Daksh Gupta, the 23-year-old Indian-origin CEO of the AI start-up Greptile, has ignited a firestorm with his endorsement of an 84-hour workweek policy. Despite mounting criticism, Gupta remains steadfast in his defense, comparing his company's high-pressure culture to the intensity of a "rocket launch."
Gupta's unwavering belief in relentless effort as the key to success is evident in his interview with NBC Bay Area. "When two intelligent groups tackle the same problem, the one that works harder—and gets luckier—wins. While luck is beyond control, effort isn't," he asserts.
The controversy erupted after Gupta's post on X (formerly Twitter) went viral, detailing Greptile's demanding work culture. "Our workdays begin at 9am and often stretch beyond 11pm, including Saturdays and sometimes Sundays. It's a high-stress environment with zero tolerance for mediocrity," the post read.
The backlash was swift and fierce, with many criticizing the policy as exploitative. Gupta, however, maintains that such an environment isn't meant for everyone and acknowledges that other companies thrive with more balanced approaches. "I'm not against work-life balance. In fact, I actively recommend it—to our competitors," he remarks with characteristic sharpness.
Gupta also reveals that his unfiltered views have attracted both fervent criticism and unexpected admiration. "My inbox is 20 per cent threats and 80 per cent job applications," he quips, adding that he's even received death threats over his comments.
Educated in Delhi and a former Amazon employee in the US, Gupta dismisses claims that his work ethic stems from cultural norms. "I work this way because I'm San Franciscan, not because I'm Indian," he says, doubling down on his unapologetic commitment to his company's vision.
"Effort is the one variable you can control in the pursuit of greatness.