Ask any Indian founder what keeps them up at night, and you’ll hear some common themes — managing people, staying compliant, saving time, and keeping costs under control. While HR software is supposed to make this easier, most tools end up overwhelming early-stage businesses with features they don’t need and pricing they can’t justify.
At Zeba Pro, we’ve had countless conversations with founders of companies ranging from 5 to 150 people — and we’ve noticed a pattern.
Here’s what Indian founders actually want from HR software — and what they wish it would stop doing.
What Founders DO Want
- Payroll That Just Works
Founders aren’t looking for complicated payroll engines. They want a system where salaries, compliance (EPF, TDS, etc.), and payslips are generated automatically — no stress, no Excel formulas."We just want it to be correct. Every time. Without me checking it."
- Simplicity Over Features
Tools that are easy enough for anyone to use — even without HR experience. Founders love clean UI, fast setup, and workflows that don’t require a 2-hour training session. - Fast and Helpful Support
When something breaks or is unclear, founders expect quick answers — not chatbots or 48-hour email responses. Timely support is as important as the software itself. - Affordability That Grows with the Team
Early-stage companies can’t afford to pay enterprise-level subscription fees. They need tools that start small, solve their current problems, and scale without bloated pricing. - Smart Automation (Without Losing Control)
Founders appreciate tools that auto-calculate LOPs from attendance, send reminders for check-ins, or auto-generate invoices — but still allow manual adjustments if needed.
What Founders DON’T Want
- Feature Overload
Most HR tools are built for large enterprises, packed with modules like performance graphs, OKRs, LMS, and workforce analytics — which are irrelevant for a 20-person team.“We felt like we were buying a truck when all we needed was a scooter.”
- Complex Setup
Nobody wants to spend a week setting up their HR software. If it’s not usable in a day or two, it’s already lost the founder’s trust. - Rigid Processes
Founders don’t want to be told how to run their team. HR software should adapt to their needs — not the other way around. - Hidden Costs
No one likes discovering that Form 16 generation, compliance reports, or adding one more employee means an extra cost. Transparent, upfront pricing builds long-term loyalty.
The Zeba Pro Approach
- Payroll is free for life
- UI is simple enough for a first-time user
- Support replies within 10 minutes
- No bloated features you’ll never use
We help startups do more with less — no jargon, no lock-ins, no long demos.
Final Thought
Founders are not looking for the most advanced HR software. They’re looking for the most sensible one — something that solves today’s problems without creating tomorrow’s complexity.
That’s what Zeba Pro is built for.