Ankit Vengurlekar, a Bengaluru-based content creator and former journalist, publicly called out the Sharan Hegde-led 1% Club for contacting him to offer free online sessions to its members. On the professional networking site LinkedIn, Vengurlekar was candid in his frustration against the well-funded startup for asking professionals to work free in exchange for branding opportunities.
Vengurlekar charges ₹25,000 per hour for his consultative and content-creating assignments. He understands the constraints, especially in terms of time and resources, that define a startup, but insists that being paid in terms of exposure is exploitative work. His post has gained attention because of its relevance in the lives of content creators who are willing to work for free in expectation of being seen and heard through that very same platform.
The Offer and Vengurlekar’s Response
According to Vengurlekar, the 1% Club contacted him, offering him the opportunity to make online sessions for its members but in return asking for him to be branded. This is not an acceptable reason for compensation by Vengurlekar, as he described himself as a seasoned professional with experience in the work for many years, and also he charges ₹25,000 per hour.
“While exposure can sometimes be beneficial, it does not pay the bills,” Vengurlekar wrote. “It’s disappointing that a company with significant funding would undervalue professionals by expecting us to work for free. My time, expertise, and knowledge are valuable, and this sort of approach is not just disrespectful; it’s unsustainable.”
The 1% Club, which claims to be a premium financial education platform, boasts that it offers members access to exclusive content, networking opportunities, and financial advice. However, the request for unpaid sessions has become controversial, especially since the startup has apparently raised substantial funding.
The Start-Up Culture: Exposure vs. Compensation
Vengurlekar’s post on LinkedIn has led to a much bigger debate on the ethics of unpaid work in the startup ecosystem, especially when professionals like content creation, consulting, and financial education are involved. Many industry professionals argue that exposure should not replace fair compensation, especially if a company has the means to compensate for services rendered.
“The well-funded nature of these startups makes it even more frustrating,” Vengurlekar continued. “As someone who charges ₹25,000 an hour for my services, I don’t have the luxury of working for free, regardless of the potential branding opportunities.”
Another point made by Vengurlekar is that this criticism raises an even broader issue within the startup world: the unrealistic expectations often placed on professionals regarding the value of their time and knowledge. As startups increasingly dominate competitive industries, the fair compensation of experts and professionals will become a factor in keeping relationships healthy.
The 1% Club’s Response
Until now, the 1% Club has not publicly commented on Vengurlekar’s public statement. But with the controversy taking over, the company will soon be left with no choice but to comment on its collaboration and approach to fair compensation to content creators and professionals.
A Growing Conversation: Fair Compensation in the Digital Age
Vengurlekar’s post is a part of the growing discussion about the balance between exposure and compensation in the digital economy. As the content creator ecosystem continues to thrive, professionals are increasingly voicing their concerns about the devaluation of their time and work.
For now, Vengurlekar has used his platform to advocate for fairer business practices and to highlight the importance of respecting professionals in any field. As startups, influencers, and educators continue to shape the online world, his message resonates with many who feel their work is too often undervalued in the face of growing demands for free labor.
“Startups have the potential to create amazing opportunities,” Vengurlekar concluded, “but they need to understand that fair compensation is not only necessary but also the right thing to do.”