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 sacrifice and dedication. For Pramila Srinivasan, the wife of billionaire Sridhar Vembu, founder of Zoho, her sacrifice was not just emotional but also financial. In a shocking revelation, Srinivasan has come forward to share her side of the story, claiming that she used her income to support Vembu’s vision for Zoho, only to be told later that she owns a mere 5% of the company.
The story begins with Vembu’s decision to quit his job and pursue his dream of building Zoho. At the time, Srinivasan was the primary breadwinner, and she chose to use her income to support Vembu’s entrepreneurial endeavors. This was not just a gesture of love and support but also a strategic decision to enable Vembu to focus on building the company without the burden of a 9-to-5 job.
As Zoho began to take shape, Srinivasan’s role in the company’s growth cannot be overstated. She not only provided financial support but also played an active role in the company’s decision-making process. However, despite her contributions, Srinivasan was never formally recognized as a co-founder or a major shareholder of the company.
The situation took a dramatic turn when Vembu filed for divorce. It was during this process that Srinivasan discovered that Vembu claimed to own only 5% of Zoho, with his sister Radha holding a whopping 47.8% stake. This revelation left Srinivasan feeling shocked and betrayed, as she had always believed that her contributions to the company’s growth would be recognized and valued.
“I felt shocked to learn only after he filed for divorce that he claimed to own just 5% of the company he’d spent our marriage building,” Srinivasan said in a statement. “I had always believed that our contributions to the company were equal, and that we were in this together. The fact that he could so callously dismiss my role in the company’s success is not only hurtful but also unjust.”
The news of Vembu’s divorce and the subsequent revelations about the company’s ownership structure have sent shockwaves through the business community. Many have come out in support of Srinivasan, praising her for her courage and resilience in the face of adversity.
The case has also raised important questions about the role of women in entrepreneurship and the importance of recognizing their contributions to the growth and success of companies. Srinivasan’s story is a stark reminder that even in the 21st century, women continue to face significant challenges in the business world, from lack of recognition to unequal pay and ownership.
As the divorce proceedings continue, Srinivasan’s fight for justice and recognition is far from over. However, her story has already inspired countless women around the world, and her courage in speaking out against injustice will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the business community.
In a recent development, a US court has ordered Sridhar Vembu to post a $1.7 billion bond in the divorce case, a move that is seen as a significant victory for Srinivasan. The court’s decision is a testament to the fact that Srinivasan’s contributions to Zoho’s success are being taken seriously, and that she will not be ignored or marginalized.
As the world watches the unfolding drama, one thing is clear: Pramila Srinivasan’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of all individuals, regardless of their gender or role in the company. Her courage and resilience in the face of adversity are an inspiration to us all, and her fight for justice will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the business community.
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