What makes a program truly transformational? It’s not just the format, the intensity, or the topics we cover. The real essence lies in the energy it’s created with — and the people who step into it.
Every SFIH bootcamp is more than just education. It’s a living process where everything matters — from the founder’s intention to the late-night conversations by the fire. It’s a week where you meet not only entrepreneurs, investors, and new ideas — but also yourself.
In this piece, San Francisco Innovation Hub founder Ruslan Gafarov shares how the 49th bootcamp in Silicon Valley unfolded, which intuitive decisions shaped it, why evening conversations matter more than lectures, and why we gather such different — yet deeply aligned — people.
What was the core intention behind this bootcamp?
When I prepare to work with people, I always set an intention: to go beyond any expectations — even my own. Often, I don’t know exactly how to do it better, but I trust that at some point, I’ll understand what needs to be done. This time, I’m genuinely happy with the result — I exceeded even the expectations I might have consciously set.
Since this was already the 49th time we’ve run a weekly format like this, I’ve developed a set methodology — a sequence of activities that consistently delivers powerful results.
But over the last 10 programs, I’ve come to see how important it is to follow intuition, even within the structure. If I feel something can be skipped or changed — especially after seeing the participants, most of whom I meet for the first time — I go with that feeling. New ideas often come during the process: what to change, what to add. I always have a plan, and it gives me confidence, but recently I’ve relied more on what I feel in the moment.
With this group, many things didn’t go according to plan — and that was for the best. We skipped some processes, shifted focus, and from day one created a strong group dynamic.
We started at home, then worked in small groups, and went to Stanford on the second day. Over dinner that evening, I realized the group had reached a crucial stage of bonding — any extra effort might overload them. So I trusted that, and focused on doing the maximum of what was truly needed.
What do you see as the main value of the program?
SFIH is a global community with its hub in Silicon Valley. The bootcamp is the entry point — a week-long onboarding. During the week, we observe every participant, see how they show up, help them grow, and share our values and approaches. If there’s mutual resonance, we invite them to move forward with us.
For both the participants and myself, the people are the greatest value. We managed to create an atmosphere where genuine connection happened. The feedback confirmed it — many called it one of the most powerful experiences they’ve had in almost 10 years of attending programs like this.
What conditions were created for the participants?
One of the main goals during onboarding is to create a safe space. Only in such an environment can people open up, be vulnerable — and that’s where the magic starts. Vulnerability invites honesty in others too.
We talk about our five community principles and our mission. Participants share stories of achievements and failures, and take part in practices that build connection and trust.
We divide people into groups and assign advisors — experienced entrepreneurs who’ve been through our program multiple times. This time, we had Aleksey and Dasha Nakazny (they run the largest Russian-speaking business club in Dubai — 200+ members), Artyom Ishchuk, Sasha Gnatenko, and others.
We’re deeply grateful to them. Before the program, we hold a special training for the advisors, align on intentions, and help them integrate their own growth goals through their involvement. They, too, want to learn and grow through this.
Why is evening and informal interaction so important?
We’ve found that it’s crucial to give people space to reflect and discuss the topics that matter to them, especially within the context of the knowledge they’re absorbing.
Our bootcamp focuses on AI, venture investing, startup thinking, modern business models, and next-gen management. And after all that, it’s essential that participants have time to think, talk, and explore — sometimes the evening reflections bring more insight than speaker sessions.
This time, we organized shared evening time every day — from dinners to casual expert conversations.
The pre-day gathering (zero day) isn’t part of the official schedule. We invite people to our home to show openness — introduce them to our space, family, lifestyle. We set the table, share our story, and invite them to share theirs. This builds deep trust from day one.
On day one, we wrapped up with a dinner where people reflected on their experience.
On day two, we stayed at the same venue, had food delivered, and discussed insights and action points in a relaxed atmosphere.
On day three, we visited a friend in San Francisco. First at his home, then at the Amador Club — a well-known offline space for entrepreneurs. We had dinner and meaningful conversations. For me, one highlight was meeting Kirill — who worked at VKontakte at age 15, became the youngest participant in Y Combinator, and now, at 23, is connected with the founders of OpenAI and Midjourney. He shared his vision and current project — I left inspired, once again feeling the power of this place and its people. There’s no other place on Earth quite like this.
On day four, we visited Sean, whom I’ve mentioned before. A successful engineer and startup founder, angel investor, and real estate owner. We gathered at his vineyard, had a wine tasting, brought guitars, and created a musical, soulful space. Everyone opened up — some sang, some danced, some played instruments. It brought us even closer.
On day five, we had a session with OpenAI at the same venue as our daytime activities. We held a Sharing Circle focused on how today’s tech is changing the world. For participants from other countries, this was mind-blowing. We discussed integrating AI into their businesses, optimizing processes, and improving product quality.
On the evening of day six, we hosted a closing gathering at our friend Albert’s villa in Los Altos Hills. We invited members of our broader community. At dinner, we broke into small groups for deep, intimate conversations. People shared stories they’d never told anyone — moments of transformation, vulnerability, and mutual support. It felt like the heart of everything we do.
These evenings aren’t “extras.” They’re at the core of the experience. That’s where the strongest insights and bonds often emerge.
Why did you decide to make the final evening a charity event?
Many of my followers know I’ve spent most of my life searching for meaning. I’ve read countless books, met fascinating people, and explored their beliefs and ways of thinking.
At one point I practiced Islam, prayed five times a day. I explored various spiritual traditions to find something I could truly anchor myself in.
While living in Silicon Valley, I discovered the Aniwa community — and their way of living deeply resonated with me. I saw how the leaders, Oscar and Vivian — a married couple — live their mission. The way they treat each other, their children, whom they bring to every gathering.
Their mission is similar to Elon Musk’s: creating a sustainable future for Earth. They run many projects related to nature, indigenous wisdom, and restoring harmony between humans and the planet.
So this year, instead of a traditional birthday for Alina, we turned it into a charity evening. All resources we gathered went to support Aniwa.
We held an auction, selling art created by indigenous peoples. All proceeds were donated to projects that help the Earth. It felt like the right way to celebrate.
How did the idea of a post-bootcamp hiking day come up? What happens during that time?
After a week of intense schedules and constant movement, people need space for depth and stillness. In such a fast rhythm, it’s hard to simply exhale and connect more deeply.
That’s why we added a hiking day. We invited participants to our home, then went to the ocean, brought musical instruments, and just were — no program, just presence.
In that atmosphere, people open up in new ways. Intentions surface, sincerity deepens, and trust grows.
For us, this was an important final stage. By then, we had already planned future meetups in other cities and countries. Because this program — first and foremost — is onboarding into the San Francisco Innovation Hub community.
The real journey begins from here.
