Saarthi AI’s Turbulent Journey: Mass Layoffs, Unpaid Salaries, and a Stolen Passport

Saarthi AI, a Bengaluru-based startup, has been making headlines for all the wrong reasons. The company’s decision to lay off a significant portion of its workforce has sparked a series of dramatic events, including allegations of unpaid salaries and a stolen passport. As the company struggles to stay afloat, its founder and CEO, Vishwa Nath Jha, remains optimistic about its future prospects.

A Bold Move Turns Sour

Last year, Jha made the tough decision to lay off a significant portion of Saarthi AI’s workforce. The move was driven by investor pressure and a need to make the company financially viable. However, the layoffs were just the beginning of Saarthi AI’s woes. Former and current employees have come forward, alleging that they have not been paid their salaries for over a year. Some have even claimed that their legal notices have gone unanswered.

Saarthi AI’s founder and CEO, Vishwa Nath Jha

A Stolen Passport Complicates Funding Efforts

In a bizarre twist, Jha has alleged that a former employee stole his passport, which included a US visa. This unfortunate incident has left Jha unable to travel abroad to secure fresh funding for Saarthi AI. Although he has managed to get a new passport, the wait for a new US visa is proving to be an agonizingly long one.

“The founder has been unresponsive and even mentioned that he doesn’t owe us any explanation on multiple occasions.” - Anonymous ex-employee

A Cash Flow Positive Future?

Despite the challenges, Jha remains optimistic about Saarthi AI’s future prospects. The company is striving to become cash flow positive by Q2 of 2024 and is actively seeking fresh capital to address its financial woes. However, with a workforce in limbo and a founder unable to travel, the road ahead looks uncertain.

Saarthi AI’s logo

Conclusion

Saarthi AI’s story is a cautionary tale of the challenges faced by startups in the tech industry. As the company navigates its way through these turbulent times, it remains to be seen whether it can turn things around and achieve its goal of becoming cash flow positive. One thing is certain, however - this is one tech story that’s far from over.