Sridhar Arunagiri, the founder of Bengaluru-based asset management firm 16VC, is facing severe backlash after posting unpaid job listings on LinkedIn. His post, which advertised roles for product managers, software engineers, UX developers, and growth marketers, made it clear that new hires wouldn't be paid until they “matched the checklist.” Even after proving their worth, employees would have to work unpaid for the first month.

Sridhar's justification? He claimed the roles were “high-speed, high-impact opportunities” and emphasized that this wasn't a 9-to-5 job. However, critics across LinkedIn, X, and Reddit blasted his post as "labour exploitation wrapped in motivational trash." Some even questioned the legitimacy of 16VC itself, as Google searches reveal multiple accusations of fraudulent job offers.

With debates around workplace ethics and fair pay gaining traction, Sridhar's post has only fueled outrage across social media.