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 entrepreneurship is often filled with stories of passion, dedication, and sacrifice. For Pramila Srinivasan, the wife of billionaire Sridhar Vembu, her journey with Zoho, the company her husband co-founded, is a tale of unwavering support and unrelenting commitment. However, their divorce proceedings have brought to light a shocking revelation that has left many stunned. In a recent court filing, Srinivasan revealed that she used her income to support Vembu’s endeavors, allowing him to focus on building Zoho after he quit his job. The astonishing part of the story is that Vembu now claims that his wife owns only 5% of the company, a claim that has left Srinivasan feeling shocked and betrayed.
The story of Zoho’s inception is well-known. Sridhar Vembu, along with his brother Kumar Vembu and a friend, Tony Thomas, started the company in 1996. Over the years, Zoho has grown into a successful enterprise, offering a range of software solutions to businesses worldwide. However, what is lesser-known is the role that Pramila Srinivasan played in the company’s early days. According to Srinivasan, she used her income to support her husband, enabling him to focus on building Zoho. This was a critical period for the company, and Srinivasan’s support allowed Vembu to dedicate himself to the business without worrying about the financial implications.
As the company grew, so did its valuation. Today, Zoho is a billion-dollar company, and its founders are among the wealthiest individuals in the world. However, the divorce proceedings between Srinivasan and Vembu have brought to light a surprising aspect of the company’s ownership structure. According to court documents, Vembu’s sister, Radha, is the largest shareholder of Zoho, with a staggering 47.8% stake in the company. This has raised eyebrows, with many questioning how Radha, who is not actively involved in the company’s operations, could own such a significant portion of the business.
The revelation that has left Srinivasan feeling shocked and betrayed is Vembu’s claim that she owns only 5% of the company. This is a far cry from what Srinivasan had expected, given her significant contributions to the company’s early days. Srinivasan has expressed her disappointment and sense of betrayal, stating that she felt shocked to learn about Vembu’s claim only after he filed for divorce. The fact that Vembu’s sister owns a significant portion of the company, while Srinivasan’s stake is allegedly minimal, has raised questions about the company’s ownership structure and the role that family members play in the business.
The divorce proceedings between Srinivasan and Vembu have also brought to light other interesting aspects of the company’s operations. According to court documents, Vembu has been ordered to post a $17 billion bond in the divorce case. This is a significant amount, and it highlights the complexities involved in the divorce proceedings. The court’s decision to order Vembu to post such a substantial bond is a clear indication of the high stakes involved in the case.
As the divorce proceedings continue, it will be interesting to see how the ownership structure of Zoho is resolved. Srinivasan’s contributions to the company’s early days are undeniable, and it is only fair that she receives a fair share of the company’s ownership. The fact that Vembu’s sister owns a significant portion of the company, while Srinivasan’s stake is allegedly minimal, has raised questions about the company’s governance and the role that family members play in the business.
In conclusion, the story of Pramila Srinivasan and Sridhar Vembu is a complex one, filled with twists and turns. While Vembu’s success with Zoho is undeniable, the revelation that his wife owns only 5% of the company has raised questions about the company’s ownership structure and the role that family members play in the business. As the divorce proceedings continue, it will be interesting to see how the ownership structure of Zoho is resolved. One thing is certain, however – Srinivasan’s contributions to the company’s early days will not be forgotten, and she deserves a fair share of the company’s ownership.
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