Rise, Grind, Repeat: Bengaluru Startup Clocks In for Controversy

Mohan Kumar, the co-founder of Bengaluru-based gaming startup Matiks, has started a raging debate on hustle culture after bragging that his employees put in 12 hours a day and six days a week. In a viral X post, Kumar detailed the company's "strict office timing" of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Monday to Saturday—admitting that employees put in overtime and even on Sundays on their own volition.

Controversy Highlights

Kumar is insistent on the fast-paced tempo to create India's maiden global product from ground up.

He encouraged a shift in attitude from a "job mentality" to a "building mentality" and insisted on complete commitment from his people.

The company has just 12 full-time employees and a few dozen interns, all under the age of 25 and fresh out of college.

A picture posted by Kumar depicted a bed in the office, indicating that the overnighters are all part of the grind.

Team Dynamics

Kumar maintains that the team does not view themselves as an employee, but as co-creators on a common mission.

He said that nobody is forced to work long hours—it is a choice based on aspiration and passion.

The office culture, he maintains, consists of off-the-cuff outings, team dinners, and late-night brainstorms that are more akin to group study sessions from college than corporate grind.

Public Reaction

The article elicited severe criticism as well as appreciation equally.

Critics complained of burnout, questioned sustainability, and called for transparency on equity sharing.

The fans appreciated the dedication and foresight, referring to it as a sacrifice needed for global success.

A few of the users condemned the post as "rage bait," and some asked whether the employees were being paid like co-founders.

Broader Implications

The incident has revived India's long-standing hustle culture debate, particularly in the startup ecosystem.

It is provoking worries regarding work-life balance, mental health, and the ethics of overwork celebrations. As Indian startup culture comes of age, the battle between ambition and wellness becomes increasingly vocal.

Sources: Hindustan Times, Economic Times, India Daily, MSN India, Matiks Founder's X Post