Sridhar Vembu

Sridhar Vembu, the chief scientist at Zoho Corporation, is one of India’s most respected tech entrepreneurs. He co-founded Zoho in 1996 and served as CEO from 2000 to 2024, leading the company to become India’s largest software product firm.

Under his leadership, Zoho introduced its in-house large language model and launched Zia, a suite of AI agents and a no-code builder platform, to automate tasks like HR, accounting, and customer support.

In 2025, he transitioned to the role of chief scientist, focusing on deep-tech research and AI development. Vembu is known for his unconventional yet deeply principled approach to business, emphasising humility, contentment, and self-reliance over hypergrowth. Under him, Zoho adopted unique strategies in hiring and training talent from rural India, building world-class products entirely in-house, and choosing customer satisfaction over aggressive marketing.

Vembu has also championed rural development and tech decentralisation, setting up offices and training centres in non-urban areas. His move into AI R&D reflects a continued commitment to building indigenous, future-focused technologies grounded in long-term thinking and inclusive progress.