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Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha Reflects on Work-Life Balance and Startup Challenges
Praveen Agrawal | TIL Creatives | Apr 22, 2025, 12:10 IST
Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
Aadit Palicha of Zepto now regrets his earlier comment on work-life balance. He calls it a mistake. Palicha also spoke about Zepto's near failure during the funding crunch. He highlighted wrong hires as a major cause. Palicha urges Indian startups to aim for bigger goals. He believes Indian talent is often underestimated.
Aadit Palicha, CEO of Zepto, has publicly walked back a previous comment regarding work-life balance, acknowledging it as a mistake. This comes after a period of intense growth for Zepto, coupled with challenges in the quick-commerce space and a near-collapse during a funding crunch. Palicha's recent statements offer insights into Zepto's culture, its near-death experience, and his broader vision for Indian startups.
Palicha addressed his earlier remark, posted on X, during a podcast with Y Combinator President Garry Tan.
“It was a stupid idea.”
The original comment, which stated, “Nothing against work-life balance. In fact, I recommend it to all our competitors,” sparked controversy and accusations of promoting a toxic work environment.
Palicha then clarified Zepto's work culture, describing it as demanding but rewarding for those seeking high achievement.
He emphasised the company's focus on execution and problem-solving. “This is the place that is going to get that out of you because it is a very execution-focused culture. Everyone is deep into the game, solving real problems every day.”
Palicha acknowledged that Zepto's intense environment isn't suitable for everyone.
He also spoke candidly about the challenges Zepto faced during the funding downturn of 2022 and 2023. The company struggled with reduced venture capital and the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, which froze crucial funds.
“The biggest mistakes I made were wrong hires,” he said.
Palicha elaborated on the severity of the situation. “We almost died. Those mistakes were very costly, especially during that 2022–2023 period when it was existential for us.”
Despite these difficulties, Zepto managed to navigate the crisis, emerging stronger and more focused.
Beyond Zepto's specific situation, Palicha shared his broader aspirations for the Indian startup ecosystem. He urged Indian entrepreneurs to set more ambitious goals.
“There’s a deep underestimation of what Indian founders can achieve,” he said.
He believes Indian startups should strive for global impact. “We should not be building for small exits or small impact. We need to create companies that define global categories.”
Palicha highlighted India's advantage in attracting talent.
![Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha]()
“Hiring incredibly talented people is still easier here than in places like San Francisco,” he said, noting the increasing presence of international companies in Bengaluru.
Despite Zepto's significant progress, Palicha believes the company is still in its early stages.
“We’ve got a couple of decades before we can realistically say we’ve won,” he said. “This is a long game, and we’re just getting started.”
Palicha's recent comments reflect a shift towards greater introspection and a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing startups. This recalibration may signal a new phase in Zepto's journey and a more mature perspective within the Indian startup landscape.
Palicha addressed his earlier remark, posted on X, during a podcast with Y Combinator President Garry Tan.
“It was a stupid idea.”
The original comment, which stated, “Nothing against work-life balance. In fact, I recommend it to all our competitors,” sparked controversy and accusations of promoting a toxic work environment.
Palicha then clarified Zepto's work culture, describing it as demanding but rewarding for those seeking high achievement.
“Join Zepto if you’re really looking to do the best work of your life,”
By: He said
He emphasised the company's focus on execution and problem-solving. “This is the place that is going to get that out of you because it is a very execution-focused culture. Everyone is deep into the game, solving real problems every day.”
Palicha acknowledged that Zepto's intense environment isn't suitable for everyone.
“You’re accountable for real problem statements every day... That sort of mindset and thought process... it is for the super ambitious and the super capable that really want to get the best out of themselves,”
By: He further added
He also spoke candidly about the challenges Zepto faced during the funding downturn of 2022 and 2023. The company struggled with reduced venture capital and the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, which froze crucial funds.
“The biggest mistakes I made were wrong hires,” he said.
Palicha elaborated on the severity of the situation. “We almost died. Those mistakes were very costly, especially during that 2022–2023 period when it was existential for us.”
Despite these difficulties, Zepto managed to navigate the crisis, emerging stronger and more focused.
Beyond Zepto's specific situation, Palicha shared his broader aspirations for the Indian startup ecosystem. He urged Indian entrepreneurs to set more ambitious goals.
“There’s a deep underestimation of what Indian founders can achieve,” he said.
He believes Indian startups should strive for global impact. “We should not be building for small exits or small impact. We need to create companies that define global categories.”
Palicha highlighted India's advantage in attracting talent.
Zepto CEO Aadit Palicha
( Image credit : TIL Creatives )
“Hiring incredibly talented people is still easier here than in places like San Francisco,” he said, noting the increasing presence of international companies in Bengaluru.
Despite Zepto's significant progress, Palicha believes the company is still in its early stages.
“We’ve got a couple of decades before we can realistically say we’ve won,” he said. “This is a long game, and we’re just getting started.”
Palicha's recent comments reflect a shift towards greater introspection and a more nuanced understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing startups. This recalibration may signal a new phase in Zepto's journey and a more mature perspective within the Indian startup landscape.