent in English and Spanish, Jorge has spoken at Mindvalley, Soho House, Univision, and Telemundo, inspiring collaboration and innovation globally.
Foltz
Jonathan Foltz is a futurist entrepreneur and CEO & Co-Founder of The Collective AI, a global community of AI pioneers and entrepreneurs. With 15+ years in tech and marketing, he also founded Digital Frontiersmen, Digital Age Business, and Pitch Investors Live. Jonathan empowers the next generation of conscious leaders by merging technology and wisdom for impact-driven business growth.
Smith
Derek Smith is a Event & Public Speaking Coach with over 15 years of experience, having led more than 5,000 live and virtual events across conferences, workshops, festivals, and award shows. He specializes in helping entrepreneurs and leaders enhance their speaking skills, audience engagement, and event delivery.
Baena
Silvia Baena, a Woman-in-Tech and Nomad Entrepreneur, balances leadership at Salesforce, her luxury vacation rental company Al-Andalux.com, and animal welfare advocacy. A world traveler, she exemplifies freedom-driven entrepreneurship, mastering technology, creativity, and leadership while embracing a nomadic lifestyle. Silvia shares insights on wealth creation, business growth, and managing diverse ventures successfully.
Pislariu
Marius Bogdan Pislariu, known as the Billionaires’ Broker, is a Dubai-based innovator transforming real estate, technology, and human performance. Co-founder of Couture Private Estates and PropertyDigest.ae, and creator of Innovators’ University, he drives market intelligence and industry innovation. His upcoming book SELLduction blends psychology and strategy to redefine modern business.
Herold
Cameron is the mastermind behind hundreds of company’s exponential growth and has earned his reputation as the business growth guru. He has built a dynamic consultancy with clients that include a monarchy and a Big 4 wireless company. The author of 5 books, Cameron is also a top rated international speaker, having spoken on all 7 continents.
Our Speakers Featured In:
What Makes Founder Island Fest Different?
We Don't Do Ordinary Events. We Create Transformation.
Red carpet entrance – Because you deserve to feel like the champion you are
Jeep safaris & island exploration – See Madeira like locals do
Strategic business introductions – We match you with YOUR people
Cold plunges & spa access – Reset your nervous system
Themed parties – V-Gala Royale Extravaganza (think Casino Royale meets Moulin Rouge)
Daily 3-course network dinners – Where million-dollar deals get discussed
Meditation & mindfulness – Because scaling requires inner peace
From Day 1, you know exactly who to talk to and what you can create together.
We've designed every detail so you can focus on what matters: growing your business while actually enjoying your life.
The ROI is Undeniable
Let's talk numbers for a second.
Expanded Business Network
If ONE connection leads to a client worth $5K-$100K, you've already 10X'd your investment. (We've had over $1M in direct deals between previous participants.)
Strategic Insights
Implementing one strategy from our masterminds that increases your monthly revenue by just 10%? That's thousands—potentially tens of thousands—annually.
Stress Reduction
The cost of burnout is massive. Investing in your mental health HERE prevents expensive therapy, health issues, and bad business decisions later.
Luxury Experience
This isn't just workshops. It's a founder experience in one of the world's most beautiful islands.
We handle logistics. You show up and win.
What Our Participants Say
Derek Smith
Strategic Communications Consultant
"This network has been incredible for me. I got access to people I would never get access to, found new opportunities, and strategic partnerships on a global level. A+."
Raluca Marcu
Software Engineer
"It’s fun, it’s therapy, it’s being productive, it’s learning new things, new skills, seeing new and beautiful things staying at an amazing accommodations at the retreats!"
Erin Butler
Digital Marketer
"In the first week already I grew so much in myself and in my business (I got two new clients!) by surrounding myself with the right people."
Who's Already Joined Us
Entrepreneurs Including:
Marissa Liesenfelt
Former COO BossBabe
Chris Reynolds
Founder Business Method Podcast
Niraj Naik
Founder Soma Breath
Ben Guez
Founder & Content Creator
Silvia Beana
Real Estate Investor
Special Event:
The Great Unwritten
Celebrating years of Founder Island Fest!
The Great Unwritten
After five great years, we’re resetting the slate for our sixth annual December event to focus purely on the founder's journey. The Great Unwritten strips away the typical corporate noise, bringing visionaries together in a blank-canvas environment to spark raw innovation and next-level collaborations.
Dress Code:
The Dress Code: Architectural White. Step onto the red carpet as a masterpiece on a blank canvas. We are looking for high-fashion, avant-garde silhouettes—think dramatic tailoring, structured layers, and sharp lines in 100% pure white.
Be elegant AND extra.
Pricing & Packages
Ticket sales end on November 25th! Secure your spot now:
BASIC PASS
€1495
ONLY
GET YOUR TICKET EARLY NOW!
What’s included:
7-day access to the event venue
Daily workshops, talks, & sessions
Daily fitness sessions
Coworking space with fast Wi-Fi
Access to our curated network
On-site 1:1 Business Coaching
On-site 1:1 Mindfulness coaching
Stay in 4* ocean front spa and boutique hotel
Access to Jacuzzi, Saunas, Pools
Extensive breakfast buffet
Access to daily 3-course network dinners
Airport transfer
Island exploration day
Premium Welcome Package
PREMIUM PASS
€2,795
ONLY
GET YOUR TICKET EARLY NOW!
