Daksh Gupta, a 23-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur in San Francisco, has become the latest face of Silicon Valley’s grind culture after openly promoting a “9-9-6” work schedule—working from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week. His stance has gone viral, sparking both admiration and criticism over the sustainability of such intense routines.
The Startup Journey
Gupta co-founded Greptile, an AI startup that helps developers analyze and review code. His entrepreneurial path began at Georgia Tech in 2022, where he and co-founders Soohoon Choi and Vaishant Kameswaran experimented with early projects. Their first big break came when billionaire Christopher Klaus invested $100,000 in their idea.
By 2023, the team pivoted toward building AI tools for engineers, rebranding as Greptile. The company has since raised $5.3 million in seed funding and operates from San Francisco’s iconic Transamerica Pyramid. Gupta, despite being CEO, says he pays himself the least to maximize runway and demonstrate personal sacrifice.
The 9-9-6 Philosophy
Gupta describes his team’s culture as strict discipline: “No drinking, no drugs, 9-9-6, lift heavy, run far, marry early, track sleep, eat steak and eggs.” The philosophy, he argues, compresses learning and accelerates growth during the fragile early stages of a startup.
The idea, borrowed from China’s “996 work culture,” emphasizes speed, iteration, and focus. Gupta frames it not as exploitation but as transparency—setting expectations upfront for those joining the company.
The Debate Around Grind Culture
Critics argue that while a 9-9-6 regimen may drive short-term results, it risks burnout, poor health, and strained relationships if sustained long-term. Experts say the approach can work as a temporary sprint but becomes counterproductive without a defined end point.
For Gupta and a growing section of San Francisco’s young founder community, the lifestyle is about discipline and structure. For others, it raises concerns about inclusivity, sustainability, and work-life balance.
Image Source: Google | Image Credit: Respective Owner
