From Village to Global: The Inspiring Journey of Zoho Founder Sridhar Vembu
Sridhar Vembu is a well-known entrepreneur and the founder of Zoho Corporation. He is famous for his innovative ideas and unique approach to business software. Vembu has changed the way companies use technology, overcoming challenges and helping businesses grow along the way.
Sridhar Vembu’s Journey
Vembu’s journey began with strong academics and a desire to make a difference. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from IIT Madras and a PhD from Princeton University in the US. He briefly worked as a teacher at the Australian National University but realized teaching was not his path.
He then moved to the US to work as a wireless engineer at Qualcomm in San Diego and gained experience in several tech companies. During this time, he noticed many businesses focused on fast growth but lost sight of long-term goals. Vembu wanted to grow a company slowly and independently, without external funding, making technology more accessible to everyone.
The Start of Zoho Corporation
In 1996, Vembu and his brother Tony Thomas started AdventNet in a small apartment in Chennai. The company first created network management tools for businesses. Later, it expanded into business software and became Zoho Corporation.
Today, Zoho serves 700,000 businesses in over 150 countries with 100 million users. Unlike Silicon Valley companies that rely on outside investors, Zoho grew steadily while keeping control over its values and goals.
One of Vembu’s most remarkable decisions was to run Zoho from a rural village, 300 miles from the nearest city. This proved that innovation does not need big urban offices. Zoho focuses on SMEs with software for CRM, ERP, productivity, and teamwork.
Social Contributions
Vembu believes in bringing opportunities to rural India. Zoho has offices in Mathalamparai (Tamil Nadu) and Renigunta (Andhra Pradesh).
He also started Zoho Schools in 2004, providing software education for rural students as an alternative to traditional schooling. In 2020, he launched a free rural primary school to further support education in villages.
Awards and Achievements
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Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2019)
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Padma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award
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CNN-News18 Indian of the Year (2022)
Net Worth
According to Forbes, Vembu and his siblings are ranked 51st among India’s richest with a net worth of $5.8 billion.
Vembu’s journey teaches that innovation can happen outside big cities and that returning to one’s roots can spark new ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Sridhar Vembu?
He is a billionaire entrepreneur, social innovator, and founder of Zoho Corporation.
Who is the current CEO of Zoho?
Shailesh Kumar Davey is the current CEO. Sridhar Vembu now serves as Chief Scientist, focusing on R&D and rural development.
How much of Zoho does Sridhar Vembu own?
Vembu holds 5%, Tony Thomas 8%, and their family members own the remaining majority of the company.
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