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When a Bengaluru founder posts an ad for an unpaid position, irate professionals disparage him.

Richa Pandey
25 Mar, 2025

A Bengaluru-based startup founder has ignited a firestorm on social media after advertising for an **unpaid full-time role**, drawing sharp backlash from professionals who called the move **exploitative and unethical**. The controversial job posting, which sought a **“passionate” candidate willing to work without pay for “valuable experience,”** quickly went viral, with netizens and industry experts slamming the founder for **normalizing unpaid labor** in India’s tech hub.

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*What Happened?**

The founder, who runs an **early-stage fintech startup**, posted the job listing on LinkedIn and other platforms, seeking a **full-time employee for business development and operations**—with **no salary, only “equity and learning opportunities.”** The ad emphasized that the role was for someone who **“believes in the startup’s vision”** and is willing to **“hustle without monetary compensation.”**

The post immediately triggered outrage, with professionals across Bengaluru’s startup ecosystem calling it **“modern-day exploitation.”** Critics pointed out that:

- **Bengaluru is one of India’s most expensive cities**, making unpaid work unrealistic for most.

- **Startups often misuse “equity” as a lure**, knowing most early-stage ventures fail.

- **Unpaid internships are one thing, but unpaid full-time roles cross a line.**

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Social Media Backlash**

The backlash was swift and brutal, with professionals, recruiters, and even rival founders condemning the post:

- **“If you can’t pay employees, you don’t have a business—you have a hobby.”** – HR consultant

- **“This is why people hate startup culture. Stop glorifying free labor.”** – Tech employee

- **“Equity in a pre-revenue startup is lottery tickets, not salary.”** – Venture capitalist

Some users **named and shamed** the founder, leading to the post being deleted. However, screenshots continued circulating, fueling debates on **fair wages in India’s startup scene.**

Why This Is a Bigger Problem**

This incident highlights deeper issues in India’s startup ecosystem:

1. **Exploitation of Young Talent** – Many startups take advantage of **fresh graduates** desperate for experience.

2. **Misuse of “Hustle Culture”** – Founders often demand **80-hour workweeks** while offering little in return.

3. **Lack of Regulation** – Unlike in the U.S. or Europe, India has **no strict laws against unpaid full-time roles**, allowing such practices to thrive.

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*Founder’s Response (Or Lack Thereof)**

After the uproar, the founder **quietly removed the post** but did not issue a public apology. Some reports suggest they privately defended the move, saying **“early-stage startups can’t always pay salaries.”** However, critics argue that if a company **can’t afford employees**, it should:

- Hire freelancers or part-timers.

- Seek more funding before scaling.

- Let founders handle unpaid work themselves.

Broader Impact on Bengaluru’s Startup Scene**

Bengaluru, often called India’s **“Silicon Valley,”** has long been a hub for innovation—but also for **worker exploitation**. This incident adds to growing frustration over:

- **Unrealistic expectations** (e.g., “We’re a family” workplaces that demand unpaid overtime).

- **False promises of wealth** (e.g., equity that never materializes).

- **Founder entitlement** (e.g., expecting employees to sacrifice pay for “vision”).

Many professionals are now **calling for stricter labor norms** to prevent such exploitative practices.

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*Final Takeaway: Pay Your Employees**

The backlash sends a clear message: **Passion doesn’t pay bills.** While startups face financial constraints, **exploiting workers isn’t the solution.** If founders want talent, they must **offer fair compensation**—not just empty promises.

As one LinkedIn user put it:

*“If your business model relies on free labor, you don’t have a business. You have a scam.”*

The incident serves as a wake-up call for India’s startup ecosystem—**growth shouldn’t come at the cost of worker dignity.**