Archive · 13 Nov 2025
IIT Alumni AI Startup Giga Faces Allegations of Toxic Workplace
An AI company called Giga, started by graduates from a famous Indian school, is in trouble.
A person who worked there for just one day said the company had a really bad work environment.
They claimed the company wanted people to work 12 hours every day, even on weekends.
The person also said that what the company told them about their job and how much money the company made wasn't true.
They even mentioned hearing things about doing illegal stuff and jokes that were not funny.
The person felt unwelcome on their first day, and even plans for holidays were changed.
The company has not yet responded to these claims.
AI startup Giga, founded by IIT alumni, is accused of fostering a toxic work environment.
A former employee, Jared Steele, quit after only one day, citing extreme work hours (12 hours/day, 7 days/week).
Allegations include discrepancies in compensation, job title, and company revenue figures presented during recruitment.
Disturbing remarks, including jokes about illegal activities and a founder allegedly snubbing a new employee, were reported.
The controversy emerged shortly after Giga secured $61 million in Series A funding; the company has not yet responded.
- Who
- AI startup Giga, founded by IIT alumni, and former employee Jared Steele.
- What
- Giga is facing allegations of a toxic workplace culture, including extreme working hours, misleading recruitment promises, and questionable management behavior.
- When
- Allegations surfaced on November 6, 2025, shortly after the company announced a $61 million Series A funding round.
- Where
- San Francisco-based AI startup Giga.
- Why
- A former employee quit after one day, citing a toxic work environment and discrepancies between recruitment promises and actual conditions.
Allegations by Former Employee
Company Stance
Work Hours
Allegations by Former Employee
The company allegedly demanded 12-hour shifts, seven days a week.
Company Stance
The company has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
Recruitment Promises
Allegations by Former Employee
There were discrepancies in compensation, job title, and reported company revenue figures.
Company Stance
The company has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
Management Behavior
Allegations by Former Employee
Allegations include an executive joking about illegal activities and a founder snubbing a new employee.
Company Stance
The company has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
Leave Policy
Allegations by Former Employee
Approved leave for weddings was revoked after contract signing, forcing the employee to choose one.
Company Stance
The company has not yet publicly responded to the allegations.
- Company Name
- Giga
- Founders
- IIT Kharagpur alumni Varun Vummadi and Esha Manideep
- Location
- San Francisco
- Industry
- AI startup (voice-based AI agents for enterprises)
- Founded
- 2023
- Recent Funding
- $61 million Series A, led by Redpoint Ventures
- Allegations Originator
- Jared Steele (former employee)
- Date of Allegations
- November 6, 2025
