SerentHack 2024: Serent Capital’s First Portfolio-Wide Hackathon
Serent Capital, a growth-focused private equity firm, kicked off its first portfolio-wide hackathon—SerentHack 2024—in collaboration with InfoMagnus, a leading partner for GitHub. The event put AI coding assistants front and center, giving teams a hands-on space to see what modern tools can do when they’re woven into everyday development.
Bringing AI Into Everyday Development
Nearly 50 developers from more than a dozen Serent portfolio companies came together for a practical goal: explore how GitHub Copilot can speed up work, spark ideas, and help ship polished software. The hackathon reflected Serent’s continued push into AI, building on a portfolio where many companies are already using Generative AI to move faster and serve customers better.
Recognizing Standout Projects
Three projects rose to the top. Actionstep, BS&A, and HarperDB were named the winners for their inventive concepts, strong execution, and thoughtful use of Copilot to meet ambitious goals. Their work didn’t just look good in a demo—it showed how AI can support real product development when time is short and the bar is high.
Testing Copilot Across Unfamiliar Stacks
Teams were encouraged to stretch beyond their usual toolkits, often working in programming languages and environments they don’t use every day. That pressure test highlighted how GitHub Copilot can help developers navigate unfamiliar territory without losing speed. Judges evaluated projects on end-to-end execution, originality, and how effectively teams put the AI assistant to work throughout the build.
Fueling What Comes Next
Prital Kadakia, a partner at Serent Capital, shared the excitement: “It is incredibly rewarding to witness our portfolio companies embracing AI technologies. The creativity and problem-solving approaches displayed during the hackathon were nothing short of inspiring. We are eager to continue collaborating with these brilliant teams to integrate AI into their technology strategies, fueling ongoing innovation.”
What Developers Said
Participant feedback was resoundingly positive. Many developers tried GitHub Copilot for the first time and walked away with practical takeaways—new workflows, clearer patterns, and a better sense of where AI adds value. They called out gains in productivity and momentum, along with potential improvements in customer service. Several teams said they’re planning to bring Copilot into their daily routines to capture those efficiency boosts.
Part of a Broader Technology Push
SerentHack sits within a wider effort led by Serent’s Product and Technology Center of Excellence. That team recently launched a cybersecurity program in collaboration with Code2College and Crosslake, signaling sustained investment in core capabilities across the portfolio. Serent is also deepening its partnership with GitHub so portfolio companies can keep their edge as the technology landscape shifts.
About Serent Capital
Serent Capital is a private equity firm focused on founder-led B2B SaaS and technology businesses. From the start, the firm built a model centered on founders: practical help, direct support, and a Growth Team of 25+ specialists. That team offers strategic advice, operational expertise, and executive recruitment, equipping over 60 partner companies with what they need to grow. With $5 billion in assets under management, Serent continues to back innovation across industries.
About InfoMagnus
InfoMagnus is a consultancy that solves business problems with modern technology and a DevOps-forward approach. It’s a partnership model at heart: clients get execution and guidance, so they can navigate complexity and move toward their goals with confidence. That focus on outcomes has made InfoMagnus a trusted ally for organizations pursuing meaningful change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SerentHack 2024, and why was it created?
SerentHack 2024 is Serent Capital’s first portfolio-wide hackathon, created to explore how AI—especially GitHub Copilot—can improve developer productivity and creativity across its portfolio companies.
Who participated in the event?
Almost 50 developers from more than a dozen Serent portfolio companies took part, collaborating on projects that tested Copilot in real development scenarios.
Which teams won, and what set them apart?
Actionstep, BS&A, and HarperDB were recognized as the top three winners for creativity, polished functionality, and strong use of Copilot to achieve ambitious objectives.
How did teams use GitHub Copilot during the hackathon?
Many participants worked in unfamiliar programming languages and relied on Copilot to navigate new codebases and patterns. Judges evaluated projects on execution, originality, and effective use of the AI assistant.
What’s next for Serent Capital’s technology efforts?
Serent is continuing to integrate AI across its portfolio and expand its broader initiatives, including a cybersecurity program with Code2College and Crosslake, alongside a deepening partnership with GitHub.
