Deepinder Goyal, the CEO of Zomato, has stirred a heated debate online with his unconventional job posting for the role of Chief of Staff. In a bold move, Goyal announced that the selected candidate would not receive a salary for the first year. Instead, they would need to pay ₹20 lakh for the opportunity, a sum that would be donated entirely to Zomato’s non-profit arm, Feeding India.

The Job Posting

Sharing the details on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Goyal outlined the qualities he seeks in the candidate:

• Hunger for success
• Common sense and empathy
• A lack of prior conditioning or baggage
• Groundedness and a zero-entitlement mindset
• Excellent communication skills
• A learning-oriented approach

The post emphasized that the role requires someone willing to “do the right thing, even at the cost of displeasing others.”

Compensation Structure

For the second year, the company promises a competitive salary exceeding ₹50 lakh, but this will only be offered after the completion of the unpaid first year. This structure is designed to attract candidates who are genuinely committed to personal and professional growth rather than those motivated solely by financial incentives.

Divided Reactions Online

The unconventional terms have sparked a mixed reaction online. While some have criticized the move for its apparent exclusivity, others have praised Goyal’s approach to identifying truly dedicated talent.

Criticism

Several users slammed the job posting for its apparent elitism, arguing that the ₹20 lakh fee would restrict the opportunity to wealthier candidates. Comments included:

• “As if exploiting gig workers wasn’t enough, now they target the middle class. This is ridiculous.”
• “This creates an artificial barrier, limiting the role to rich candidates with privilege.”
• “Hire me as your PR manager; I’d save you from such tweets,” joked one user.

Critics argue that such a financial requirement alienates talented individuals who may not have the means to afford this upfront cost, thereby narrowing the pool of potential applicants.

Praise

Conversely, some viewed the posting as a strategic move to find highly motivated and financially independent individuals. Supportive comments included:

• “This is a masterstroke to filter talent. It’s not just about the money but about finding someone who understands risk and has skin in the game.”
• “By linking the fee to charity, it adds a touch of purpose and filters for those who align with Zomato’s values.”

Proponents argue that this unique approach could attract candidates who are genuinely passionate about making an impact and are willing to invest in their future.

The Vision Behind the Role

Goyal defended his decision by explaining that the ₹20 lakh contribution would directly support Feeding India, aligning with Zomato’s mission to give back to society. The role is intended for someone passionate about learning and willing to invest in both their professional development and social causes.

“We believe that people who apply for this role should do it for the learning opportunity it presents, rather than for a fancy well-paying job,” Goyal stated.

A New Hiring Trend or Misstep?

The announcement has undoubtedly sparked conversation about innovative hiring practices and their potential pitfalls. Whether this approach becomes a precedent in corporate hiring or fades as a one-off remains to be seen.

Implications for Future Hiring Practices

This job offer raises important questions about accessibility in high-level positions within companies. As organizations look for unique ways to attract talent, they must balance innovative approaches with inclusivity to ensure they do not inadvertently exclude capable candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Conclusion

For now, the spotlight is firmly on Zomato—and on the candidate who accepts this bold challenge. As discussions continue around Goyal’s unconventional job offer, it remains to be seen how this will impact Zomato’s hiring practices and whether other companies will follow suit with similar approaches. The outcome may redefine how organizations perceive talent acquisition in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Baanhem Ventures, the creators of the business reality TV show Startup Thamizha, has successfully raised ₹3.3 crore in funding from Kumar Vembu, founder of GoFrugal Technologies, through his newly launched investment firm, Mudhal Partners. This funding marks a significant milestone in Baanhem Ventures’ mission to empower first-generation entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu.

Championing Tamil Nadu’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Founded in 2024 by Hemachandran L and Balachandar R, Baanhem Ventures aims to create opportunities for Tamil Nadu’s budding entrepreneurs to become the next generation of innovators and job creators. With backing from Kumar Vembu, the venture seeks to drive social and economic growth through strategic financial and mentorship initiatives.

The company’s flagship show, Startup Thamizha, has already facilitated over ₹200 crore in investment commitments for startups across three seasons. The program showcases seed and growth-stage entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu, aiming to inspire high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) to invest in local startups while nurturing an entrepreneurial culture in the state.

Building a Bridge for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

“Financial support is critical for first-generation entrepreneurs to start businesses and make an impact. Our mission at Baanhem is to be a dependable resource for these entrepreneurs, helping them transform their ideas into successful businesses,” said Hemachandran L and Balachandar R, Co-founders of Baanhem Ventures. Their commitment underscores the importance of accessible funding and mentorship in fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem.

