This September, our latest business journey took us from Munich to the city of opportunity itself, San Francisco. The direct flight gave me a chance to prep, but honestly, I was buzzing with excitement to dive back into the energy of California. There’s something unmatched about that Silicon Valley pace. The goal: to tackle office setups, expand our financial footprint, and take advantage of some exclusive tech experiences that made this trip incredibly efficient and fun.

Upon landing, the agenda was packed: partner meetings to explore potential office spaces, some scoping of coworking options, and establishing a new banking foundation for future operations. Everything felt like it clicked. Working remotely with a global team means fluidity is everything, and California just gets it. And when you’re checking off the to-do list from a Google Waymo self-driving car cruising through the hills, efficiency reaches a whole new level.

Sailing into San Francisco Bay: Business and Leisure on Labor Day

Labor Day was a day off the grid—but in the best way possible. Our partners invited us on a sailing trip around the iconic San Francisco Bay, giving us a breather yet staying close to the pulse of the city. The energy out on the water is the kind you can only get in SF: laid-back yet charged with possibility. As we sailed past the Golden Gate Bridge, conversations flowed effortlessly between business and life, and we had a rare opportunity to slow down and strategize in a place that fosters creativity and ambition. We also had more and more opportunities to connect with new friends and family. It was something to watch Jannik Sinner win the US Open, there in the States, surrounded by good and inspiring people.

A Return to Stanford d.school: The Power of Design Thinking

One of the highlights of this trip was revisiting Stanford’s d.school, where I always feel right at home. The campus is alive with innovation, and this visit was no exception. Here, I had the opportunity to attend a few high-level meetings and take part in some invigorating discussions with forward-thinking design leaders and entrepreneurs. Stanford’s ethos of human-centered design has been a foundation in my approach, and it was an honor to reconnect with their community and align on shared visions for the future.

From SF to LA: Power Meetings and West Coast Friendships

A quick flight to Burbank took us into the heart of LA for a different angle on business. I met up with Ethel Seno, a dear friend and collaborator whose creative insights and hospitality are unrivaled. But the main highlight? A meeting with our powerhouse business lawyer, Rick. We took things to an “only-in-LA” level at the Reel Inn in Malibu—a seafood shack right by the ocean where beach vibes mix with big ideas. There, in the casual California beach setting, we refined our final business pitch.

Back in Time for Apple’s Big Reveal

Our trip wrapped up back in San Francisco just in time for the unveiling of the iPhone 16 at Apple Park. Seeing the latest innovations firsthand from one of the world’s most influential companies was invigorating. The presentation reminded me why I’m here—to disrupt, to create, to stay at the edge.