A major controversy has hit Giga, a fast-growing AI startup founded by Indian-American entrepreneurs Varun Vummadi and Esha Manideep, both alumni of IIT Kharagpur. Just days after the company announced it had raised $61 million in Series A funding, a former hire has accused the firm of fostering an intense and unhealthy work environment.
The allegations surfaced on social media when Jared Steele, a marketing professional and current Chief of Staff at Opal Dex, shared his experience of quitting Giga after just one day on the job.
Giga’s Rise in the AI Sector
Founded in 2023, Giga builds voice-based AI agents for enterprise clients. The company quickly gained attention for its innovative products and rapid funding success, culminating in its latest $61 million Series A round.
The co-founders, celebrated as part of a new wave of Indian-origin AI leaders in Silicon Valley, found themselves in the spotlight — but for unexpected reasons.
Allegations of Misrepresentation and Overwork
In a detailed thread on X (formerly Twitter), Steele claimed that upon joining Giga in 2025 as Head of Demand Generation, he encountered “red flags everywhere.”
He alleged several discrepancies between what was promised during hiring and what he discovered on his first day — including differences in compensation, job title, and revenue figures shown on internal dashboards.
Steele further alleged that employees were expected to work 12-hour days, seven days a week, with limited paid time off. According to him, even pre-approved leaves were later revoked, reflecting what he described as a “work-at-all-times” culture.
‘Snubbed by the Founder on Day One’
Steele said he relocated across the United States from Austin to San Francisco within three days to join the company, only to face an unwelcoming experience.
“First day of work, I got in early. The founder walks in my direction, I stand up and extend my hand for a handshake. He snubs me — not even an acknowledgement,” he wrote.
“I moved my entire life, drove 26 hours across the country, and not even a ‘welcome to the team’ or hello.”
He said quitting after one day was “the easiest decision” of his career.
Controversial Remarks and Company Culture
Among Steele’s claims were disturbing comments allegedly made by senior executives, including talk of lavish spending plans and inappropriate jokes. These remarks, he said, added to his discomfort and solidified his decision to leave.
The company has not yet issued an official response.
About Giga
Giga operates in the competitive AI voice automation space, creating conversational agents for corporate clients. Despite its funding success and cutting-edge products, the startup now faces scrutiny over its internal culture and leadership practices.
Industry observers note that such incidents highlight the growing tension between startup ambition and employee well-being in high-pressure tech environments.
