In the tech world, everyone is obsessed with 'Unicorns'—startups valued at over a billion dollars, driven by hyper-growth and winner-takes-all mentalities. But a new movement is rising: The Zebras. Unlike unicorns, zebras are real, they are black and white (profitable and socially conscious), and they survive in herds by cooperating.
Mutualism over Monopoly
The Zebra movement, spearheaded by the global community Zebras Unite, argues that the current venture capital model is broken. It rewards scorched-earth tactics and rapid exits. Zebras, on the other hand, focus on mutualism. They build businesses that are designed to last, to serve their communities, and to solve real social problems while remaining financially sustainable.
The Characteristics of a Zebra
- Real: They prioritize sustainable revenue over artificial valuations.
- Plural: They believe in shared power and democratic structures (like cooperatives).
- Resilient: They focus on long-term health rather than a quick sale.
- Interconnected: They thrive in ecosystems where success is shared among partners.
Why Italy is Zebra Territory
Italy has a long, rich history of cooperatives and social enterprises. From the artisan workshops in Venice to the social cooperatives in South Tyrol, the 'Zebra' spirit has lived here long before the term was coined. Projects like Quid, Spiazzi, or REX are living examples of this philosophy in action—businesses that heal the social fabric while standing on their own two feet.
Joining the Herd
Being a Zebra is a choice to value quality over quantity and community over capital. It’s about building a future where success isn't measured by how much you can disrupt, but by how much you can contribute. The way to 'Co'—cooperation, community, and commons—is the zebra way.