Zebras vs Unicorns
Zebra companies aim to be profitable while improving society, unlike growth-obsessed unicorns.
Also known as: Zebra Companies, Zebra Movement
Category: Concepts
Tags: entrepreneurship, business-philosophy, ethics, sustainability, startups
Explanation
Zebras vs Unicorns represents two opposing business philosophies. Unicorns are startups valued at $1B+, focused on rapid growth, venture capital, and market domination - often at any cost. Zebras take a different approach: they're not here to sacrifice themselves for growth. They aim to be profitable while improving society. They're enthusiastic, optimistic, and profoundly human. Scale and growth don't matter to them - being a calm business is fine. Zebras fix what unicorns break. The zebra movement advocates for businesses that are both black AND white: profitable AND good for society, rather than choosing one at the expense of the other.
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