Through Startup Thamizha, Baanhem Ventures offers entrepreneurs mentorship and funding opportunities, contributing significantly to Tamil Nadu’s economic growth. The show is set to air on a prominent general entertainment channel, highlighting innovative startups and encouraging aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams.

The Role of Mudhal Partners

Kumar Vembu, through Mudhal Partners, is dedicated to fostering first-generation entrepreneurs from Tamil Nadu. “I was impressed by Baanhem’s vision to develop native entrepreneurs using a scientific approach to produce successful startups. This is why I became the first to join this novel initiative,” Vembu stated.

The name “Mudhal Partners,” meaning “First Partners” in Tamil, reflects the firm’s vision to be the initial supporters of groundbreaking entrepreneurial ventures in Tamil Nadu.

Expanding the Vision

In addition to the funding, Baanhem Ventures is actively raising funds from venture capital firms to create a startup-investment bridge platform. This platform will connect emerging startups with top investors across India, providing access to crucial resources for scaling their businesses.

With this latest funding and the launch of Startup Thamizha, Baanhem Ventures is set to play a pivotal role in shaping Tamil Nadu’s entrepreneurial future, driving innovation, and fostering economic growth.

Conclusion

The successful funding round led by Kumar Vembu’s Mudhal Partners signifies a promising step for Baanhem Ventures as it embarks on its mission to empower first-generation entrepreneurs in Tamil Nadu. By leveraging strategic partnerships and innovative platforms like Startup Thamizha, Baanhem Ventures aims not only to enhance local entrepreneurship but also contribute significantly to the broader economic landscape of the region. As they continue to nurture talent and facilitate investment opportunities, Baanhem Ventures is poised to make a lasting impact on Tamil Nadu’s startup ecosystem.

Online travel giant MakeMyTrip has announced its acquisition of Happay, an expense management platform, from Fintech Company CRED. This strategic move aims to solidify MakeMyTrip’s position as a leader in corporate travel and expense management.

Details of the Acquisition

The acquisition encompasses Happay’s brand, its expense management business, and its dedicated team, which will transition to MakeMyTrip. However, Happay’s payments business and its team will remain with CRED, allowing CRED to concentrate on innovative business payment solutions. The deal is expected to close within 90 days and will enable MakeMyTrip to integrate Happay’s expertise into its corporate travel offerings.

Expanding Corporate Travel Offerings

Founded in 2012 by Anshul Rai and Varun Rathi, Happay specializes in streamlining corporate expense management, covering reimbursements and spending tracking for businesses. The platform supports over 900 corporate clients, making it a valuable addition to MakeMyTrip’s portfolio. Happay previously joined the CRED ecosystem in 2021 through a $180 million acquisition.

Rajesh Magow, Co-founder and Group CEO of MakeMyTrip, emphasized the synergy created by this acquisition:

“We have consistently outpaced industry growth in the corporate travel sector by focusing on innovation and seamless user experience. The acquisition of Happay is a natural next step in redefining corporate travel and expense management benchmarks in India.”

Benefits for CRED

CRED founder Kunal Shah highlighted the strategic benefits of the transaction, stating:

“Our focus at CRED is on developing products that enable financial progress. By enabling each vertical to scale within their domains, we’re positioning teams for transformative growth.”

Happay’s payments division under CRED will continue its mission to enhance the B2B payments experience, including recently launched solutions like the B2B payments platform on Bharat Connect, developed in partnership with NPCI.

MakeMyTrip’s Growing Footprint

MakeMyTrip operates multiple brands like Goibibo and RedBus, providing a comprehensive range of services including air ticketing, hotel bookings, and holiday packages. The company reported significant financial growth with a 24% year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching $211 million in Q2 of this fiscal year.

The acquisition complements MakeMyTrip’s existing corporate travel platforms—MyBiz, which caters to small and medium-sized businesses, and Quest2Travel, designed for larger enterprises—serving over 59,000 SMBs and more than 450 large corporates, respectively.

By integrating Happay’s capabilities into its operations, MakeMyTrip is poised to become a comprehensive solution for businesses seeking efficient corporate travel and expense management.

Conclusion

This acquisition not only strengthens MakeMyTrip’s offerings in the corporate travel sector but also reflects its commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions. As the corporate travel landscape evolves towards self-service platforms that ensure compliance and transparency, MakeMyTrip’s strategic move positions it well to meet the growing demands of businesses looking for streamlined travel and expense management solutions. With Happay’s integration, MakeMyTrip is set to redefine industry standards while expanding its reach across various enterprise segments.