Despite fierce backlash last year over his advocacy of extreme work hours, Greptile CEO Daksh Gupta is doubling down on his stance, insisting that long workdays and a grind-focused culture are now central to Silicon Valley's next-generation workforce.

Gupta, the Indian-origin founder of the San Francisco-based AI startup, has remained outspoken about his belief in a high-intensity workplace, with expectations that employees work 12 to 14 hours a day, six days a week — all from the office.

'Work, lift, sleep, repeat'

In a recent interview with The San Francisco Standard, Gupta described a cultural shift among young tech workers, claiming that events like Burning Man no longer resonate with a generation more interested in productivity and self-optimisation.

“The current vibe is no drinking, no drugs, 9-9-6 [work from 9 am to 9 pm, six days a week], lift heavy, run far, marry early, track sleep, eat steak and eggs,” said Gupta.

The publication dubbed him the “poster child of AI boom’s grindcore culture,” emphasising how his lifestyle and leadership style have come to symbolise the Silicon Valley subculture of extreme hustle and ambition.

High demands, high rewards

Greptile, headquartered in San Francisco, recently announced several job openings—along with a clear expectation: 12 to 14-hour in-office workdays, six days a week. Remote work is not an option.

However, Gupta also highlighted the generous compensation and perks offered to employees. Junior team members can expect:

Base salary: $140,000 to $180,000 per year (1,23,45,340 to 1,58,72,580)

Equity: Additional $130,000 to $180,000 annually (1,14,63,530 to 1,58,72,580)

For senior roles, particularly those with over seven years of experience, the compensation jumps to-

Base salary: $240,000 to $270,000 annually (2,11,63,440 to 2,38,08,870)

Benefits include free daily meals, transportation, comprehensive healthcare, and 401(k) matching.