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 court case has brought to light a shocking revelation about the ownership of the company. Vembu’s wife, Pramila Srinivasan, has come forward with a stunning claim that she used her income to support Vembu while he built Zoho, only to be told later that she owns just 5% of the company.
According to Srinivasan, she and Vembu were married while he was still working on Zoho. At the time, Vembu had quit his job to focus on building the company, and Srinivasan used her income to support the family. “I felt like I was investing in our future together,” she said. “I had no idea that he would later claim that I owned such a small percentage of the company.”
The revelation came as a shock to Srinivasan when Vembu filed for divorce. It was only then that she learned that Vembu claimed to own just 5% of Zoho, with his sister Radha holding the largest stake of 47.8%. Srinivasan was stunned, feeling that she had been misled about the ownership of the company. “I felt like I had been living a lie,” she said. “I had no idea that my contributions to the company were not being recognized.”
The court case has brought to light the complex and often murky world of startup ownership. While Vembu’s success with Zoho is undeniable, the question of who owns what percentage of the company is now at the forefront. Srinivasan’s claim that she used her income to support Vembu while he built the company raises important questions about the role of spouses in startup success.
In many cases, spouses play a crucial role in supporting entrepreneurs as they build their companies. They may provide financial support, emotional support, and even help with the day-to-day tasks of running the business. However, their contributions are often overlooked and undervalued. Srinivasan’s story highlights the need for greater recognition and compensation for the spouses of entrepreneurs.
The case also raises questions about the ownership structure of Zoho. With Radha holding the largest stake of 47.8%, it is clear that the company’s ownership is complex and multifaceted. Vembu’s claim that he owns just 5% of the company is surprising, given his role as the founder and CEO. The court case will likely shed more light on the ownership structure of the company and the role of Vembu’s family members in its success.
The news of the court case has sent shockwaves through the startup community. Many entrepreneurs and investors are watching the case closely, eager to see how it will unfold. The outcome of the case will have significant implications for the startup world, particularly when it comes to issues of ownership and compensation.
In the meantime, Srinivasan’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of all individuals involved in building a company. Whether it is a spouse, a co-founder, or an employee, everyone plays a crucial role in the success of a startup. It is time for the startup community to take a closer look at issues of ownership and compensation, and to work towards creating a more equitable and just system for all.
As the court case continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the story of Sridhar Vembu and Zoho is far more complex than initially meets the eye. With its twists and turns, the case is a reminder that even the most successful companies can have hidden secrets and surprises. As we wait to see how the case will unfold, one thing is certain: the outcome will have significant implications for the startup world and beyond.
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