Inside the Apartments of 6 Young Tech Founders

Six young tech founders in their mid-20s recently gave Business Insider an exclusive look into their living spaces. Spartan living is a common theme, with many sleeping just feet away from their desks, echoing the minimalist lifestyle of icons like Steve Jobs.

Despite the AI boom pouring millions in venture funding into their startups, furniture remains a low priority. From air mattresses to cardboard box nightstands, these founders prioritize their work over comfort.

ThirdLayer Cofounder Regina Lin Crashes on the Company Couch at 4 A.M.

Lin often sleeps on the company couch from 4 to 7 a.m., before finishing the night upstairs in bed.

ThirdLayer operates from a live/work loft, previously used by another Y Combinator startup. The kitchen is cluttered with dishes and ramen stacks, as chores take a backseat to work. Lin sleeps on the common area couch early in the morning to avoid being seen.

Lin's Closet Doesn't Have Hanging Rungs, So She Lives Out of a Suitcase

Lin and her cofounder, Kevin Gu, sleep feet apart on a bed and couch.

Upstairs, Lin uses a king-size bed while Gu sleeps on a nearby couch. The closet lacks racks, so clothes are stored in suitcases and bins. The close quarters foster a tight-knit team environment.

Docket Cofounder Boris Skurikhin Uses a Cardboard Box as a Nightstand

Boris Skurikhin said furniture was not top of mind while in "build mode" and "think mode."

Skurikhin's mattress is on the floor with a cardboard box serving as a nightstand. He values the empty space for thinking and avoids clutter after a quick move for Y Combinator.

Skurikhin Stuck the Cofounders' Three Tenets Above Their Desks with Packing Tape

The Docket cofounders' three tenets are taped above their desks.

The tenets include no pivot discussions, focus on B2B SaaS with real money contracts, and daily outreach. A small table for meals and a tea collection round out the sparse setup.

Nectir Cofounder Kavitta Ghai Walks Around Her Apartment with Incense

Kavitta Ghai liked this Airbnb because it had a record player and a good sound system.

Ghai moves to Airbnbs for mental clarity, preferring spots with record players and patios. She sets the vibe with meditative music, incense, and candles, avoiding cooking in favor of DoorDash.

Ghai's Friends Tell Her She Lives in 'Serial Killer Homes' Because They Are So Pristine

Ghai makes her bed first thing every morning.

Her homes are impeccably clean, with a separate desk area for work-life balance. Vintage designer bags in her closet serve as art projects, adding a personal touch.

Eragon Founder Josh Sirota's Air Mattress Is Feet Away from His Desk

Josh Sirota wakes up on his air mattress and walks a few feet to his desk every morning.

Sirota sleeps on an air mattress in the office, with cots for late workers. A tent outside was used for a marketing stunt, and his desk is stocked with Redbull, green tea, and Zyn canisters.

Sirota's Desk Had Redbull, Green Tea, and at Least Five Zyn Canisters

Josh Sirota is a frequent Zyn user and Redbull drinker.

Books by Ben Horowitz and Andrew Chen share space with energy drinks and nicotine pouches, reflecting the intense startup culture.

TrainLoop Cofounder Jackson Stokes Finally Has a Dishwasher

Jackson Stokes is grateful that his kitchen has a dishwasher.

After living in a crowded apartment without a dishwasher, Stokes appreciates the new convenience. A robotic coffee machine and a prized office coffee maker highlight his tech-focused life.

Stokes Has a Bottle of Clase Azul in His Room — But He Hasn't 'Rung the Bell' Yet

Jackson Stokes' bookshelf includes photo strips from his time at Google and a bottle of Clase Azul.

Alcohol bottles from hackathons and Y Combinator remain sealed, as drinking is minimal. The room is decorated with books and art, showing a balance between work and personal interests.

Gale Cofounder Haokun Qin Stores Protein Shakes Under His Bed

Haokun Qin sleeps under a heated blanket every night.

Qin keeps his room minimal, with protein shakes stored conveniently. A heated blanket replaces a comforter for simplicity.

Qin's Skincare Products Are from His Mom and Amazon

"I couldn't tell you, man," Qin said of his bathroom products.

Skincare items are a mix of maternal gifts and Amazon purchases. The apartment's proximity to his office allows for quick commutes, with freezies in the freezer for snacks.