Greptile CEO Faces Backlash Over 84-Hour Workweek Post

Daksh Gupta, CEO of AI startup Greptile, ignited a firestorm after revealing his company’s intense work culture, where employees reportedly work 84-hour weeks with “no work-life balance.” Gupta’s post, which went viral, attracted both severe criticism and a flood of job applications. He claimed his inbox was “20% death threats and 80% job applications” as people reacted to his disclosure that Greptile’s employees often work from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., including Saturdays, with occasional Sunday work.

Gupta’s post outlined Greptile’s high-stress environment, stating there is “no tolerance for poor work.” He emphasized that new hires are informed upfront that work-life balance is non-existent, a fact he reiterated in a follow-up post that attempted to clarify his stance.

Responding to criticism, Gupta explained the demanding hours are temporary, part of Greptile’s early-stage growth phase, and that the company plans to evolve as it matures. “This way of working isn’t meant to be permanent,” he wrote. “It’s about reaching escape velocity. As we grow, we’ll hire experienced people who can’t work 100 hours a week, and naturally, we’ll adapt.”

The CEO’s approach drew harsh reactions, with many accusing him of promoting a “toxic work culture.” While some acknowledged his transparency, others cautioned that high demands without fair compensation could verge on exploitation. Gupta defended his management style, noting it was influenced by his time in San Francisco’s competitive startup scene rather than cultural norms.

For now, Gupta remains resolute, though he acknowledged the backlash. “We’re transparent about the intensity,” he said, “and not every startup’s journey needs to be this demanding.”