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.

PeLocal, a fintech startup specializing in payment solutions via messaging platforms like WhatsApp, has successfully raised $2 million in a funding round led by Unicorn India Ventures. This marks the company’s first institutional funding and represents a significant step in its growth trajectory.

Scaling Transactions and Expanding Offerings

Over the past year, PeLocal has experienced impressive growth, scaling its monthly transaction volume from 500,000 to three million. The Chennai-registered startup now aims to hit 10 million transactions per month within the next year. As part of its expansion strategy, PeLocal plans to develop a marketing catalog and a dedicated payments platform tailored for small businesses on WhatsApp.

“This is our maiden institutional funding, and the deep expertise and strategic insights of Unicorn’s leadership will be invaluable as we continue to build on our growth momentum,” said Vivekanand Tripathi, Founder of PeLocal.

Simplifying Digital Payments for Everyday Transactions

Since its inception in 2021, PeLocal has focused on leveraging WhatsApp to streamline payments, serving notable clients such as Delhi Metro, Indraprastha Gas, and Mahanagar Gas. The platform is also utilized by several insurance companies for premium collection, reinforcing its adaptability across various industries.

Unique Value Proposition

Anil Joshi, Managing Partner at Unicorn India Ventures, highlighted the startup’s unique value proposition:

“While digital payment solutions are growing, there remains a demand for simple and seamless solutions for micro payments. PeLocal is addressing this gap by enabling instant payments through WhatsApp.”

This focus on micro payments positions PeLocal to cater to a growing segment of users seeking convenient payment methods integrated into their daily communication tools.

Previous Funding and Vision for Growth

PeLocal had previously raised $1 million in a seed round in 2022, according to Tracxn data. With the latest funding, the company is poised to scale its operations and enhance its offerings, solidifying its position in India’s burgeoning digital payments ecosystem.

The latest investment not only validates PeLocal’s innovative approach but also underscores the growing importance of integrating payment solutions with popular messaging platforms to reach a broader audience.

Future Plans

PeLocal aims to become the leading provider of WhatsApp-based ticketing solutions across various Indian states and organizations while driving the adoption of utility payments through WhatsApp. The company envisions expanding its services beyond traditional payment solutions to include features that enhance customer engagement and streamline business operations.

Key Features of PeLocal’s Services

• Seamless Integration with WhatsApp: Users can send payment links, invoices, and transaction updates directly through WhatsApp.

• Automated Customer Support: The platform offers automated responses and intelligent self-service options, reducing manual efforts.

• Enhanced Payment Security: PeLocal ensures robust security measures for transactions carried out via WhatsApp.

• Convenient Payment Options: Customers can complete payments with just a few taps on their WhatsApp interface.

Conclusion

With this recent funding round, PeLocal is well-positioned to enhance its market presence and capitalize on the growing demand for digital payment solutions integrated with messaging platforms. By simplifying the payment process for both consumers and businesses, PeLocal aims to redefine how transactions are conducted in India’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape. The support from Unicorn India Ventures will be crucial as the company seeks to expand its offerings and reach new heights in the digital payments space.