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 rags-to-riches, of individuals who have bootstrapped their way to success, and of companies that have grown from humble beginnings to become global giants. One such company is Zoho, a software-as-a-service (SaaS) firm that was founded in 1996 by Sridhar Vembu and his brother, Tony Thomas. However, behind the scenes of Zoho’s success story is a tale of marital strife, claims of financial deception, and a bitter divorce battle that has left many stunned.
At the center of this controversy is Pramila Srinivasan, the wife of Sridhar Vembu, who has come forward to reveal the shocking details of her marriage and her role in the founding of Zoho. According to Srinivasan, she was the primary breadwinner in the early days of their marriage, using her income to support Vembu as he pursued his entrepreneurial dream. “I felt proud to be able to support my husband as he worked tirelessly to build Zoho from the ground up,” she said. “I had no idea that my contributions would be so callously disregarded in the end.”
Srinivasan’s revelations have sent shockwaves through the tech community, with many expressing outrage and disappointment at Vembu’s alleged actions. The controversy began when Vembu filed for divorce, claiming that his wife owned just 5% of Zoho, a company that he had spent their entire marriage building. This claim has been met with widespread skepticism, with many pointing out that Srinivasan had made significant financial and emotional contributions to the company’s success.
But what’s even more surprising is that Vembu’s sister, Radha, is the largest shareholder of Zoho, with a whopping 47.8% stake in the company. This has raised questions about the ownership structure of Zoho and how Vembu’s family members have benefited from the company’s success. While Vembu’s net worth is estimated to be in the billions, his sister Radha’s stake in the company has made her one of the wealthiest women in India.
The divorce battle between Vembu and Srinivasan has been ongoing for several years, with both parties engaging in a bitter and acrimonious dispute. In a recent development, a US court has ordered Vembu to post a $17 billion bond in the divorce case, a move that has been seen as a major victory for Srinivasan. The court’s decision is a significant blow to Vembu, who had been trying to downplay his wife’s contributions to the company.
Srinivasan’s story is a stark reminder of the challenges that many women face in the tech industry, where they are often marginalized and excluded from decision-making positions. Despite her significant contributions to Zoho’s success, Srinivasan has been relegated to the sidelines, with her husband and his family members reaping the benefits of her hard work. “I felt shocked and betrayed when I learned that my husband had claimed that I owned just 5% of the company,” she said. “It was a slap in the face, and it made me realize that my contributions had been valued at virtually nothing.”
The controversy surrounding Zoho and its ownership structure has raised important questions about the role of women in the tech industry and the need for greater transparency and accountability. As the divorce battle between Vembu and Srinivasan continues to unfold, it is clear that the outcome will have significant implications for the future of Zoho and the tech industry as a whole.
In the end, Srinivasan’s story is a testament to the enduring power of women in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges she has faced, she remains determined to fight for her rights and to ensure that her contributions to Zoho are recognized and valued. As the world watches the drama unfold, one thing is clear: the truth about Zoho’s ownership structure and the role of women in the company’s success will eventually come to light.
About the Author
