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. However, a recent revelation by his wife, Pramila Srinivasan, has shed light on the lesser-known aspects of his journey to the top. In a shocking turn of events, Srinivasan has come forward to claim that she used her income to support Vembu’s entrepreneurial endeavors, allowing him to focus on building Zoho after he quit his job. What’s even more astonishing is that Vembu has now claimed to own just 5% of the company, despite having spent their marriage building it together.

Pramila Srinivasan’s revelation has sent shockwaves through the business community, with many questioning the ethics of Vembu’s actions. According to Srinivasan, she was the primary breadwinner in the family, using her income to support Vembu’s vision for Zoho. This allowed him to dedicate himself full-time to the company, without the burden of a regular job. It was a sacrifice that Srinivasan made willingly, believing that her husband’s passion and dedication would eventually pay off.

However, it appears that Vembu’s appreciation for his wife’s sacrifices is not reflected in the company’s ownership structure. In a stunning claim, Vembu has stated that he owns just 5% of Zoho, despite being the founder and driving force behind the company. This has left Srinivasan feeling shocked and betrayed, particularly given the significant role she played in supporting Vembu’s entrepreneurial endeavors.

But what’s even more interesting is that Vembu’s sister, Radha, is the largest shareholder in Zoho, with a staggering 47.8% stake in the company. This has raised questions about the ownership structure of the company and whether Vembu’s family members have been unfairly enriched at the expense of his wife.

The revelations have come to light as part of a divorce case filed by Vembu in a US court. The case has been making headlines due to the enormous wealth at stake, with Vembu’s net worth estimated to be in the billions. In a recent development, the court has ordered Vembu to post a $1.7 billion bond, pending the outcome of the divorce proceedings.

The case has sparked a heated debate about the role of spouses in supporting entrepreneurial ventures. While it’s not uncommon for spouses to make sacrifices in support of their partner’s business endeavors, it’s rare for such sacrifices to be so explicitly linked to the company’s ownership structure.

Srinivasan’s story serves as a reminder that the journey to success is often paved with sacrifices, not just from the entrepreneur themselves, but also from their loved ones. It’s a timely reminder that the contributions of spouses and family members should not be overlooked or undervalued, particularly when it comes to the ownership and control of a company.

As the divorce case continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the court navigates the complex issues surrounding Zoho’s ownership structure. One thing is certain, however: Pramila Srinivasan’s story has shed light on the often-overlooked contributions of spouses in supporting entrepreneurial ventures, and it’s a story that will resonate with many.

In conclusion, the story of Sridhar Vembu and Pramila Srinivasan serves as a reminder that success is often a team effort, even if the team is not always visible. As we celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs like Vembu, let’s not forget the sacrifices made by their loved ones, who often play a critical role in supporting their partner’s vision.