Startup Originals TeamKevin O’Leary, widely known as a judge on Shark Tank, has criticised the growing startup culture that glorifies extreme working hours, calling the idea of working 18 hours a day “stupid.” In a recent Instagram video, O’Leary argued that founders should stop treating exhaustion and burnout as symbols of dedication and success.
His comments have sparked widespread discussion in the startup ecosystem, especially as long workweeks and hustle culture continue to dominate conversations around entrepreneurship and tech startups.
“Being Half-Dead Is Not a Badge of Honour”
According to O’Leary, startup founders who sacrifice:
- Sleep
- Food
- Health
- Mental clarity
in the name of hustle are actually hurting their ability to build successful businesses.
He said founders who look “half-dead” are not inspiring—they become liabilities because poor physical and mental health directly impacts:
- Decision-making
- Productivity
- Focus
- Execution quality
These, according to him, are the exact qualities investors evaluate before backing a startup.
Focus, Energy and Clarity Matter More
O’Leary advised entrepreneurs to:
- Sleep properly
- Eat healthy food
- Exercise regularly
- Make important decisions when mentally fresh
He specifically mentioned that founders should handle major business decisions after waking up, when energy and clarity are strongest.
His comments reflect a growing conversation in the startup world around sustainable productivity rather than endless work hours.
The Debate Around Hustle Culture
The remarks also connect to the larger debate around modern startup hustle culture, where:
- 70-hour workweeks
- “996” schedules (9 AM to 9 PM, 6 days a week)
- Constant grind culture
have increasingly become normalised in technology and startup ecosystems.
Supporters of hustle culture often argue that:
- Extreme competition demands long hours
- Early-stage startups require relentless execution
- Sacrifice is necessary for rapid growth
However, critics believe prolonged overwork leads to:
- Burnout
- Poor judgment
- Reduced creativity
- Long-term health issues
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
Social media reactions to O’Leary’s comments were divided.
Many entrepreneurs and professionals agreed with him, arguing that:
- Burnout reduces productivity
- Consistency matters more than exhaustion
- Sustainable work habits improve long-term performance
At the same time, others defended long work hours, especially during the early stages of building a startup.
Interestingly, O’Leary’s current stance marks a shift from some of his earlier comments where he had previously encouraged founders to work aggressively to stay ahead in business.
The Bigger Picture
The discussion reflects a broader shift happening across global startup ecosystems. More founders and investors are beginning to recognise that:
- Mental health affects business performance
- Sustainable execution is critical for long-term success
- Productivity is not always linked to working longer hours
As startups mature, conversations are increasingly moving from:
“How many hours do you work?”
to:
“How effectively do you perform?”
Conclusion
Kevin O’Leary’s criticism of 18-hour workdays has reignited the debate around startup hustle culture and founder wellbeing. While hard work remains essential in entrepreneurship, his message highlights that sustainable performance, mental clarity, and smart decision-making may ultimately matter more than extreme exhaustion.
