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 dedication, hard work, and sacrifice. Behind every successful entrepreneur, there is often an unsung hero who has supported them every step of the way. For Pramila Srinivasan, the wife of billionaire Sridhar Vembu, her support went beyond the emotional and physical realms. She used her own income to support Vembu as he built Zoho, the company that would eventually make him a billionaire. However, in a shocking turn of events, Vembu has now claimed that she owns just 5% of the company, leaving Srinivasan feeling betrayed and shocked.
The story of Sridhar Vembu and Zoho is one of humble beginnings and remarkable success. Vembu, who is now one of the richest men in India, started Zoho in 1996 with a small team of developers. Over the years, the company has grown to become one of the leading providers of cloud-based business software, with a valuation of over $10 billion. However, behind Vembu’s success is the story of sacrifice and support from his wife, Pramila Srinivasan.
According to Srinivasan, she used her income to support Vembu as he built Zoho from the ground up. “I was working and earning a steady income, while my husband was struggling to make ends meet,” she said. “I used my income to support him, so he could focus on building Zoho. I believed in his vision, and I was happy to support him in any way I could.” Srinivasan’s support was not just financial; she also took care of the household and raised their children, allowing Vembu to focus on his business.
However, in a shocking turn of events, Vembu has now claimed that Srinivasan owns just 5% of Zoho. This revelation came after Vembu filed for divorce, leaving Srinivasan feeling shocked and betrayed. “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. “I had no idea that he had been hiding this from me all these years. I thought we were partners, not just in marriage, but also in business.”
The news of Vembu’s claim has sent shockwaves through the business community, with many questioning the ethics of his actions. Vembu’s sister, Radha, is Zoho’s largest shareholder, with a 47.8% stake in the company. This has raised questions about the ownership structure of the company and whether Vembu’s claim is an attempt to reduce Srinivasan’s stake in the company.
The case has also highlighted the issue of women’s rights in business and the importance of protecting their interests. Srinivasan’s story is a reminder that women often play a crucial role in supporting their husbands and partners in business, but they are often left out of the decision-making process and are not given the recognition they deserve. “I hope that my story will serve as a warning to other women who are supporting their husbands in business,” Srinivasan said. “They should always ensure that their interests are protected and that they have a clear understanding of the ownership structure of the company.”
The case is currently ongoing, with a US court ordering Vembu to post a $17 billion bond in the divorce case. The court’s decision is a significant development in the case, and it remains to be seen how the ownership structure of Zoho will be resolved. One thing is certain, however: Srinivasan’s story has highlighted the importance of protecting women’s rights in business and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the ownership structure of companies.
In conclusion, the story of Sridhar Vembu and Pramila Srinivasan is a reminder that behind every successful entrepreneur, there is often an unsung hero who has supported them every step of the way. Srinivasan’s sacrifice and support for Vembu as he built Zoho are a testament to the important role that women play in business. However, Vembu’s claim that Srinivasan owns just 5% of the company has raised questions about the ethics of his actions and the ownership structure of Zoho. As the case continues to unfold, one thing is certain: Srinivasan’s story will serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting women’s rights in business and the need for greater transparency and accountability in the ownership structure of companies.
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