India, Aug. 21 -- A Mumbai startup founder and CEO took to LinkedIn to advise entrepreneurs against working for free, sparking a conversation on startup culture. Encouraging founders to draw a basic salary, he argued that taking zero compensation for years leads to resentment and burnout. While acknowledging the need to conserve cash, he stressed that frugality should not entail self-deprivation, as founders still need to cover basic expenses such as rent and food to keep their businesses sustainable over time.

"Founders, please pay yourself a salary. Even if it is just Rs.25,000 a month," Vinod C wrote on LinkedIn. He continued, "Whether you are bootstrapped or funded, building a startup does not require you to financially punish yourse...