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Rafi Sands

Rafi Sands

CEO and Co-founder at Tandem; ex-Guinness World Record Holder

rafisands
San Francisco, California
Joined June 2025
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Network

17.3K connections

Summary

Rafi Sands is a dynamic entrepreneur currently leading Tandem, an AI-assisted office leasing platform designed to optimize hybrid work environments. His leadership extends from early-stage startup growth to securing Y Combinator backing, showcasing a strong drive in the proptech and future-of-work sectors. theorg+1
His career demonstrates a blend of strategic consulting and operational business development. After gaining foundational analytical and interpersonal skills at Bain & Company, he transitioned into impact-driven roles, notably contributing to Pano's wildfire situational awareness platform and ChargePoint's fleet product strategy. joinleland+1
Rafi is deeply committed to public service and advocacy, stemming from his early experiences as the External Vice President of UCLA's student government and the first-ever Student Advisor to the UC Board of Regents. In these roles, he championed student voting rights, affordability, and mental health initiatives, demonstrating a passion for systemic change. hercampus+2
Beyond his professional and academic achievements, Rafi is a prolific writer through his Substack, 'In real life.', where he explores themes around the intersection of physical and digital worlds, collaboration, and connectivity. He also holds a Guinness World Record and is an accomplished marathon runner, highlighting his disciplined and competitive spirit. substack+1

Work

Education

Projects

Writing

In real life.

January 1, 2021

A Substack publication exploring the physical world and rethinking how people create, collaborate, and connect as a default-digital generation. Topics include office space, hybrid work, and disconnecting from digital life.

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Submission: Former USAC EVP Rafi Sands reflects on time in campus politics

January 17, 2018

An article reflecting on his experiences running for and serving as External Vice President of the UCLA Undergraduate Students Association Council, advocating for positive change in student government elections.

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Hobbies

An avid marathon runner, completing 18 marathons. beamstart

Described as a 'hardcore political junkie' during his time in student government. hercampus

Enjoys writing and spending time with friends. medium

Notes

JBJustin Beharsaid they've seen
RSRafi Sands
make a strong positive impact as a Y Combinator-backed founder.

Jun 9, 2026

SKSamit Kalrasaid
RSRafi Sands
has built a seed-stage company with backing from top funds that they think is truly on a promising trajectory.

Jan 20, 2026

JDJoan DeGennarosaid
RSRafi Sands
brings real startup hustle and creativity to their work.

Oct 9, 2025

JBJustin Beharsaid
RSRafi Sands
is one of the most impressive early-stage founders they know.

Aug 8, 2025