‘Paying Rs 72 LPA For A Subpar Team Lead ...': Tech CEO Complains While Inviting Applications For Post

Aditya Siripragada, co-founder and CEO of US-based tech startup Fountane Inc., recently shared his dissatisfaction with one of his team leads, drawing a hefty salary of Rs 72 lakh per annum (LPA).

Siripragada took to the social media platform X and invited applications for the same role.

"Paying Rs 55 lakh for a team lead on a critical project — performance is subpar and I need to replace fast," he wrote on X before clarifying that the amount was only the basic pay while the overall salary was around Rs 72 LPA.

"If you’ve led teams before and know you can do better, I’m open to a serious conversation. Please don’t reach out if you haven’t done this kind of role before — not the time to experiment," he mentioned.

Paying 55L for a team lead on a critical project — performance is subpar and I need to replace fast.

If you’ve led teams before and know you can do better, I’m open to a serious conversation.

Please don’t reach out if you haven’t done this kind of role before — not the time to…

— Aditya Siripragada 🫡 (@dealzman_) April 22, 2025

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About Fountane Inc.

Founded in 2017, Fountane Inc. is a Strategic Technology Partner that specialises in digital and AI strategy, consulting, prototyping, and execution. It uses digital and AI tools to help startups and SME function better and become more scalable.

Siripragada moved to the US about a decade ago to launch his startup.

He shared on a LinkedIn post about landing in the US with two bags, $700 in cash, and "a heart full of ambition".

The tech entrepreneur said that as of August 2024, his company was the 884th fastest growing business in the US, top 10 in the state of Minnesota, as well as topped the list of software and technology services in the region.

Also read: 'Everything Just Works': Indian Entrepreneur Uses Japan’s Startup Visa To Launch Firm In Tokyo (startuppedia.in)

Netizens react

The tech founder’s post drew a lot of reactions from interested applicants and received more than 90,000 views.

The CEO himself engaged in conversations with several candidates. 

Responding to one such comment, he said that he was willing to hire anyone as long as they are "freaking amazing". "Also, I'm down to pay more than that," he added.

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