InfoEdge Founder Praises L&T Chairman SN Subrahmanyan After 90-Hour Workweek Controversy
InfoEdge Founder Defends L&T Chairman Amid 90-Hour Workweek Controversy
Amid mounting criticism against Larsen and Toubro (L&T) Chairman SN Subrahmanyan for his remarks advocating a 90-hour workweek, InfoEdge Founder and Executive Vice Chairman Sanjeev Bikhchandani has stepped forward to defend the corporate leader. Bikhchandani took to the social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) on January 12 to share a personal anecdote that highlighted Subrahmanyan’s character and leadership qualities.
Recalling a November 2024 meeting, Bikhchandani described receiving an unexpected email invitation from Subrahmanyan. It wasn’t every day that the CMD of a company as monumental as L&T reached out for a casual exchange, so Bikhchandani readily accepted. Reflecting on the meeting, he said the interaction left him impressed with Subrahmanyan’s humility and willingness to learn.
The one-hour conversation revolved around entrepreneurship, startups, and the digital ecosystem. According to Bikhchandani, the meeting had no particular agenda other than Subrahmanyan’s curiosity to understand his journey in building InfoEdge and his experiences in investing in startups. Subrahmanyan shared stories about his career and family, leaving a strong impression on his guest. Bikhchandani described him as “humble, amiable, and affable,” qualities that stood in stark contrast to the controversy surrounding his remarks on the 90-hour workweek.
During the discussion, Bikhchandani highlighted the significance of domestic venture capital in fostering India’s startup ecosystem. When he asked Subrahmanyan about L&T’s available cash reserves, he was struck by the vast amount—approximately Rs. 50,000 crore, according to the L&T chief. He seized the opportunity to encourage Subrahmanyan to consider deploying part of this capital into startups. Drawing from InfoEdge’s success stories, including investments in Zomato and Policybazaar, Bikhchandani pointed out the potential for impressive returns while supporting the growth of the digital economy in India.
The conversation, which also included exchanging ideas for future discussions, ended on a high note for Bikhchandani. He noted Subrahmanyan’s thoughtfulness, as the L&T Chairman personally walked him to his car—a gesture he appreciated.
By sharing this anecdote, Bikhchandani aimed to showcase a different side of Subrahmanyan amidst the ongoing criticism. His defense sheds light on the human and approachable nature of the L&T leader, painting him as a figure open to learning and contributing to India’s evolving business landscape.
