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AI Startup Founder: 7-Day Weeks, 4-Hour Sleep
2 Jun
Summary
- Founder sleeps in the office, uses fitness clubs for showers.
- Startup achieved $2.6 billion valuation within months of founding.
- Employees reportedly get Corgi logo tattoos to show commitment.
Nico Laqua, co-founder of AI insurance startup Corgi, has ignited controversy with his description of the company's demanding work culture. Laqua revealed a personal routine that includes working seven days a week and sleeping only three to four hours nightly, often sleeping on a mattress within the company office.
Founded in 2024, Corgi experienced rapid growth, achieving unicorn status with a $1.3 billion valuation in May 2026. Shortly after, its valuation doubled to $2.6 billion. Laqua attributes this success to an uncompromising work ethic, even building a 24-hour cafe to accommodate late-night work.
The startup's culture extends to its employees, with Laqua noting that two-thirds of early staff obtained Corgi logo tattoos. Candidates undergo weekend work trials to assess their commitment to a seven-day schedule, highlighting the company's rigorous standards.
Laqua's philosophy suggests radical sacrifice is necessary for groundbreaking achievements, famously stating he'd rather measure lifespan in victories than years. This stance has drawn both praise and criticism, with supporters citing the need for obsession in the AI boom and critics highlighting the risks of exhaustion and burnout.
