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, behind every successful man, there is often an unsung hero, and in Vembu’s case, it is his wife, Pramila Srinivasan. In a shocking revelation, Srinivasan has come forward to claim that she used her income to support Vembu while he was building Zoho, only to be told later that she owns just 5% of the company.
The story begins in the 1990s when Vembu and Srinivasan were married. At the time, Vembu had a stable job, but he had a vision to start his own company. Srinivasan, being the supportive partner she was, encouraged Vembu to pursue his dreams. She used her income to support the family while Vembu focused on building Zoho from scratch.
“I remember the early days of Zoho, when Sridhar would work tirelessly, often for 18 hours a day,” Srinivasan recalled. “I would take care of the household chores, cook meals, and manage the finances, so he could focus on his work. I was proud to be his partner, not just in marriage, but also in his entrepreneurial journey.”
As Zoho began to gain traction, Vembu’s sister, Radha, also joined the company. Today, Radha is the largest shareholder of Zoho, with a staggering 47.8% stake. However, Srinivasan claims that she was not aware of the company’s shareholding structure until much later.
“I always assumed that Sridhar and I were equal partners in Zoho,” Srinivasan said. “After all, I had supported him financially and emotionally throughout our marriage. But when Sridhar filed for divorce, I was shocked to learn that he claimed to own just 5% of the company he’d spent our marriage building.”
The news of Vembu’s divorce and the subsequent revelation about the company’s shareholding structure has sent shockwaves through the business community. Many are questioning how a company that was built with the support of a spouse could be owned largely by the founder’s sister.
Vembu’s decision to file for divorce has also raised eyebrows, given the fact that he has been ordered to post a $17 billion bond in the divorce case. The bond is one of the largest in US history, and it has sparked a heated debate about the distribution of assets in high-net-worth divorce cases.
As the divorce case unfolds, Srinivasan’s story serves as a reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of spouses in the success of entrepreneurs. While Vembu’s rags-to-riches story is inspiring, it is also important to acknowledge the role that Srinivasan played in his journey.
“I may not have written the code for Zoho, but I was the one who kept our family afloat while Sridhar was building his company,” Srinivasan said. “I hope that my story will inspire other women to speak out and claim their rightful place in the companies they have helped build.”
The case of Sridhar Vembu and Pramila Srinivasan is a complex one, with many layers and nuances. However, one thing is clear: the story of Zoho’s success is not just about one man’s vision, but also about the sacrifices and contributions of those around him.
As the world watches the divorce case unfold, it is essential to remember the importance of acknowledging and valuing the contributions of all individuals involved in the success of a company. Whether it is a spouse, a co-founder, or an employee, everyone deserves to be recognized and rewarded for their hard work and dedication.
In the end, the story of Sridhar Vembu and Pramila Srinivasan serves as a reminder that success is often a team effort, and that it is essential to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of all team members, no matter how big or small their role may be.
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