AI startups are thriving, bringing back nap pods and Silicon Valley hustle culture

The Silicon Valley startup hustle culture is making a comeback, and one company is taking it to the next level with the introduction of office nap pods. When Jeffrey Wang, co-founder of AI research startup Exa Labs, posted on X about ordering fancy-but-affordable Japanese capsule beds for their new San Francisco office, he didn’t expect the post to go viral. The response was overwhelming, with over 100 people expressing interest in joining the bulk order.

The idea of office nap pods sparked a debate among users, with some questioning the hygiene of sharing a bed with coworkers, while others praised the benefits of napping for productivity. For Exa Labs, the decision to introduce nap pods was a natural extension of their hacker house history, where employees worked and lived together in a communal setting.

Wang believes that allowing employees to take naps when needed is essential for productivity, especially in a high-growth startup environment. The company’s all-in commitment to the startup life means long hours and a culture of “Code, sleep, repeat.” While some may question the necessity of napping at the office, Wang sees it as a way to support employees in a demanding work environment.

As the company continues to grow and attract paying customers, Wang remains committed to maintaining a culture of hard work and dedication. While the debate around office nap pods continues, one thing is clear – in the world of startups, hustle culture is alive and well.