"Roy Lee, CEO of AI tech startup Cluely, which makes software for job interviews and work calls, told The New York Times that he leased eight apartments for employees in a recently-built luxury complex situated just a one-minute walk away from the office. The rents in the 16-story building range from $3,000 to $12,000 a month. "Going to the office should feel like you're walking to your living room, so we really, really want people close," Lee told The Times on Thursday."
"Flo Crivello, CEO of Lindy, another AI startup, said he offers his approximately 40 employees a $1,000 rent stipend every month if they live within a 10-minute walk of the company's office. "People are so much happier and healthier when they live close to work," he told The Times. "This makes them stick around for longer, perform better and work longer hours.""
"The AI boom has drawn a flood of money and talent to San Francisco, inflating rent in the process. The Bay Area has attracted 70% of AI venture capital funding nationwide since 2019, according to data from Pitchbook. Across the U.S. and Canada, the pool of tech workers with AI skills jumped more than 50% to 517,000 from mid-2024 to mid-2025, according to a September CBRE report."
AI startups in San Francisco are offering generous housing benefits to keep employees close to offices, including leased luxury apartments and monthly rent stipends. One startup leased eight apartments in a high-rise one minute from the office, with rents ranging $3,000–$12,000. Another offers about 40 employees $1,000 monthly if they live within a 10-minute walk. Companies cite improved happiness, health, retention, performance, and longer working hours when staff live nearby. The Bay Area has captured 70% of national AI venture capital since 2019. AI-skilled tech worker counts rose over 50% to 517,000 from mid-2024 to mid-2025, and hybrid on-site requirements and AI office leasing have increased.
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