Indian-Origin CEO Says Burning Man No Longer Fits Young AI Workers’ Strict Tech Culture

Daksh Gupta, an Indian origin CEO, recently ignited a controversy when he claimed that Burning Man was no longer part of the culture of young technologists today, and in artificial intelligence (AI) in particular. His 9-9-6 approach has gone viral on social media, attracting mixed comments as employees and company owners see it from their shoes. Burning Man, initially a symbol of radical creativity and tech counterculture, is regarded by many younger AI workers today as out of sync with their strict professional and personal routines.

 

Who is Daksh Gupta? What Did He Say?

Indian-origin CEO of AI startup Greptile, Daksh Gupta, said that since he relocated to San Francisco in 2023, Burning Man has not fit into the existing tech culture. He characterised the culture of young technologists and AI employees as extremely disciplined and concentrated: no alcohol, no drugs, 9-9-6 [9am to 9pm, 6 days a week], bench press, run long distances, get married, monitor sleep, eat steak and eggs. This intense work ethic is the opposite to the original atmosphere at Burning Man of partying and freedom of self-expression.

 

Why is the 9-9-6 Approach Going Viral? 

The 9-9-6 approach by Daksh Gupta has become viral due to its sharp contrast of current discussion of work-life balance and loosened workplace culture in most sectors. The fact that his AI startup anticipates its staff members to work 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., 6 days per week, no drinking or drugs, has elicited heated discussion on social media. The openness with which Gupta discusses the culture of his company that values high stress, no-tolerance to bad work, and long working hours, throws light on the ugly truth about some start-ups in their struggle to survive.

 

The hard demands are shocking to many as the culture is called toxic or contemporary slavery. There are others who admire the honesty of Gupta and respect the fact that he wants to be forthright with job seekers regarding what working at Greptile would mean. This excessive work ethic will attract a small segment of young professionals who work best when under pressure, and are prepared to commit themselves to the growth of their startup.

 

Gupta clarified that this rigid work routine is a short lived grind in the hardest period of the startup which is like reaching escape velocity in order to grow a business. Although he is being threatened with death and there is an online backlash to the issue, he also stated the overwhelming number of job applications that came in as interested people are attracted by this straightforward no-nonsense working atmosphere.

 

Gupta’s 9-9-6 approach is viral because it mirrors the prevailing tensions in tech culture between the desire to innovate quickly and the reality that the well-being of employees must not be overlooked. It poses significant questions regarding the future of work within high-growth AI firms and whether this high-demand practise could be sustained without burnout. The logic of Gupta represents a change in cultural values and ultimately in the culture of Silicon Valley and beyond.

 

Why Did Daksh Gupta Call Out Burning Man?

Since 1990, Burning Man has been an annual gathering in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada, where tech innovators, artists and entrepreneurs have converged to relax, experiment and innovate. The festival shaped big tech over the years, including Tesla SolarCity and Google culture. However, nowadays, as an increased number of young tech employees have adjusted to a much more routine work-fitness-wellness regimen, the number of Burning Man attendees among this cohort has been decreasing.

 

According to industry insiders and venture capitalists, most young founders and investors are forgoing Burning Man to work long hours and compete in competitive markets. Others also mentioned the extreme prices of attending and that no longer does the original essence of the festival hit home with them.

 

However, to the rest of the world, Burning Man continues to be a representation of creativity and experimentation that is embracing new technology such as artificial intelligence-powered art installations and green energy initiatives. However, the intergenerational digital divide between longtime Silicon Valley workers and young AI workers shows that tech lifestyles are changing fast.

 

This viral controversial approach of 9-9-6 emphasises the evolving nature of tech culture in 2025 and that even a legendary event such as Burning Man will have to evolve to fit the new generation’s values and priorities.