In a recent LinkedIn post, Pietro Maria Picogna revisits his initial journey to San Francisco, highlighting the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship that continues to fuel his ambitions. The post contrasts his first trip to the iconic tech hub, undertaken with youthful determination and depleted savings, with a more recent visit accompanied by his co-founder.
Picogna reflects on the foundational experiences of his first visit, stating:
“1350 days ago, I landed in San Francisco for the first time 🇺🇸. I was 23 years old and used all my savings to pay for this trip. I went there to meet tech entrepreneurs, investors, and operators and learn from their stories.”
He vividly recalls the early days, mentioning specific experiences like working at an AWS co-working space and engaging in extensive conversations about entrepreneurship. These formative moments, he suggests, were crucial in shaping his understanding and approach to the entrepreneurial landscape.
The Evolution of an Entrepreneurial Visit
The narrative then shifts to a more recent trip to San Francisco, undertaken 1350 days after his initial visit. This time, Picogna brought his co-founder, Giacomo, marking a significant evolution in his entrepreneurial journey. The purpose of the visit remained similar – engaging with the tech ecosystem – but the context and perspective had changed.
According to Picogna, the nature of the meetings and interactions had matured:
“We had meetings with notorious VC investors, made round-trips on Waymos, and engaged with people I now have the privilege of calling friends.”
Despite the advancements and the different stage of his career, Picogna emphasizes that the core feelings remained consistent. This continuity underscores a deep-seated passion and drive that transcends the specifics of each trip.
Enduring Entrepreneurial Spirit
Picogna argues that the fundamental elements driving entrepreneurs have not changed. He identifies key characteristics that were present on both his first and subsequent visits to San Francisco.
As Pietro Maria Picogna notes:
“But still, the feelings were the same. Grit, ambition, and willingness to have an impact on the future of work through technology.”
This enduring spirit, he suggests, is what propels innovation and progress within the tech industry. The willingness to persevere, to strive for ambitious goals, and to leverage technology for impactful change are presented as timeless qualities for anyone venturing into the entrepreneurial world.
‘Day Zero’ Mentality
Concluding his reflection, Picogna posits that despite years of experience and progress, the entrepreneurial journey often feels like it’s just beginning. He uses the phrase “It’s still day 0” to encapsulate this persistent feeling of new beginnings and ongoing challenges.
This perspective highlights the dynamic nature of the startup world, where continuous learning, adaptation, and a fresh approach are essential. In Pietro Maria Picogna’s view, the entrepreneurial path is one of constant evolution, where the excitement and challenges of the initial stages never truly fade, reinforcing the idea that the journey itself is as important as the destination.
📝 About This Content
This article is based on insights shared by Pietro Maria Picogna on LinkedIn.
📅 Originally posted on February 12, 2026 | View original post on LinkedIn →