At Exabytes, we take immense pride in celebrating the extraordinary contributions of our team members who continuously surpass expectations. The first quarter of 2026 marked a significant milestone, as we hosted the eagerly awaited Star Arena event on 16th and 22nd April. This was not merely another quarterly event—it was a reflection of the growth, improvement, and commitment shown by our team in achieving outstanding results.
For the first time in Exabytes’ history, Star Arena was held over two days, due to the overwhelming number of 123 nominees. These individuals had exceeded their Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by more than 130%, setting a new benchmark for excellence within the company. This milestone not only celebrates personal achievements but also underscores the success of Exabytes’ business academy framework, which has been instrumental in driving such exceptional results.
A Framework of Excellence: The Business Academy
The success of the Q1 2026 Star Arena is a direct reflection of the impact Exabytes’ business academy has had on employee performance. This academy has been an essential platform for nurturing skills, knowledge, and professional development. Through its tailored training programmes, employees have been equipped with the tools and insights necessary to excel in their respective roles.
The business academy’s focus on practical applications, strategic thinking, and real-world problem-solving has empowered employees to not only meet but exceed their KPIs. The introduction of this new learning framework has been a game-changer, encouraging growth and enhancing the overall performance of each individual.
Record-Breaking Nominees
In previous quarters, Star Arena has been a moment to celebrate the top performers, but this quarter was exceptional in every sense. The sheer number of nominees—123 in total—speaks volumes about the dedication and hard work of our team members. This is a new benchmark for success at Exabytes, and we are thrilled to see so many individuals achieving such remarkable results.
Exceeding KPIs by more than 130% is no small feat. It requires resilience, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. This accomplishment not only highlights the personal success of these individuals but also signifies the collective success of Exabytes as a whole. Each nominee has contributed to the company’s growth, and their achievements serve as a powerful reminder that when we work together, we can achieve extraordinary things.
A Tailored Presentation Experience
The Q1 2026 Star Arena was unique in several ways. For the first time, the presentation format was tailored to each nominee’s scope of work. Depending on their department or role, the presentations were based on one of Exabytes’ key platforms: Freshsales, Freshdesk, or Freshmarketer. This customisation allowed nominees to showcase their achievements in the context of the tools and systems they work with daily, giving them the opportunity to shine in a way that truly highlights their skills.
Each nominee was given a platform to present their growth and the value they’ve brought to the team. Whether they were presenting on Freshsales, Freshdesk, or Freshmarketer, the presentations were a testament to the hard work and expertise each individual has developed throughout the quarter.
The Path to Additional Payouts
In addition to the recognition and prestige that comes with being a Star nominee, the Q1 2026 Star Arena also presented an exciting opportunity for additional payouts. To be eligible for this additional payout, nominees had to meet a basic requirement: obtaining a Lark certification. This certification is a key part of Exabytes’ commitment to continuous learning and improvement, as Lark is an essential tool for collaboration and productivity within the company.
To earn the additional payout, nominees also had to pass a rigorous presentation evaluation, with each nominee’s performance scored based on the number of stars achieved and their individual position level. This ensured that only those who demonstrated exceptional ability, not just in their achievements but also in their presentation skills, were recognised for their outstanding efforts.
Recognising the Stars of Exabytes
The Q1 2026 Star Arena was more than just an event—it was a celebration of the hard work, dedication, and passion that drives Exabytes forward. It was a recognition of the individuals who not only met their targets but exceeded them by remarkable margins. These nominees are the embodiment of what Exabytes stands for—commitment, excellence, and the continuous pursuit of growth.
As a company, we believe that the achievements of our team members should always be celebrated. However, this event is also about inspiring others to reach for the stars. The Q1 2026 Star Arena has set a new standard, one that encourages everyone to strive for more, push beyond their limits, and continue raising the bar for what’s possible.
Moving Forward: Achieving Even More
The success of the Q1 2026 Star Arena is just the beginning. With this event and the remarkable achievements of our team members, we’ve set a new precedent for success at Exabytes. We are excited to see how our team members will continue to grow as they apply the lessons learned from this quarter to future challenges.
At Exabytes, we are committed to fostering a culture of excellence. The Star Arena is a key part of that culture—a way to celebrate achievements, encourage growth, and inspire every individual to achieve their best. As we look ahead to the rest of 2026 and beyond, we are confident that Exabytes will continue to be a place where innovation, hard work, and dedication are recognised and rewarded.
Here’s to the Stars of Q1 2026—and to many more stars to come!
