Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu: “No Conspiracy” Behind Indian R&D Success in US
Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu addressed recent claims suggesting Indians were purposefully promoted in U.S. tech firms. He denied any conspiracy, instead attributing the phenomenon to structural incentives in America’s visa system.
Post on R&D & Team Stability
Vembu argued that research and development thrives when teams stay together over long periods. He said the H-1B visa system and lengthy green card process inadvertently discouraged job hopping, leading immigrants—many Indians—to remain with the same companies for years. This, he suggested, allowed them to build trust and secure internal promotions.
Why He Rejects “Conspiracy” Claims
He said: “There was no conspiracy to promote Indians — it was one consequence of the visa/green card system.” According to him, Indian tech firms often lose out on innovation not because of a lack of talent or funding, but due to high attrition and short project cycles. Vembu urged Indian companies to create environments that reward long-term commitment rather than chasing quick results.
Implications for Indian Tech
His views spotlight a long-standing challenge in India’s tech industry: talent retention. Many firms struggle with job switching, contract roles, and aggressive growth targets. Vembu’s call is for a culture shift—one that places patience and continuity at the core of research and development.
