Zepto CEO's Regret Over Mocking Work-Life Balance

Zepto CEO Aadit Pichlai has publicly expressed regret over his controversial comments mocking the concept of work-life balance, calling it a 'stupid idea'. This admission came during a revealing podcast interview with Y Combinator President Garry Tan, where Pichlai delved into the realities of startup culture and Zepto's ambitious vision.

The Backlash and Zepto's Work Culture

The controversy ignited in December 2024 following a Reddit post that criticized Zepto's work environment as toxic, citing 14-hour shifts and late-night meetings. Pichlai's sarcastic response on X, suggesting work-life balance for competitors, only fueled the fire, drawing accusations of promoting burnout.

Zepto's Survival Through Tough Times

Pichlai shared insights into Zepto's near-collapse during the 2022-2023 funding crisis, attributing survival to becoming more focused. He candidly admitted to costly hiring mistakes during this existential period for the quick-commerce startup.

A Call to Ambition for Indian Entrepreneurs

Beyond Zepto's story, Pichlai urged Indian startups to aim higher, challenging the underestimation of what Indian founders can achieve globally. He also highlighted India's talent advantage in the competitive tech landscape.