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Sridhar Vembu’s Vision: Zoho’s Foray into Eastern Uttar Pradesh as a Pathway to Rural Revitalization

Opinion

Business Honor
05 August, 2024

He emphasized Zoho's goal of establishing cutting-edge research and development (R&D) capabilities in every region it operates

Sridhar Vembu, CEO and co-founder of Zoho, announced on Monday that the Chennai-based SaaS giant will make a significant push into Eastern Uttar Pradesh this year. This move marks Zoho's first major foray into rural northern India, reflecting its ongoing commitment to expanding its footprint beyond traditional urban centers.

Vembu expressed his vision for the company on social media platform X, stating, "We are going into Eastern UP this year, our first significant rural action in the North. I wish we could have a meaningful presence everywhere. and maybe over the next 20 years we will get there. That is my dream.” He emphasized Zoho's goal of establishing cutting-edge research and development (R&D) capabilities in every region it operates, despite the inherent limitations compared to expanding manufacturing. The company recently launched an industrial park and R&D center in Kottarakara, Kerala, which focuses on AI and robotics and is expected to create approximately 1,000 jobs. Vembu highlighted the success of this model and its potential to combat the trend of young talent leaving India for opportunities abroad.

Zoho's rural strategy mirrors its earlier success in Tenkasi, Tamil Nadu, where it grew from a 10-person operation in 2011 to around 900 employees. Vembu's deep appreciation for India's diverse heritage and talent underscores Zoho's broader mission to harness local expertise across the country.