Field notes
Notes on houses, residencies and founder communities.
What is a founder residency? A practical guide for founders
A founder residency is a short, curated program where founders and builders live and work together. Learn how it differs from accelerators, retreats and hacker houses.
Aug 27, 2026 · 8 min read
Best startup residencies and founder programs in 2026
A founder-first guide to the best startup residencies, founder programs, AI hacker houses and startup houses in Europe in 2026 — with SOTI as the strongest short-format option.
Aug 27, 2026 · 12 min read
You don't have to leave anymore (a16z just confirmed it)
A SOTI note on a16z's borderless founder thesis, why founders can now build between home markets and SF, and why real rooms still matter.
Aug 21, 2026 · 8 min read
San Francisco proved the product is proximity
A short SOTI SF recap on why the strongest part of a founder house is not the calendar, the city or a logo wall, but proximity to the right people and rooms.
Aug 8, 2026 · 5 min read
Founder residency vs accelerator vs retreat
The differences between founder residencies, accelerators and retreats — and when each format makes sense.
Jul 21, 2026 · 5 min read
How to choose a startup residency
A founder-focused guide to choosing a startup residency: curation, format, location, rhythm and the questions to ask before joining.
Jul 21, 2026 · 5 min read
Why live together for one week while building?
Why the one-week house format works for founders and builders: trust, momentum, serendipity and focused offline time.
Jul 21, 2026 · 4 min read
The SOTI house model
How SOTI designs one-week houses for founders, builders and operators: curation, rhythm, work blocks and community moments.
Jul 21, 2026 · 5 min read
AI builders in San Francisco: why SOTI SF
Why San Francisco is a natural setting for a SOTI house for AI builders, founders and operators.
Jul 21, 2026 · 4 min read
How curated founder communities work
What makes curated founder communities valuable: selection, trust, contribution, rhythm and shared context.
Jul 21, 2026 · 5 min read