Daksh Gupta, the CEO of San Francisco-based AI startup Greptile, has received death threats after revealing the company’s grueling 84-hour workweek policy on social media. In a viral post on X, Gupta stated that he expects his employees to maintain “no work-life balance.” He said that employees often work from 9 am to 11 pm, including weekends. “Transparency is good,” Gupta wrote.
He added that he informs candidates about the high-stress environment and long hours from the first interview to avoid surprises once they are hired. The post quickly went viral and sparked intense backlash. Many social media users condemned the work environment at Greptile as “toxic.” However, Gupta claimed he also received numerous job applications despite the negative reactions.
In a follow-up post, Gupta defended his stance. “There exist people that want this, though they are a minority. The transparency exists to identify them,” he said.
He acknowledged that this rigorous work schedule is not sustainable long-term.
CEO faces backlash over work policy
Gupta said it is meant to push the company to “escape velocity” during its initial years.
Gupta mentioned that as the company matures, it will adapt and hire more experienced people who may not be able to work such long hours. He reiterated that this working model is not permanent. “This is NOT meant to be prescriptive,” Gupta emphasized.
The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about work-life balance, employee well-being, and fair labor practices in the tech industry. Many have criticized Gupta’s approach as promoting a toxic work culture. Others have praised his transparency but warned that such conditions, unless accompanied by fair compensation, border on modern-day slavery.
In response to critics who suggested his approach was influenced by his Indian background, Gupta clarified that his management style was shaped more by his experience in San Francisco’s fast-paced startup culture. The debate continues as Greptile’s controversial work policy draws both condemnation and interest from job seekers. It remains to be seen how the company will navigate the backlash and adapt its practices moving forward.
