Radha Vembu, the co-founder of Zoho Corporation, has been named India’s richest self-made woman, according to the Hurun India Rich List 2024. With an impressive net worth of $5.7 billion USD, she tops the list, ahead of other prominent entrepreneurs such as Falguni Nayar of Nykaa and Jayshree Ullal of Arista Networks.
The latest Hurun India Rich List highlights the wealth of India’s top self-made women, with Vembu leading the way. Her substantial wealth comes from her significant stake in Zoho Corporation, where she serves as the product manager for Zoho Mail and is also the director of the Corpus Foundation. Following her on the list is Falguni Nayar, the founder and CEO of Nykaa, with a net worth of $3.9 billion USD. Close behind is Jayshree Ullal, CEO of Arista Networks, who boasts a net worth of $3.9 billion USD.
The list also recognizes Neha Bansal, co-founder of Lenskart, as the youngest self-made woman entrepreneur. Bollywood actress Juhi Chawla, with a net worth of $550 million USD, also secured a spot on the list alongside her contemporary, Shah Rukh Khan, highlighting the diverse backgrounds of India’s wealthiest self-made individuals.
Radha Vembu’s rise to the top has been both quiet and extraordinary. Born in 1972 in Chennai into a middle-class family, she has always maintained a low profile, leading a simple life away from the public eye. Vembu completed her primary education at the National Higher Secondary School in Chennai before earning a degree in industrial management from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras. Since co-founding Zoho with her brother Sridhar Vembu in 1996, she has played a key role in building the company into one of the world’s leading business email providers.
In addition to her role at Zoho, Vembu is also involved with other ventures, including serving as a director at an agricultural NGO, Janaki Hi-Tech Agro Pvt. Ltd., and a real estate company. Her diverse portfolio of interests and her leadership skills have significantly contributed to her remarkable fortune.
The Hurun report also features other leading women, including Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, founder and executive chairperson of Biocon, and Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, showcasing the growing influence of women in India’s business landscape. This year’s list includes more than 300 Indian billionaires, with a noticeable increase in female representation.
Hurun, a research and luxury publishing group based in London, is renowned for its comprehensive analyses and rankings of global wealth. By highlighting successful entrepreneurs and their journeys, Hurun continues to shine a light on the dynamic individuals driving economic growth and innovation.