What’s included:
Stay in on of 4* ocean front spa & boutique hotels
Extensive breakfast buffet
Access to Jacuzzi, Saunas, Pools
Access to Daily 3-Course Network Dinner
Airport transfer
Island exploration day
Premium Welcome Package
7-day access to the event venue
Daily workshops, talks, & sessions
Daily fitness sessions
On-site 1:1 Business Coaching
On-site 1:1 Mindfulness coaching
Co-working space with fast Wi-Fi
Access to our curated network
This is the all-inclusive founder experience. You show up. We handle everything. You leave transformed.
Our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
I know saying YES to an experience like this is a big decision.
So here's my promise:
If you show up fully on Day 1 and don't feel this is everything we promised (and more), we'll refund your ticket.
No drama. No questions asked.
That's how confident I am that this will change your business—and your life.
Special Thanks to Our 2025 Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use more than 1 discount?
No, it is not possible to apply several vouchers, discounts, or early-bird offers for the same experience.
How does the payment work?
You can choose to pay the full amount at the time of booking or select our split payment option.
How does the program look like?
The detailed program will be provided max 1 week before kick-off. We daily have a mix of workouts, workshops, talks, and connection sessions with the following timetable (times can be changed due to request or weather circumstances)
8:00 – 8:45 AM: Morning workout / Yoga / Confidence Bootcamps
9:00 – 10:15 AM: Time for shower, breakfast, and getting done some work/emails if you have to
10:30 AM – 13:00 PM: Expert Talks and Workshops
13:00 – 3:30 PM: Free time: Relax, lunch, work or do whatever your heart desires
3:30 – 4:30 PM: Community Talks
4:45 – 6:15 PM: Business brainstorming & workshops.
6:30 – 7:30 PM Deep connection sessions.
7:30 – 9:00 PM: Dinner
9:30 - 11.30 PM: Escapers Lounge/ Party/ Workshop/ Holistic session/ etc.
What are your Terms & Conditions?
Please find here more about out general terms and conditions and cancelation policy.
What is the cancellation policy?
If the participant decides to cancel within 24 hours from the submission of the payment (either in full or as an initial deposit), 100% of the amount paid will be refunded.
If the participant cancels their booking 60 days or more prior to the start of the program, 95% of the full ticket price will be refunded; the other 5% will be forfeited to cover the refund cost.
If the participant cancels their booking within 60 days prior to the start of the program, all payments are non-refundable.
However, the participant may transfer the participation to another person or use the amount paid as a credit toward participation in the following year’s event.
How many hours can I work?
There will be enough time to get work done but we advise you to work approx. 10 hours during our experience.
You ARE on an Escape while staying at amazing places with amazing people and we want you to experience it to the fullest! You can work more hours of course, but we would highly recommend enjoying the retreat to the fullest.
We always listen to everyone’s preferences and work schedule, while trying to make it work the best as possible.
What is included?
Daily workshops, group training by a personal trainer, access to all facilities, Wi-Fi, and curation of the group.
Only for PREMIUM Tickets: stay in one of 2 luxury accommodations, daily extensive breakfast, daily dinner.
Check the specific packages for more details.
What is not included?
Flights and travel costs, medical insurance, and all activities and meals outside the program.
Check the specific packages for more details.
What is the difference between the Level up Club Business Retreat and Founder Island Fest?
Our signature retreats are in a smaller, more intimate setting, with approximately 15 people. It is a peer-to-peer mentoring week where you will learn from each other during masterminds, skillshares, and different workshops.
Founder Island Fest is a bit bigger, with about 100 people. We have top-class speakers and different workshops than in the Level Up Club Business Retreat. The retreat is great if you want to go more into depth and have more personal connection with the others. The fest is great if you want to join talks of experts and simply wish to meet more people.
What type of people will join?
Our Escapes are designed for remote working professionals. The average age of the people who join us is mostly between 22 and 55 years old. Our participants mostly work as a freelancer, work remotely for a company, people who have their own business, or entrepreneurs who are building their start-up.
We’ve hosted 1200+ founders, entrepreneurs, freelancers, business owners, digital founders, and creatives who work in a variety of industries such as E-commerce, Software Engineering, Digital Marketing, Strategy Consulting, Media Buying, Brand Strategy, PR & Communication, Project Management, Virtual Assistance, Music Production, Videography, Photography, Blogging, Graphic Design, Copywriting, Recruitment, Web Development, Sales & automation, and many more.
Your Future Self is Waiting
Right now, you have two choices:
Option 1: Keep doing what you're doing. Hustle alone. Figure it out yourself. Maybe burn out. Maybe stay stuck.
Option 2: Join 150+ visionary founders in Madeira this December. Expand your network. Close deals. Gain clarity. Recharge completely. Come back unstoppable.
The entrepreneurs who say YES to experiences like this?
They're the ones who scale.
Your move.
Do you have any questions?