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

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

The story of Sridhar Vembu, the billionaire founder of Zoho, is one of rags-to-riches success. From humble beginnings to building a software empire, Vembu’s journey has been an inspiration to many. However, behind the scenes, a different story is unfolding. Vembu’s wife, Pramila Srinivasan, has come forward with a shocking revelation that threatens to upend the narrative of Vembu’s success. According to Srinivasan, she used her own income to support Vembu’s early days at Zoho, allowing him to focus on building the company after he quit his job. But now, in a stunning turn of events, Vembu claims that she owns only 5% of the company.

The news has sent shockwaves through the business community, with many questioning the ethics of Vembu’s actions. Srinivasan’s account of events is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices that many spouses make for their partners’ careers, often without receiving the recognition they deserve. In an exclusive interview, Srinivasan opened up about her experiences, revealing a complex web of financial arrangements and family dynamics that have left her feeling betrayed.

“I was working full-time, and Sridhar had quit his job to focus on Zoho,” Srinivasan recalled. “I used my income to support him, to allow him to pursue his dream. I never thought twice about it, assuming that we were in this together.” However, as the years went by, Srinivasan began to notice that Vembu was becoming increasingly secretive about the company’s finances. She claims that she was never involved in any major decision-making processes and was kept in the dark about the company’s ownership structure.

It wasn’t until Vembu filed for divorce that Srinivasan discovered the shocking truth. “I felt shocked to learn that he claimed to own just 5% of the company he’d spent our marriage building,” she said. “I couldn’t believe that he would do this to me, after everything I had done for him and for Zoho.” The revelation has left Srinivasan reeling, and she is now fighting for her rightful share of the company.

But Srinivasan is not the only one with a significant stake in Zoho. Vembu’s sister, Radha, is the largest shareholder, with a whopping 47.8% stake in the company. The family dynamics at play are complex, and it is unclear what role Radha has played in the dispute between Vembu and Srinivasan. However, one thing is certain: the outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the future of Zoho and its stakeholders.

The case has also raised questions about the lack of transparency in private companies, particularly when it comes to ownership structures. Vembu’s actions have sparked a debate about the ethics of founders who use their personal relationships to further their business interests. As one expert noted, “This case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in private companies. Founders must be held to higher standards of ethics and fairness, particularly when it comes to their personal relationships.”

The court battle between Vembu and Srinivasan is ongoing, with a recent ruling ordering Vembu to post a $1.7 billion bond in the divorce case. The outcome is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the story of Sridhar Vembu and Zoho will never be seen in the same light again. As the dust settles, one can’t help but wonder what other secrets lie beneath the surface of this seemingly successful entrepreneur’s journey.

In conclusion, the story of Pramila Srinivasan and Sridhar Vembu serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of transparency and fairness in business and personal relationships. As we celebrate the successes of entrepreneurs like Vembu, we must also acknowledge the sacrifices made by those who support them behind the scenes. The outcome of this case will be closely watched, and its implications will be felt far beyond the walls of Zoho.