As the global hub for artificial intelligence innovation, San Francisco has become a magnet for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly in the realm of AI startups. Within this dynamic ecosystem, hacker houses have emerged as an attractive option for founders eager to immerse themselves in a community-driven environment.

What Are Hacker Houses?

Hacker houses are collaborative living spaces where budding entrepreneurs can live, work, and socialize with like-minded individuals. These houses facilitate a unique lifestyle focused on startup development, augmented by hackathons, networking events, and pitch sessions. The amenities vary widely, ranging from luxurious accommodations with comprehensive support to more modest setups that primarily offer essential services like wi-fi.

Hacker House Highlights

With a plethora of options available throughout the Bay Area, several hacker houses stand out for their innovative approaches and notable alumni. Here are some top selections for 2025 based on recommendations from founders and venture capitalists.

AGI House – Hillsborough

• Specialty: AI and community events
• Notable Alumni: Pika Labs, Martian, Portal
• Notable Investors: Eric Schmidt, Marc Andreessen, Adam D’Angelo

Located in a luxurious $68 million mansion in Hillsborough, AGI House was established in 2023. It accommodates eight to ten founders, providing access to funding up to $1 million through its in-house venture fund. The house facilitates a variety of social and professional events aimed at fostering innovation in AI.

Among its esteemed residents is Demi Guo, founder of Pika Labs, which has achieved significant venture backing.

NeoGenesis House – Twin Peaks

• Specialty: AI
• Notable Alumni: Andrej Karpathy, Max Novendstern
• Notable Investors: Index Ventures, Anthropic, Greylock

Founded by Jeremy Nixon, NeoGenesis offers an exclusive environment for innovators without a formal application process; acceptance is based on personal recommendations. The house has previously hosted prominent figures like Andrej Karpathy, enhancing its reputation within the tech community.

HFØ – Alamo Square

• Specialty: Technical repeat founders focused on AI
• Notable Alumni: Ramp, Pave, Fabric
• Notable Investors: Marc Andreessen, Chris Dixon, Naval Ravikant

Described as the “Stanford of hacker houses,” HFØ provides a selective program for repeat founders, featuring a rigorous 12-week residency that includes funding and comprehensive support services. Its first cohort resulted in three unicorn startups, making it a coveted destination for serious entrepreneurs.

Mission Control – The Mission

• Specialty: Younger builders and B2B founders
• Notable Alumni: Scale AI, Pylon, Workflow

Founded by Thiel Fellows, Mission Control is open to aspiring young entrepreneurs, often providing a nurturing environment before they have established funding or co-founders. The community-centric focus encourages collaboration and long-lasting relationships among its residents.

Accelr8 – Nob Hill

• Specialty: AI and Web3

Once admitted to its three-month program, founders at Accelr8 participate in monthly events designed to connect them with potential investors, all while fostering creativity through themed parties and hackathons.

HackHerHouse – North Beach

• Specialty: Female founders

As the first all-female hacker house, HackHerHouse focuses on providing a supportive environment for women entrepreneurs, alleviating housing costs to help them concentrate on their projects.

Capi House – Launching Soon

• Specialty: Immigrant founders

Capi House seeks to create a welcoming community for immigrant founders, offering shared housing and resources while emphasizing collaborative growth through regular workshops.

Conclusion

Hacker houses in San Francisco are redefining the startup landscape, providing entrepreneurs with essential resources, connections, and a vibrant community. Whether targeting AI, supporting female or immigrant founders, these houses foster the next generation of innovation in one of the world’s most competitive and dynamic environments.