A map of ambition: San Francisco

Aquatic Park Cove

I let go of the no's and steel myself for the hundred more that lie ahead in my founder journey.

Cafe Angolo

Where I reflect and plan my day over a great latte. Big outdoor area right on Columbus, in the heart of North Beach, with a good crew of regulars, somehow makes it more effective for me to lay out what I need to execute on that day. Plus they make a great cappuccino.

Andytown Coffee Roasters

This is where I come to on the days I need to unplug, recharge and reflect.

333 Bush Street

This is my company's office. I'm working on writing a book — started in earnest at the beginning of this year — and I've found that one of the best places for me to get writing done is at the office, after hours. I'll stay at the office from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM or so, writing. Something about typing away in that serene, focused environment (even if I already spent all day there) feels so nice. If I'm feeling really motivated, I'll even go in on Saturday sometimes. It's just as good the weekdays.

Ferry Building

This is where I spotted Anact in the wild while on a jog before SF Climate Week kicked off in April 2025. I had just checked into the Proper Hotel and decided to move some energy before meetings kicked off. While I was running through the Ferry building, I saw Anact towels on display in a retail shop. It was a full circle moment to see something that was just an idea in 2019 be carried in a major city in 2025. I was beaming on the run back and that moment supercharged me the rest of the week!

Presidio Park

I love this park for, reading, journaling, workshopping, and sometime quiet moments to breathe. I'm able to push through most blockers due to the insane views and super cute dogs that run across the field. Great stress relief.

Haus Coffee

Chill vibes, lots of natural light and inspiration

Lake Merritt

Walk the 3.4-mile loop when you're stuck. By mile two, you've solved the problem you've been avoiding all week. By mile three, you've quietly accepted Oakland has better vibes anyway.

Coffee Roastery

Just enjoy sitting here listening to conversations and coding. Cozy vibe. Not too crazy. A lot of space. And the coffee is highly caffeinated and dark (my favorite).

Tenderloin

No one asks about your ARR here. Just $12 Vietnamese sandwiches, zero performance, and a reality check you didn't know you needed. Best bánh mì in the city will do more for your roadmap than another whiteboard session. Crime is a non-issue.

Mission Dolores Park

Where I dream about the bright future and comprehend what can I do today to make it come true.

SŌHN

SŌHN is my go-to for high-intensity building. The industrial scale of the Dogpatch space makes my biggest ideas feel manageable. I usually grab a banana oat milk matcha and head to the lofted second floor. The perspective from up there always helps me untangle product blockers. It’s where I drafted our first Q1 roadmap while surrounded by the hum of other people doing the exact same thing. It’s a place where ‘many hands’ actually feels like a community.

FITNESS SF - Castro

Working out with a friend every morning does wonder to the soul and the body

Marshall's Beach

This is a hidden beach that might be SF's best kept secret. You have to hike in, which helps you get mentally in the zone. I built my first AI startup here.

Fort Mason

I’m currently part of the Founders Inc accelerator, and Fort Mason is where my days start and end. After long hours of building, I usually take the uphill walk in the evening with a buddy, coffee in hand from Equator Coffee. We talk through the day, what broke, what moved forward, and what needs to change tomorrow. The bay view, the climb, and the quiet reset my head. A lot of the clarity that shapes the next day’s work shows up on that walk.

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve

Where I renew my spirit and channel the most inspiring visions for my startup. The best view of the Bay and epic atmospheric sunsets always bring a little magic into my life.

Farley's Coffeehouse

Met a neighbor, acquired their company.

Mount Davidson

Where I can get out of the daily fires and find clarity, in a 360° view.

The Stinking Rose

I love garlic. My sister and I booked a spontaneous last minute trip to SF just to visit this restaurant and it did not disappoint. Garlic on everything. I have never had so much deliciousness in one sitting. We loved that SF trip and it has been a good reminder that you don't need some big reason or event to visit a new place. To me, ambition isn't always about building big, sometimes it's about just going for it. The same energy that drives me in business is the same ambition that drove me to book a last minute flight to a dream restaurant, all for the love of garlic. Life is for exploring and adventures!

1020 Market St

Where Immad pitched me the idea for Mercury and asked me to be a cofounder

Hawk Hill

I do a lot of thinking while riding my bicycle. While technically not in SF, the view of the City from the Headlands is inspiring and often leads to big, transformational ideas.

Panhandle

When I look back at my time in San Francisco, Panhandle Park is what comes to mind first. Most mornings, I’d run through the park before work. Eucalyptus in the air. Cold ocean breeze. It was where I worked through doubt and made small, private bets on myself. I moved to San Francisco because I believed proximity matters, because being around people building things made ambition feel practical. Those runs through the Panhandle are where that belief turned into conviction.

9 Claude Ln

Best co-working space in San Francisco, open 24/7. So many founders and other builders there, and the smoothies are delicious.

Equator Coffees

Where I realized that I can start again after my first company failed

925 Bush St

Where I pitched Max on being a cofounder at Mercury

Kite Hill

Where I realized I really love my work for the first time in my life.

Cheminé

As a founder based in San Francisco, I’ve found Chemine on Fillmore to be one of my most productive local 'third spaces.' Since its opening, it has quickly become my go-to for the early morning 'deep work' sessions that are critical for a startup's growth. Supporting a new local business like Chemine while I build my own creates a great sense of community and it's where some of my most important 'back-of-the-napkin' ideas have started to take shape.

George Sterling Park

Where I clear my mind to leave space for deep thinking and creative inspiration

Peak Mountain

For me there is nothing like a good hike to return calm, tranquility and clarity to my body and mind. The views from the mountain are amazing, especially late in the afternoon right before sunset.