Top Entrepreneurial Lessons from Sridhar Vembu, Founder of Zoho

Sridhar Vembu, the co-founder and CEO of Zoho Corporation, is a shining example of how Indian entrepreneurship can thrive by focusing on long-term vision, innovation, and values. His journey offers important lessons for business leaders and young entrepreneurs. Vembu believes in building products from India for the world, proving that global success does not require a Silicon Valley address. One of his strongest principles is self-reliance; Zoho has grown without external venture capital, showing the power of bootstrapping and sustainable growth. He emphasizes the importance of serving customers first, creating affordable and high-quality software that empowers small and medium businesses. Vembu also teaches that success is not just about profits but about building organizations that improve society—he invests in rural development and has shifted parts of Zoho’s operations to Indian villages to create local opportunities. His humility, frugal approach, and commitment to employees highlight that business leaders must balance ambition with responsibility. For Indian entrepreneurs, Sridhar Vembu’s story is an inspiring reminder that world-class companies can be built with patience, discipline, customer focus, and a strong sense of purpose.