'Startups need war time people, not peace time people', says CRED CEO Kunal Shah

Bengaluru-based fintech unicorn CRED's CEO Kunal Shah, in a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), said that startups operate in turbulent environments and require individuals who excel in "wartime" conditions.

According to Shah, those who thrive in peacetime may actually hinder a startup’s progress, as they might not be equipped to handle the intense, fast-paced challenges typical of high-growth ventures.

"Startups are turbulent and need war time people. Peace time people are a liability to them," Shah wrote.

Startups are turbulent and need war time people.



Peace time people are a liability to them.

— Kunal Shah (@kunalb11) August 30, 2024

Subscribe to our newsletter for a daily roundup of the startup ecosystem

Netizens reaction

As usual, Shah's post garnered over 155,000 views, with many users taking to the comments section to share their opinions.

"Ironically, people who are mentally at peace are great war time people in execution at work," a user wrote.

"You're absolutely right - startups thrive on resilience and adaptability. It takes a special kind of warrior to navigate those choppy waters," another wrote.

"So true! War time people have the grit and resilience to make things happen. Although it might be quick dirty execution and less structured due to velocity," a third added.

As a startup, building a team of wartime people is crucial. These are individuals who are not only skilled but also passionate about the vision and mission of the company.



They understand that success doesn’t come easy and are willing to roll up their sleeves and get to work, no…

— Amit Misra (@amit6060) August 30, 2024

While many users agreed to Shah's post, some expressed differing views.

Ironically, people who are mentally at peace are great war time people in execution at work.

— Nishtha Gehija (@nishthagehija26) August 30, 2024

"In this day and age, everyone needs peace and work-life balance," another noted.