Unicorn Valuation, Workhorse Values: Part 2 of Our Series C Announcement

Starburst, a data warehousing company, recently announced a $100 million Series C financing round led by Andreessen Horowitz, with additional investments from Salesforce Ventures, Index Ventures, and Coatue, elevating its valuation to "unicorn" status. Despite this milestone, CEO Justin Borgman emphasizes that Starburst identifies more as a "workhorse" than a "unicorn," prioritizing authenticity, humility, and grit over flashy perks or superficial success. The company's ethos is rooted in sustainable growth and profitability, having been profitable for 10 out of the last 11 quarters. Borgman discusses the "Workhorse Playbook" in a Forbes series, advocating for bootstrapping, hiring "blue-collar execs" with a strong work ethic, and fostering a competitive yet supportive culture. The company aims to transform the data warehousing industry while maintaining its core values and long-term business sustainability.