A tactical timeline for founders who just landed. What to do in week 1, 2, 3, and 4 to hit the ground running.
Week 1: Land & Settle
Your only job this week is logistics. Don't try to network yet. Get your base set up so you can operate.
- Get a SIM or eSIM: Mint Mobile or Google Fi work great. T-Mobile has the best SF coverage.
- Set up a bank account: Mercury for your startup (online-only, no branches, so everything is done in-app), Chase for personal (branches all over SF).
- Get a Clipper Card: Load it up at any BART or Muni station. One card for all Bay Area transit. clippercard.com
- Download the essentials: Waymo (robotaxi), Uber, BART app, Google Maps transit mode
- Explore your neighborhood on foot: Walk 30 minutes in every direction from where you're staying. Find your coffee shop, grocery store, gym.
Housing (if you haven't locked it down)
If you arrived without permanent housing, you have about 2 weeks in a short-term stay before it gets expensive. Prioritize:
- Check Michelle Fang's Coliving Guide for hacker houses
- Post in SF founder Slack/Discord channels that you're looking
- Tour at least 3 places before committing
Week 2: Start Showing Up
Now that you can function, start meeting people. The goal isn't to pitch. It's to listen and learn.
- Go to 3-4 events: Check Luma SF daily. Prioritize small gatherings (20-50 people) over big conferences.
- Have 5 coffee chats: DM people on X/Twitter who are in SF. "Hey, I just moved to SF and am building [X]. Would love to grab coffee and hear about what you're working on."
- Find your cafe: Pick 2-3 cafes where you'll work regularly. You'll start seeing the same faces. That's the point. Try Equator Coffee or Philz.
- Join a fitness community: Movement Climbing, running clubs, or The Board Walks (Saturday 8 AM). Working out together > networking events.
The Most Important Rule
Don't eat alone. Every meal is a chance to meet someone. Invite people you met at events. Say yes to every dinner invite.
Week 3: Build in Public
You've met people. Now let them see what you're building.
- Ship something small: A landing page, a demo, a prototype. Use Lovable or Cursor if you're non-technical.
- Post about it on X: Share what you're building and why. Tag SF founders. Use #buildinpublic.
- Ask for feedback, not money: "Can I show you what I'm working on?" is 10x more effective than "Can I pitch you?"
- Go to a hackathon: AI Tinkerers runs regular ones. Great way to build with other people and test your idea.
Week 4: Find Your Rhythm
By now you should have a routine. This week is about locking it in.
- Set your weekly schedule: Block time for building, networking, and exercise. Protect your mornings for deep work.
- Identify your 5 people: Who are the 5 people you've met that you want to keep seeing? Invest in those relationships.
- Apply to things: Founders, Inc., Y Combinator, South Park Commons. The application process itself clarifies your thinking.
- Reflect: Write down what surprised you, what's working, what's not. Share it publicly if you're comfortable.
Common Mistakes
- Trying to network before you have a base: Get settled first. Desperation is visible.
- Only going to big events: The best connections happen at small dinners and coffee chats.
- Staying in your apartment: SF rewards presence. The serendipity only works if you leave the house.
- Comparing yourself to everyone: Half the people at events are also figuring it out. You're not behind.
- Not asking for help: SF is generous. People want to help. But you have to ask.
The 30-Day Gut Check
At the end of 30 days, ask yourself:
- Do I have 3+ people I could call for advice?
- Have I shipped something, even if it's small?
- Do I know where I'm living for the next 3+ months?
- Am I excited to be here?
If yes to 3 out of 4, you're on track. If not, don't panic. Some people take 60 days. The important thing is that you're showing up.
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