Gurgaon startup job firing: Founder says 'take today as your last day' minutes after employee asks to skip event. Internet divided

A Gurgaon-based startup founder has set off a heated online debate after sharing a blunt message firing an employee, reigniting conversations around startup work culture in India. Nikhil Rana, founder of The 15, took to LinkedIn to defend what he called a “no-notice period policy”, describing traditional notice periods as “theatre” and “a waste of time”.

The controversy began when Rana shared a screenshot of a chat with an employee who said they couldn’t attend an event but offered to help remotely.

Read more: Bryan Johnson does this '10-count' exercise for blood sugar control & weight loss




“Hey Nikhil, I won’t be able to make it for the event today… Let me know if there’s anything I can support with remotely.”

Within minutes, Rana replied: “You’re fired. Take today as the last day.”

The post quickly gained traction, with many calling out the tone and questioning whether such actions reflect a growing trend in toxic startup culture.

Founder’s Take: ‘Startups Need People Who Make It Happen’

In his post, Rana argued that startups require individuals with “high agency”, people who take ownership and deliver, regardless of circumstances.

“Startups need people who founders can depend upon… People who can ‘make it happen’.”

He went a step further, claiming that traditional skills are no longer the key differentiator.

“Nobody gives a dime for skills. They’re commoditised.”

His comments struck a nerve, especially among professionals who see skills and expertise as fundamental to any role.

Also read | Startup founder shares scary AI promotional message, sparks debate over the casual approach

Social Media Backlash: ‘This Is Glorified Toxicity’

The reaction online was swift and, in many cases, critical. Several users accused the founder of promoting unrealistic expectations and unhealthy work environments.

One user wrote: “Why bother building expertise when you’re expected to be on-call 24/7? That’s not dedication, that’s burnout waiting to happen.”

Another highlighted what they saw as a double standard: “Accountability seems to be one-way traffic here. Employees get judged, founders get justified.”

Some went even further, labelling the incident outright: “This isn’t high-agency leadership, it’s just glorified toxicity… Strong teams are built on trust, not fear.”

Not Everyone Disagrees: ‘There’s Context Missing’

Amid the criticism, a few voices urged caution before jumping to conclusions. Some users pointed out that the full context behind the situation wasn’t clear.

“What was the event? Was the role tied to it? There’s a lot we don’t know.”

Others raised concerns about hiring decisions and long-term team stability.

“Frequent firings can hurt momentum. It often says more about hiring than performance.”

The incident has once again put startup work culture in India under scrutiny, especially around expectations of availability, accountability, and work-life balance.

While some founders argue that early-stage startups demand flexibility and urgency, critics say that shouldn’t come at the cost of basic respect and fair workplace practices.

This viral episode reflects a bigger conversation: what should modern work culture really look like?

Disclaimer: This story is based on content and reactions circulating on social media. Viewer discretion is advised.