Harvard sophomore Andrew Castellano and Stanford dropout Nebiyu Demie left their studies to focus on their AI startup, moving into an apartment complex owned by Cambridge-based Link Ventures. Their VC backers are covering living costs like rent and providing housekeeping, aiming to maximize founders' time. This shift reflects a broader trend where venture capital firms increasingly provide comprehensive support beyond just funding, recognizing the intense pressure to develop AI products before systems potentially surpass human capabilities.

The move underscores the high stakes in the current AI race, where every minute counts for entrepreneurs racing to build something new.