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 and startup success stories often highlights the journeys of founders who have made it big, but rarely do we hear about the sacrifices made by their loved ones in the process. A recent revelation by Pramila Srinivasan, the wife of billionaire Sridhar Vembu, co-founder of Zoho, has brought to light the often-overlooked contributions of spouses in the journey to success. In a shocking turn of events, Srinivasan has come forward to share her story of how she supported Vembu in building Zoho, only to be told later that she owns a mere 5% of the company.
Sridhar Vembu, a name synonymous with innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, co-founded Zoho in 1996. The company has since grown to become a leading provider of cloud-based business solutions, with a valuation of over $10 billion. However, behind the success of Zoho lies a story of personal sacrifices made by those closest to Vembu, including his wife, Pramila Srinivasan.
According to Srinivasan, she used her income to support Vembu when he quit his job to pursue his dream of building Zoho. This was a critical period in the company’s early days, and Srinivasan’s financial support enabled Vembu to focus on developing the business without worrying about the financial burdens of raising a family. “I felt proud to be able to contribute to my husband’s vision, and I was happy to see Zoho grow from a small startup to a global phenomenon,” Srinivasan said in a recent statement.
However, the sense of pride and fulfillment that Srinivasan felt was short-lived. When Vembu filed for divorce, Srinivasan was shocked to learn that he claimed to own only 5% of the company that he had spent their marriage building. This revelation has left Srinivasan feeling betrayed and undervalued, as she had always assumed that her contributions to the family and the business were recognized and appreciated.
The situation has taken a more complex turn with the involvement of Vembu’s sister, Radha, who is reportedly the largest shareholder of Zoho, with a staggering 47.8% stake in the company. This has raised questions about the ownership structure of Zoho and how the shares are distributed among the family members.
The dispute between Vembu and Srinivasan has now reached the courts, with a US court recently ordering Vembu to post a $17 billion bond in their divorce case. The court’s decision is seen as a significant development in the ongoing battle between the two, with Srinivasan seeking a fair share of the company that she believes she helped build.
The story of Pramila Srinivasan and Sridhar Vembu serves as a reminder that the journey to success is often paved with personal sacrifices, and that the contributions of loved ones should not be overlooked or undervalued. As the case continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how the court’s decision will impact the ownership structure of Zoho and the future of the company.
In conclusion, the story of Pramila Srinivasan and Sridhar Vembu is a sobering reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of all individuals involved in the journey to success. As we celebrate the achievements of entrepreneurs and founders, we must also acknowledge the often-overlooked roles of their loved ones, who have supported them every step of the way.
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