“I have to ship some code,” says Zoho’s founder
In a move that has sparked both admiration and curiosity across the tech industry, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu announced that he is taking a temporary break from public and external engagements to focus entirely on his core technical work — specifically, a coding project he had fallen behind on.
The announcement came through a candid post on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on October 15, where Zoho Sridhar Vembu shared that he would step away from external meetings, interviews, and public appearances to dedicate time to “shipping code.”
“I have to ship some code I had committed to ship, and I have fallen behind,” he wrote. “I will take a break from external engagements after this week.”
Practising what he preaches
Known globally for his advocacy of deep technology and homegrown innovation, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu emphasized that this decision reflects his personal philosophy — to practice what he preaches.
“I cannot do both deep tech work (which I am preaching constantly about in my external engagements) and then only do the preaching and not practising it myself,” Vembu wrote in his statement. “That would contradict my dictum — ‘do not preach what you do not practise’ — and I am at the risk of only preaching and not practising.”
This statement has resonated widely within the Indian startup ecosystem, where Vembu is often seen as a rare example of a founder deeply connected to product development rather than just leadership and strategy.
Focus on Arattai and Vani projects
Insiders suggest that Zoho Sridhar Vembu is currently focusing his efforts on advancing two major projects — Arattai and Vani — both homegrown communication and collaboration platforms built under Zoho’s “Made in India, for the world” philosophy.
Vembu has been vocal about India’s need to build deep technological products that rival global competitors. His hands-on return to coding symbolizes that commitment — proving that true innovation often requires leaders to stay close to the craft that built their companies.
Praises for Indian innovation: MapMyIndia’s Mappls
In addition to his coding commitments, Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu recently took to social media to praise MapMyIndia’s Mappls navigation app — calling it a shining example of long-term indigenous R&D.
Sharing his thoughts on X on October 12, he wrote that Mappls represents “decades of R&D, much longer than Google Maps.” Vembu congratulated Rohan Verma and the MapMyIndia team for creating a robust “Swadeshi” mapping platform.
His comments came after India’s Minister for Electronics and IT, Ashwini Vaishnaw, showcased the Mappls app in a demonstration video that highlighted its 3D navigation, bridge visualization, and shop-locating capabilities.
Vembu’s appreciation aligns with his long-held belief that India must invest more in deep tech R&D rather than relying solely on imported technologies.
A leader grounded in simplicity
What makes Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu stand out is his simple, grounded lifestyle. Despite leading a billion-dollar SaaS empire with over 100 million users globally, Vembu resides in a small village in Tamil Nadu, where he promotes rural employment, education, and sustainable development.
By working directly on code and core product architecture, Zoho Sridhar Vembu continues to challenge conventional ideas about what it means to be a CEO in the modern tech world. For him, leadership is not about boardrooms and presentations — it’s about staying connected to the heart of creation.
Industry reactions and what’s next
Industry peers and tech enthusiasts have largely praised Vembu’s decision. Many see it as a refreshing reminder that technology leaders should remain technically engaged with their products.
Analysts also point out that Zoho’s approach — led by a founder who codes — is one of the reasons for the company’s consistent innovation and independence. Unlike most major software firms, Zoho has never taken external funding and continues to grow profitably, guided by its long-term vision rather than short-term investor pressure.
Though Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu did not specify when he will return to public engagements, his message makes one thing clear: true innovation demands focus, discipline, and a deep connection to the craft.
Conclusion: A true technologist at heart
In an era where many founders move away from hands-on product work, Zoho Sridhar Vembu’s return to coding stands as a powerful statement about leadership and authenticity. His choice to prioritize innovation over appearances reinforces his belief that building technology requires not just vision — but direct action.
As Zoho continues to expand globally, its founder’s humility and technical dedication remain a beacon for the next generation of Indian entrepreneurs striving to build meaningful, world-class products.
Stay updated on the latest in technology, startups, and innovation.
Visit Startup News for exclusive insights and breaking updates from the global tech ecosystem.
