Is 'startup romance' too good to be true? Radhika Gupta reveals harsh truth you need to know

In recent times, discussions around starting a business have become increasingly common point of discussion, especially among professionals considering quitting their 9-5 jobs to embark on entrepreneurial ventures.

While many startups have achieved remarkable success, others have failed to materialise beyond mere ideas. The reality of the startup world, often romanticised in social media posts and discussions, is far more challenging than it appears.

Edelweiss Mutual Fund CEO Radhika Gupta recently shared a candid warning about the "startup romance". In a post on social media platform X, she cautioned against the overly glamorised portrayal of startup life, which often fails to show its harsh realities.

Gupta wrote, "There is now an increased air of "start-up romance". That paints start up life as working in chiller attire out of a fancy co working space, talking ideas all day, raising funding rounds, giving gyaan on social media, hosting Fri Eve drinks for colleagues.  Don't fall for it.'"

She went on to highlight the stark contrast of "startup reality," which includes "painful execution, limited budgets and even more limited working conditions, constant rejection, challenges in hiring and retention, pressure for revenue at any cost, and uncertainty for a very long period of time." Gupta’s post serves as a reminder that while some startups thrive, many face significant struggles along the way.

Her post received mixed reactions on social media. Some users echoed her sentiments, acknowledging the tough nature of the startup journey. One comment read, "The toughest job is of start-up. Working for 10-12 hours is ok, but even after that nothing is assured. People only see the success stories and get allured but forget that after every 5 success there are 95 failures too. Social media also paints a rosy picture which is not so rosy.."

However, not all responses were supportive of her viewpoint. One user sarcastically responded, "If you are tax paying middle class in India, just letting you know, you are becoming poor if you are not doing something beyond your work hours."