AI startup CEO reveals co-founder’s ‘no water…straight to work’ routine; internet says ‘new way of praising toxic culture’ – Times of India

A LinkedIn post of Vaani Research Labs CEO – Tushar S sharing the crazy routine of his co-founder Abhinash has once again sparked a debate around hustle work culture. Introducing the co-founder in the post, Tushar writes that Abhinash codes until 2AM in the morning and wakes up at 8am. The post adds “His bed is 3 feet away from his computer systems, and he jumps straight to the screen as soon as he wakes up.”
Vaani, the duo’s AI startup develops human-like Voice AI systems.The post has gone viral with social media users criticising it for promoting toxic work culture.

Users slam Vaani CEO’s post

The post faced backlash from LinkedIn users. Commenting on the post, one user said “This kind of grinding is a “☠️toxic work culture☠️” and I don’t see any point in praising it in public. I totally understand how hard it is to bootstrap a startup but at the same time it’s important to focus on a sustainable and organic growth rather than grinding to slow death.”
Another user replied “This is the new way of praising toxic culture. A good rested mind and body can do wonders, as a co founder you should try to reduce the workload on him even if he wants to do it! think in long term!”. A third user said “that’s always the case for early stage startups. The mistake is to assume taking care of ourselves is a waste of time. The reality is that will make you and your team more productive.”.
“Someday you guys will understand, we have our whole lives to build companies, but a small window of opportunities to build a strong physique. Testosterone peaks at 30, post that it’s all ageing and an uphill battle. I meet many dollar millionaires everyday who regret their hustles done too early missing out on their youth,” commented a fourth.

Here’s what he wrote in the viral post

This is Abhinash.
My cofounder. His bed is 3 feet away from his computer systems, and he jumps straight to the screen as soon as he wakes up. No water, no morning routine — straight to work to build AI infrastructure for our homegrown start-up Vaani Research Labs. It’s been almost 7 months of coding until 2 AM, waking up at 8 AM, and diving right back into research papers and code.
I am aware that the priorities might be a little off and neither glorifying the hustle, but he’s willing to push the boundaries because we know what’s at stake.
Building a start-up is tough.
Building a start-up without any resources or funding is tougher.
Building a start-up by quitting a high-paying (and I mean CRAZY high-paying) job with no external backing? That’s next-level.
I’ve seen Abhinash do all of this.. quietly, tirelessly, and with that messy hair we all love. He’s the real engine behind Vaani. While most people talk about the hustle, my cofounder lives it. He’s proof that passion, grit, and a bit of madness are what it takes to build something groundbreaking.
Here’s to all the co-founders who are the silent warriors behind every great idea. Entrepreneurs, investors, hustlers—you know the grind. This is what it looks like in real life.
EDIT: Most of you have showed a concern about our health and work-life balance. We’re overwhelmed and grateful to see the responses. Of course, nobody wants to grind day-in day-out for months; but sometimes you just have no choice and no resources. Thus as I posted previously, to be a little more resourceful, we’re currently raising our Angel round. If any Angel wants to join the pool, please ping me at ‘tushar@vaaniresearch.com’ for the round details. Thank you!