Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Ex-Employee Alleges Toxic Work Culture at AI Startup Founded by IIT Kharagpur Alumni
Imagine a new computer company that makes smart talking robots for other businesses.
A person named Jared used to work there.
He said that when he joined, the company promised him one thing, but it was different when he got there.
He claimed people had to work very, very long hours, even on weekends, which felt unfair.
He also said it was hard to take time off, like going to weddings, even though they said it was okay at first.
Jared felt like the company wasn't being honest about things and that the way they treated people wasn't nice.
Because of these problems, he decided to leave after only one day.
The company recently got a lot of money to grow, and these claims have come out soon after.
An ex-employee has accused Giga, an AI startup founded by IIT Kharagpur alumni, of a toxic work culture.
The former employee, Jared Steele, claims he was required to work 12-hour shifts, seven days a week.
Steele resigned after one day, citing false compensation promises, management red flags, and restrictive leave policies.
The allegations surfaced shortly after Giga raised $61 million in Series A funding.
Steele also reported alleged statements from the company about spending money on 'illegal stuff' and making controversial comments.
- Who
- Jared Steele, a former employee, and Giga, an AI startup founded by IIT Kharagpur alumni.
- What
- Accusations of a toxic work culture, including demands for 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, false compensation promises, restrictive leave policies, and alleged unethical/illegal statements.
- When
- Jared Steele resigned after one day of employment, following Giga's recent $61 million Series A funding round in early November.
- Where
- San Francisco-based AI startup Giga.
- Why
- Steele resigned due to alleged discrepancies between promises and reality, including compensation, job title, company revenue, and management practices, specifically noting long working hours and a restrictive leave policy.
- Company Name
- Giga
- Founders
- Varun Vummadi and Esha Manideep
- Founded
- 2023
- Headquarters
- San Francisco
- Specialization
- Voice-based AI agents for companies
- Recent Funding
- $61 million Series A
- Accuser
- Jared Steele (Former employee)