What compensation does Lemkin say startup workers can earn?

Lemkin said employees willing to embrace the pace of high-growth startups have the opportunity to earn in the $100 million（約160億円） range. In contrast, he argued that those seeking more predictable hours are better suited to established companies.

What work schedule is Lemkin pushing for startups?

Lemkin said he wants small, high-paid teams that work in the office over six days a week. He has stated that companies cannot win in their marketplace if people are working 20 hours a week.

What do other tech leaders say about work hours in the AI race?

Harry Stebbings, founder of the 20VC fund, said on LinkedIn that seven days a week is the required velocity to win right now. Google co-founder Sergey Brin reportedly told Gemini AI team members that roughly 60 hours a week represents the "sweet spot" for productivity.

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Silicon Valley investor won't fund startups unless staff work 6 days a week

Fortune AI2d ago3 min read

Key takeaway

A prominent Silicon Valley investor says he will only fund startups where employees work in the office six days a week, arguing that intensity and constant collaboration are now required to win in the AI era. The stance reflects a broader cultural shift in tech, where figures including venture capitalists and large tech company leaders are publicly linking high work hours to competitive success, marking a reversal of earlier predictions that AI would usher in shorter workweeks.

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3 Key Points

What happened
Jason Lemkin, founder of the SaaStr community, said he will only invest in startups where small teams work in the office six days a week. He argues that as AI allows companies to accomplish more with fewer people, the winners will be those with highly collaborative on-site teams, not remote workers putting in 15–20 hours.
Why it matters
The comment reflects a broader shift in AI-era startup culture, where intensity is becoming a competitive requirement. Lemkin frames the choice as binary: employees can earn in the $100 million（約160億円） range by committing to the pace of high-growth startups, or accept lower compensation and flexibility at established companies. For founders, this signals that investor backing increasingly depends on demonstrating a demanding work culture.
What to watch
Lemkin is not alone—other prominent figures including Harry Stebbings and Google co-founder Sergey Brin have publicly endorsed similar intensity. Brin reportedly told Gemini AI team members that roughly 60 hours a week represents the "sweet spot" for productivity. These statements may signal how venture capital increasingly evaluates startup viability in the AI race.

FAQ

What compensation does Lemkin say startup workers can earn?: Lemkin said employees willing to embrace the pace of high-growth startups have the opportunity to earn in the $100 million（約160億円） range. In contrast, he argued that those seeking more predictable hours are better suited to established companies.
What work schedule is Lemkin pushing for startups?: Lemkin said he wants small, high-paid teams that work in the office over six days a week. He has stated that companies cannot win in their marketplace if people are working 20 hours a week.
What do other tech leaders say about work hours in the AI race?: Harry Stebbings, founder of the 20VC fund, said on LinkedIn that seven days a week is the required velocity to win right now. Google co-founder Sergey Brin reportedly told Gemini AI team members that roughly 60 hours a week represents the "sweet spot" for productivity.

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