Exclusive: New AI start-up with ‘extreme’ work culture takes over S.F. office abandoned by Cruise

San Francisco-based AI start-up Cognition, valued at $26 billion, has signed a five-year lease for a 180,000-square-foot building at 333 Brannan St., previously part of Cruise’s headquarters. This expansion represents a more than sevenfold increase in Cognition’s San Francisco footprint. The deal highlights the growing demand for office space from AI companies in the South of Market neighborhood, contrasting with Cruise’s retreat following regulatory issues with its robotaxi business.

• AI start-up Cognition is leasing 180,000 square feet at 333 Brannan St. in San Francisco.
• The building was formerly part of Cruise’s headquarters, which has been seeking subtenants for its former office spaces.
• Cognition’s valuation has surged to $26 billion following significant fundraising.
• This expansion will greatly increase Cognition’s presence in San Francisco.
• The AI sector’s demand for office space is increasingly focusing on the South of Market (SoMa) neighborhood.
• Cruise’s robotaxi business faced significant setbacks after a 2023 crash, leading to regulatory suspensions and a restructuring by General Motors.
• Cruise has also attempted to sublease other buildings in its former campus.
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