Weekend Reading
Writing worth reading 9th/10th Aug 2025
AI intensifies battle for talent, housing and investments in San Francisco by Danielle Abril
“The buzz around AI is reenergizing San Francisco, one of the slowest U.S. cities to recover from the pandemic. Tech workers, many of whom previously fled to other cities, are flocking to the region to work for some of the pioneering AI firms that began in the city or the start-ups that have bubbled up since then. Investors are pumping more capital into new AI ventures, and some of the major players — including OpenAI, Google and Meta — have started a talent war with eye-popping salaries. The AI boom is making the city more expensive to live in, but downtown foot traffic, commercial and residential leases, and transit ridership are rising…”
How I practice at what I do by Tyler Cowen
“I spent an enormous amount of time and energy trying to crack cultural codes. I view this as a comparative advantage, and one which few other people in my fields are trying to replicate. For one thing, it makes me useful in a wide variety of situations where I have little background knowledge. This also helps me invest in skills which will age relatively well, as I age. For me, this is perhaps the most importantly novel item on this list…”
The Boldest Education Experiment in 20 Years Was Just the Beginning by Anand Sanwal
“In 2011, Peter Thiel tried something radical: give teenagers $100,000 over two years to skip college and build something ambitious. We also realize that most of our students will still go to college. In fact, we expect 70–80% will choose that path for those who choose college, the difference is they’ll arrive with a portfolio of real accomplishments beyond being light years ahead academically: companies started, problems solved, networks built (and no BS non-profits…”
Founders (need) Focus
This week we shared that we’re starting Founders Focus, a new membership program from 9others; a space for you to carve out time to work on the hard things that really matter. Check out the announcement here.
What does it do?
Founders Focus keeps you focused, accountable and connected.
Who it’s for?
Founders Focus will suit Solo Founders, Remote (Co) Founders, and Freelancers, CxOs and Side Hustlers.
Qs?
Read more and check out the FAQs on the 9others Notion, here.
We hope you’ll join us.