12 Hours of Work, 7 Days a Week: Ex-Employee Alleges Toxic Work Culture at IIT Kharagpur Alum-Founded AI Startup
In recent news, Giga, an AI startup founded by alumni of IIT Kharagpur, is facing serious allegations from a former employee regarding its work culture. Jared Steele, who joined the San Francisco-based company, claims that the environment was toxic, demanding 12-hour shifts, seven days a week. Steele’s accusations come shortly after Giga secured $61 million in Series A funding, raising questions about the company’s internal practices.
Background on Giga
Founded in 2023 by Varun Vummadi and Esha Manideep, Giga specializes in developing voice-based AI agents for various companies. The startup recently attracted significant investment from Redpoint Ventures, which has put it in the spotlight. However, the allegations from Steele have raised concerns about the company’s treatment of its employees.
Allegations from Jared Steele
Steele’s claims are multifaceted, focusing on discrepancies between the promises made to him during the hiring process and the reality he encountered upon joining. Here are some of the key allegations he made:
- False Compensation Promises: Steele alleged that the compensation package he was offered differed significantly from what was presented during the interview process.
- Excessive Work Hours: He claimed employees were expected to work 12-hour shifts every day of the week, without adequate breaks or time off.
- Restrictive Leave Policies: Steele noted that the company’s paid leave policy was subject to management’s discretion, making it difficult for employees to take time off when needed.
- Inappropriate Comments: He reported that during discussions, company representatives made inappropriate remarks, including references to illegal activities and cultural insensitivity.
Steele’s Experience at Giga
Steele joined Giga in 2025 with the intention of leading demand generation. However, he resigned after just one day, citing numerous red flags. In a post on the social media platform X, he expressed his disappointment with the company’s culture and management practices. Steele stated, “I observed red flags everywhere,” which prompted his decision to leave.
Issues with Leave Policies
Before joining Giga, Steele informed the company about two weddings he needed to attend and received approval for time off. However, after signing the contract, he was told he could only attend one of the events. Steele described the situation as frustrating, saying, “After I signed the contract, they said, well you need to pick who you’re better friends with because you can’t do both weddings now.”
First Day Experience
Steele’s first day at Giga was marked by a lack of acknowledgment from the company’s founder. He recounted, “First day of work, I got in early. The founder walks in my direction, I stand up, extend my hand for a handshake. He snubs me – not even an acknowledgment.” This lack of basic courtesy left Steele feeling unwelcome after relocating across the country for the job.
Work-Life Balance Debate
The allegations against Giga come at a time when discussions about work-life balance are becoming increasingly prominent in the corporate world. High-profile figures in the business community have sparked debates about the sustainability of long work hours. For instance, L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan’s undated video advocating for a 90-hour workweek went viral, while Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy suggested a 70-hour workweek.
Response from Giga
As of now, Giga’s founders have not publicly responded to Steele’s allegations. LiveMint has reached out for comments and will update the story once a response is received. The startup’s ability to address these claims may significantly impact its reputation and future operations.
Conclusion
The allegations made by Jared Steele against Giga highlight critical issues regarding workplace culture, employee treatment, and the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. As the startup navigates these challenges, it will be essential for them to address the concerns raised to foster a more positive working environment.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on current allegations and has not been independently verified. The situation may evolve as more details emerge.
