Indian-American Giga CEO Allegedly Ignored New Hire Leading to First Day Resignation Hindustan Times
Giga, an AI startup founded by Indian-Americans Varun Vummadi and Esha Manideep, has recently made headlines after raising $61 million in Series A funding. Established in 2023, Giga specializes in creating voice-based AI agents for various companies.
Allegations Arise from Former Employee
However, alongside the funding news, allegations have emerged from Jared Steele, a former employee who was hired as the chief of staff for demand generation. Steele’s experience at Giga took a turn on his first day, leading to immediate resignation.
Steele expressed concerns about the discrepancies he observed upon joining Giga in 2025. He claimed that promised compensation and title were not reflected in reality. Additionally, he noted significant differences in reported revenue displayed on company dashboards compared to what he was led to believe.
Serious Concerns and Claims
- Steele alleged that executives at Giga hinted at spending on questionable activities once they reached a $10 million annual recurring revenue (ARR).
- He also reported unsettling remarks about animal sacrifices made in India.
- Work expectations were alarming, with demands for 12-hour days, seven days a week, without guarantee of paid time off.
These claims raise serious questions about the corporate culture at Giga and its treatment of employees.
Experience on First Day
Jared Steele described his first day as particularly disappointing. After moving from Austin to San Francisco on a tight schedule, he arrived early to the office, only to be “snubbed” by Varun Vummadi when he extended his hand for a handshake.
He recalled, “I just moved my entire life…and not even a ‘welcome to the team’ or a hello.” This encounter contributed to his decision to resign after just one day at the company, which he stated was the easiest choice he ever made.
Giga’s Response Pending
As of now, Giga and its co-founder Varun Vummadi have not publicly addressed these allegations. The situation has left many questions unanswered, and updates are expected as more information becomes available.
