Storj, a startup, is challenging major cloud storage providers by creating a globally distributed, S3-compatible object storage platform that outperforms traditional providers in certain areas. Described by its CTO, Jacob Willoughby, as akin to "AirBnB for data storage," Storj utilizes under-utilized storage drives worldwide to offer cloud storage at significantly lower costs and with a reduced carbon footprint. The platform ensures security and high performance by encrypting data, fragmenting files, and distributing them globally. A key component of Storj's success is its use of CockroachDB, a database that supports its complex, scalable storage system. This partnership has enabled Storj to handle substantial growth and increases in load without disruption, allowing the company to focus on product development rather than database management. Willoughby highlights that Storj's performance remains consistent even over long distances, whereas traditional providers' performance degrades with distance, and anticipates further load increases with confidence in the system's scalability.