NRI CEO doubles down on 14-hr-a-day work schedule, says smart people don’t need work-life balance
Daksh Gupta, the 23-year-old Indian-origin CEO of AI startup Greptile, has reignited debate over work-life balance following his controversial remarks on long working hours. In a recent interview with NBC Bay Area, Gupta defended his company's demanding culture, likening it to a «rocket launch» that requires exceptional effort and commitment.
«Success is a mix of hard work and luck,» Gupta explained. «When two smart teams tackle the same problem, the one that works harder and has better luck usually wins. While luck is uncontrollable, the time you invest is not.»
Gupta acknowledged that such a high-pressure work environment isn't suitable for everyone and noted that many successful companies prioritize work-life balance. «If you value work-life balance, that's great. Plenty of places operate that way and thrive,» he added.
The Controversy
Last month, Gupta, who attended school in Delhi, sparked outrage with a post on X (formerly Twitter) where he candidly outlined Greptile’s grueling work expectations. He stated that employees typically work from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., sometimes longer, including weekends, and emphasized the high-stress, no-tolerance culture. The post went viral, garnering over 1.6 million views and igniting widespread backlash.
«My inbox is now 20% death threats and 80% job applications,» Gupta remarked, highlighting the polarizing response. Despite the criticism, he stood firm on his approach, stating, «This isn’t because I’m Indian, but because I’m 'San Franciscan' in my mindset.»
Gupta, who
