I used my income so he could focus on Zoho, now he says he owns just 5% of it: Vembu's wife

Spread the love

I used my income so he could focus on Zoho, now he says I own just 5% of it: Vembu’s wife

The world of technology and entrepreneurship is often filled with stories of innovation, perseverance, and success. However, behind the scenes of these success stories, there can be complex and often untold tales of personal sacrifice and relationship dynamics. One such story has recently come to light, involving Sridhar Vembu, the billionaire founder of Zoho, a cloud-based software company. In a shocking turn of events, Vembu’s wife, Pramila Srinivasan, has revealed that she used her income to support Vembu’s vision for Zoho, only to discover later that he claimed to own just 5% of the company they had built together over the course of their marriage.

This revelation came as a shock to Srinivasan, who had made significant sacrifices to ensure Vembu could focus on building Zoho after he quit his job. According to Srinivasan, she was the primary breadwinner during the early days of Zoho, using her income to support the family and allow Vembu to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. The fact that Vembu now claims to own just 5% of the company has left Srinivasan feeling betrayed and confused. “I felt shocked to learn only after he filed for divorce that he claimed to own just 5% of the company he’d spent our marriage building,” Srinivasan said.

The news of Vembu’s divorce and the subsequent revelation about the ownership of Zoho has sent shockwaves through the tech industry. Zoho, which was founded in 1996, has grown into a successful company with a valuation of over $10 billion. The company’s success can be attributed to Vembu’s vision and leadership, but also to the sacrifices made by those around him, including his wife. The fact that Vembu’s sister, Radha, is the largest shareholder of Zoho, with a 47.8% stake, has raised questions about the ownership structure of the company and how it was established.

The divorce proceedings between Vembu and Srinivasan have brought to light the complex financial arrangements surrounding Zoho. Vembu’s claim that he owns just 5% of the company has been met with skepticism by Srinivasan, who believes that she has a rightful claim to a significant portion of the company’s ownership. The court’s decision to order Vembu to post a $1.7 billion bond in the divorce case highlights the complexity and high stakes involved in the proceedings.

As the divorce case unfolds, it is likely that more details about the ownership structure of Zoho and the financial arrangements surrounding the company will come to light. The fact that Vembu’s sister is the largest shareholder of the company raises questions about the role of family members in the company’s ownership and management. The case also highlights the importance of transparency and fairness in business and personal relationships, particularly when it comes to issues of ownership and control.

In the world of technology and entrepreneurship, it is not uncommon for founders to make significant personal sacrifices in pursuit of their vision. However, the story of Vembu and Srinivasan serves as a reminder that these sacrifices are often not made alone. The support of family members, including spouses, can be crucial in the early days of a startup, and it is essential that their contributions are recognized and valued.

As the news of Vembu’s divorce and the ownership of Zoho continues to unfold, it is likely that the tech industry will be watching with interest. The case has significant implications for the way that startups and entrepreneurs approach issues of ownership and control, particularly when it comes to family members and personal relationships. Ultimately, the story of Vembu and Srinivasan serves as a reminder that the pursuit of success and wealth must be balanced with fairness, transparency, and a recognition of the contributions of all those involved.