Bengaluru AI startup co-founder's 18-hour workdays spark debate: 'His bed is 3-feet from computer'

The CEO of a Bengaluru-based AI startup revealed the daily grind of his co-founder. (Image credit: Tushar S/LinkedIn)

In yet another episode fuelling the debate over hustle culture in the startup ecosystem, a LinkedIn post by Tushar S, the CEO of Vaani Research Labs, has ignited strong reactions online. Tushar’s post, which highlighted the tireless work routine of his co-founder, Abhinash Khare, at the Bengaluru-based AI startup, drew admiration as well as sharp criticism, raising questions about the glorification of unhealthy work habits in India's burgeoning tech industry.

Tushar detailed in his post how Abhinash’s workday often extends into the early morning hours, with his bed just three feet away from his computer. He described how Abhinash dives straight into coding as soon as he wakes up at 8 AM, bypassing any morning routine.

"It’s been almost seven months of coding until 2 AM, waking up at 8 AM and diving right back into research papers and code," Tushar shared in the now-deleted LinkedIn post. "I am aware that the priorities might be a little off and neither glorifying the hustle, but he’s willing to push the boundaries because we know what’s at stake."

The post, intended as a tribute to Abhinash’s relentless efforts in building the voice AI startup, immediately drew criticism. Several users slammed Tushar for promoting what they deemed as "toxic work culture" that puts undue pressure on employees and glorifies unhealthy work habits.

The post was initially liked by thousands of people with numerous comments, but the critiques outweighed the positives in comments.

Tushar S's now deleted LinkedIn post. (Image credit: Tushar S/LinkedIn)

“This kind of grinding is a toxic work culture, and I don’t see any point in praising it publicly,” one LinkedIn user commented. “I totally understand how hard it is to bootstrap a startup, but it’s important to focus on sustainable and organic growth rather than grinding to a slow death.”

Another user echoed the concerns, saying, “This is the new way of praising toxic culture. A well-rested mind and body can do wonders. As a co-founder, you should try to reduce the workload on him, even if he wants to do it. Think in the long term.”

Facing growing backlash, Tushar removed the post, acknowledging that it might have sent the wrong message. He explained that while he wasn’t trying to promote an unsustainable work ethic, the reality of running a startup with minimal resources leaves them with few options.

"Most of you have shown concern about our health and work-life balance. We're overwhelmed and grateful to see the responses. Of course, nobody wants to grind day in, day out for months; but sometimes you just have no choice and no resources," Tushar clarified in a follow-up.

The post has reignited the ongoing conversation about work culture in India's rapidly growing startup ecosystem, where long hours, limited resources, and immense pressure often blur the lines between dedication and burnout.