Group 1 - The "996" work schedule, which entails working six days a week from 9 AM to 9 PM, is becoming a standard requirement in AI startups, particularly in the U.S. and Europe, as competition intensifies in the industry [1][2][3] - The number of U.S. startups mandating a "996" work schedule has reportedly doubled in the past year, with a significant concentration in AI and enterprise software sectors [2] - This shift contrasts sharply with the work culture discussions during the early COVID-19 pandemic, which focused on combating burnout and promoting work-life balance [2] Group 2 - Rilla, an AI startup, has achieved rapid growth, reaching $40 million in revenue within three and a half years, with a net revenue retention rate exceeding 170% [4][5] - Rilla's team works an average of over 70 hours per week, with no fixed end time for the workday, emphasizing a culture of high intensity and rapid feedback loops [5][6] - The company actively seeks employees who are willing to embrace this demanding work culture, explicitly stating the expectations in job postings [6][7] Group 3 - Many startups are adopting the "996" model as a means to filter candidates who are genuinely committed to success, believing that short-term intense effort can lead to exponential growth [7] - Some founders, like Amrita Bhasin of Sotira, acknowledge the necessity of high intensity in the early years of a startup but do not impose the same expectations on their teams [7][8] - Fella & Delilah is experimenting with a tiered approach, offering significant compensation increases for employees who opt into a "996" work schedule [8][9] Group 4 - The debate around the "996" work culture has intensified, with some investors suggesting that even more extreme work hours may be necessary for significant success [14] - There is a notable cultural divide, with American employees showing more acceptance of "996" compared to their European counterparts, who often resist such demands [14][18] - Critics argue that the push for longer hours can lead to burnout and high turnover rates, as seen in companies like Revolut, which faced challenges partly due to its intense work culture [16][18]