Corgi, a San Francisco-based insurtech startup leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning, has attracted attention not for its funding announcements but for the working practices of its founder, Nico Laqua. In recent discussions, Laqua has been open about his extreme work culture, revealing details about his daily routines that reflect an unusually intense commitment to the company’s development.
The founder has disclosed that he regularly sleeps in the office rather than returning to external accommodation, and maintains a seven-day working week without breaks. This approach to entrepreneurship stands out even in Silicon Valley, where demanding schedules are commonplace among startup founders seeking to accelerate growth and product development.
A Philosophy Rooted in Ambition
When discussing his work ethic, Laqua articulated his underlying philosophy in a striking way: “I would rather measure my lifespan in wins than in years” — a statement that encapsulates his prioritization of professional achievements over traditional work-life balance considerations.
Founded in 2024, Corgi operates at the intersection of insurance and artificial intelligence, a sector that has increasingly attracted startup attention as companies seek to modernize insurance operations and underwriting processes. The company has progressed to Series B stage, indicating that it has already secured multiple rounds of venture capital funding and demonstrated sufficient traction to attract institutional investors.
The Broader Startup Culture Question
While Laqua’s approach may resonate with some entrepreneurs who view extreme dedication as necessary for competitive advantage, it raises broader questions about sustainability and workplace practices within the startup ecosystem. His willingness to publicly discuss such intense working conditions reflects a particular philosophy about entrepreneurship that prioritizes rapid scaling and achievement over conventional approaches to employee and founder wellbeing.
The discussion surrounding Laqua’s work practices arrives at a time when startup culture is increasingly scrutinized, particularly regarding its impact on mental health and long-term sustainability. Though Corgi itself has not announced specific details about broader company-wide work practices or employee policies, the founder’s personal approach inevitably influences organizational culture.
European Startup Ecosystem Context
While Corgi operates from San Francisco, the European startup ecosystem has been developing its own approaches to insurtech innovation through companies across major hubs in London, Berlin, and other cities. European founders and investors have often emphasized different cultural values, with growing momentum around sustainable business practices and founder wellbeing. The contrast between high-intensity American startup culture and increasingly conscious European approaches continues to shape how different regions attract and retain entrepreneurial talent. As the global startup landscape becomes more competitive, questions about whether extreme dedication produces superior outcomes or simply different ones will likely continue influencing how founders across continents approach building their companies.