Startups

Sridhar Vembu and Zoho: Building Tech Independence from India

Reyansh Oswal

15 Jan 2026 — 1 min read

In the 1990s, most software companies were based in the US, dominating the global market. Sridhar Vembu, a visionary engineer from India, believed India could produce world-class software without copying Silicon Valley. He co founded Zoho, determined to build products that solved real business problems while staying independent and self-reliant.

Zoho began as a suite of web-based business tools, focusing on CRM, office productivity, and cloud applications. Unlike many startups chasing rapid growth through funding, Sridhar emphasized organic growth, profitability, and local talent development. He believed that creating jobs in smaller towns and empowering rural India could also drive innovation.

One of Sridhar’s key philosophies was long-term thinking. Zoho avoided venture capital, which allowed the company to focus on product quality and customer satisfaction over short-term gains. This mindset led to tools like Zoho CRM, Zoho Books, and Zoho Projects, used by millions of businesses worldwide.

Challenges were constant. Competing with global giants like Microsoft and Salesforce seemed daunting. Yet Sridhar’s focus on simplicity, affordability, and understanding customer needs helped Zoho carve a unique niche. The company’s growth from a small team in India to a global SaaS powerhouse is a testament to vision combined with discipline.

Sridhar Vembu’s story proves that innovation does not need to follow the crowd. By staying true to local roots, empowering employees, and thinking long-term, he created a company that competes with the best while redefining what an Indian tech company can achieve.

LuwakTech’s sharp insights and inspiring startup stories ignite passion, spark ideas, and empower the upcoming bunch of entrepreneurs to chase their dreams.

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