In the world of tech entrepreneurship, few stories are as inspiring as that of Girish Mathrubootham, the visionary founder of Freshworks. As Mathrubootham steps down from his role as CEO, we look back at the remarkable journey that transformed a small Chennai startup into a global SaaS powerhouse.
Humble Beginnings in Chennai
In 2010, Mathrubootham planted the seeds of what would become Freshworks in Chennai, India. Armed with a vision to create easy-to-use, affordable business software, he set out to disrupt the established SaaS market.
Building a Global Tech Giant
Under Mathrubootham’s leadership, Freshworks experienced exponential growth. What started as a small team in Chennai blossomed into a global operation serving over 67,000 customers worldwide. The company now boasts a workforce of approximately 4,900 employees spread across 13 locations, a testament to Mathrubootham’s ability to scale while maintaining a strong company culture.
Milestone Moments
Freshworks’ journey is punctuated by several landmark achievements, none more significant than its 2021 IPO on Nasdaq. This historic event marked Freshworks as the first India-born SaaS company to list on a US stock exchange, putting both the company and India’s tech ecosystem in the global spotlight.
A Leader’s Legacy
Mathrubootham’s impact extends far beyond Freshworks’ balance sheet. His leadership style, characterized by vision, passion, and a deep commitment to innovation, has inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs in India and beyond. He has shown that with the right idea and execution, it’s possible to build a world-class tech company from anywhere in the world.
Passing the Torch
As Mathrubootham transitions to the role of Executive Chairman, he hands over the CEO reins to Dennis Woodside, a seasoned tech executive with experience at giants like Google and Dropbox. This move signals Freshworks’ readiness for its next phase of growth and Mathrubootham’s confidence in the strong foundation he has built.
Looking to the Future
While stepping down as CEO, Mathrubootham remains deeply committed to Freshworks’ future. In his new role, he will focus on long-term product vision, AI strategy, and strengthening Freshworks’ presence in India. His emotional connection to the company he fondly calls his “baby” remains strong, even as he embraces new challenges and opportunities.
A Story of Perseverance and Innovation
Girish Mathrubootham’s journey with Freshworks is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with vision, determination, and the right team. From a startup in Chennai to a global SaaS leader, Freshworks’ story under Mathrubootham’s guidance serves as an inspiration to entrepreneurs worldwide.
As Freshworks enters its next chapter, Mathrubootham’s legacy continues to shape the company and the broader tech landscape. His story is not just about building a successful company, but about dreaming big, overcoming challenges, and creating lasting impact in the world of technology.
Pocket FM: How an Audio Entertainment Startup is Building a Global Business
Pocket FM, an audio entertainment startup, has been on a remarkable journey, transforming the way people consume content. Founded in 2018 by Rohan Nayak, Nishanth Srinivas, and Prateek Dixit, the company has carved out a unique niche in the audio entertainment space.
Finding a Scalable Niche
Rohan’s inspiration for Pocket FM came during his long metro rides from Gurugram to Noida, where he found himself consuming a lot of audio content. Recognizing the potential for innovation in audio storytelling, he teamed up with his IIT Kharagpur batchmate Nishanth and his colleague Prateek to bring their vision to life.
The early days were challenging, as the team experimented with different business models, including a podcast platform. However, they soon realized that podcasts lacked the pull factor to draw listeners daily. That’s when they hit upon the idea of reimagining television series for audio, creating engaging, episodic fiction content.
Launching Standout Audio Properties
Pocket FM’s focus on quality audio content and a “freemium” model, where users can access two free episodes per day and pay for additional content, has been a key driver of its success. The platform has built a strong community of over 250,000 writers, with top writers earning between $25,000 and $50,000 per month.
The startup’s standout audio properties, such as “Saving Nora” and “Insta Millionaire,” have been instrumental in its growth. These shows have generated millions in revenue and billions of plays, showcasing the platform’s ability to create engaging, IP-driven content.
Expansion and Diversification
Pocket FM’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. The platform has expanded beyond India, entering the US market in November 2022. The startup is also eyeing further international expansion, with plans to enter markets like Germany, Brazil, and the UK.
In addition to its horizontal growth, Pocket FM is also diversifying its offerings. In February 2024, the company launched Pocket Novel, an online reading platform that connects Indian writers and readers. This move aligns with Pocket FM’s vision to build a new-age entertainment platform that leverages technology to offer high-quality content.
Funding and Future Roadmap
Pocket FM’s success has not gone unnoticed. In 2021, the company raised a $5.6 million Series A round led by Tencent Holdings. More recently, in November 2023, the startup was finalizing an $80 million-plus funding round led by Lightspeed.
With a strong foundation, a growing community of creators, and ambitious expansion plans, Pocket FM is poised to continue its remarkable journey, redefining the audio entertainment landscape both in India and globally.
