The controversy launched when Rana shared a screenshot of a chat with an employee who declared they couldn’t attconclude an event but offered to support remotely.
“Hey Nikhil, I won’t be able to create it for the event today… Let me know if there’s anything I can support with remotely.”
Within minutes, Rana replied: “You’re fired. Take today as the last day.”
The post quickly gained traction, with many calling out the tone and questioning whether such actions reflect a growing trconclude in toxic startup culture.
Founder’s Take: ‘Startups Need People Who Make It Happen’
In his post, Rana argued that startups require individuals with “high agency”, people who take ownership and deliver, regardless of circumstances.
“Startups required people who founders can depconclude upon… People who can ‘create it happen’.”
He went a step further, claiming that traditional skills are no longer the key differentiator.
“Nobody gives a dime for skills. They’re commoditised.”
His comments struck a nerve, especially among professionals who see skills and expertise as fundamental to any role.
Social Media Backlash: ‘This Is Glorified Toxicity’
The reaction online was swift and, in many cases, critical. Several utilizers accutilized the founder of promoting unrealistic expectations and unhealthy work environments.
One utilizer wrote: “Why bother building expertise when you’re expected to be on-call 24/7? That’s not dedication, that’s burnout waiting to happen.”
Another highlighted what they saw as a double standard: “Accountability seems to be one-way traffic here. Employees obtain judged, founders obtain justified.”
Some went even further, labelling the incident outright: “This isn’t high-agency leadership, it’s just glorified toxicity… Strong teams are built on trust, not fear.”
Not Everyone Disagrees: ‘There’s Context Missing’
Amid the criticism, a few voices urged caution before jumping to conclusions. Some utilizers pointed out that the full context behind the situation wasn’t clear.
“What was the event? Was the role tied to it? There’s a lot we don’t know.”
Others raised concerns about hiring decisions and long-term team stability.
“Frequent firings can hurt momentum. It often states more about hiring than performance.”
The incident has once again put startup work culture in India under scrutiny, especially around expectations of availability, accountability, and work-life balance.
While some founders argue that early-stage startups demand flexibility and urgency, critics state that shouldn’t come at the cost of basic respect and fair workplace practices.
This viral episode reflects a hugeger conversation: what should modern work culture really see like?
Disclaimer: This story is based on content and reactions circulating on social media. Viewer discretion is advised.
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