From Startup to SuperStar: Girish Mathrubootham's Billion-Dollar Vision

“I want all my employees to have BMWs”, says Girish Mathrubootham, the visionary Founder and CEO of Freshworks Inc. a pioneering helpdesk software company. Freshworks recently made history by being listed on NASDAQ, becoming the first Indian SaaS company to achieve a billion-dollar valuation and surpassing $10 billion. The company’s IPO, codenamed “Project SuperStar”, is just one of the many reasons I felt compelled to write about him.

Girish Mathrubootham hails from Trichy, Tamil Nadu, where he completed his schooling and undergraduate studies before earning an MBA from the University of Madras. In a bold move, he left a comfortable 12k salary job for a 5k salary, driven by passion—a decision that would eventually catapult him into the realm of successful entrepreneurship. What sets Girish apart is his democratic leadership and commitment to cultivating a family-like culture within his business. Remarkably, 75% of his employees are shareholders in Freshworks, a testament to his belief in the power of collective ownership. His strategic placement of the right people in the right roles boosts both productivity and efficiency, challenging the conventional corporate hierarchy. Some might call it impractical, but Girish has proven otherwise. He mentors aspiring entrepreneurs to distinguish between “well-wishers” and “well-informed persons” when making pivotal decisions.

But here’s what truly intrigues me: Girish is an ardent, unapologetic fan of Rajinikanth. When asked by a Chief Marketing Officer, “Who is the Superstar? Shar Rukh Khan or Rajinikanth?” Girish famously replied, “Shah Rukh Khan is a star; Rajinikanth is an emotion”. This resonated deeply with me. Girish has met Rajinikanth thrice, engaging in candid conversations about politics and expressing his support, albeit with the honesty of a true fan who didn’t want his idol to enter politics. His gutsiness is inspiring, especially in a world where many opt for flattery over truth.

Unlike many entrepreneurs who shy away from discussing their love for cinema to avoid the perception of procrastination, Girish openly embraces it. He shared how Rajinikanth’s dialogues have lifted him during challenging times. On October 1, 2010, after watching the first-day first show of “Enthiran: The Robot”, Girish resigned from his job to embark on his entrepreneurial journey. Eleven years of relentless hard work and dedication have turned Freshworks into a formidable and promising venture. The journey of Freshworks from a small startup to a billion-dollar company is a testament to Girish’s vision and perseverance. He emphasizes the importance of innovation and staying ahead of the curve in the fast-evolving tech landscape. Under his leadership, Freshworks has introduced several groundbreaking products that have revolutionized customer engagement and support. His ability to foresee market trends and adapt swiftly has been crucial in maintaining the company’s competitive edge.

In conclusion, Girish Mathrubootham’s story is not just about building a successful company; it’s about breaking stereotypes, taking bold risks, and staying true to one’s passions. His journey from a small town in Tamil Nadu to the heights of global recognition is a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and dreamers everywhere. Girish’s blend of business acumen and heartfelt passion for his interests serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about financial gain but also about creating a meaningful impact and staying grounded in one’s values. His story is a testament to the fact that dreams, when pursued with dedication and integrity, can indeed become reality.

For many including myself, Girish Mathrubootham symbolizes hope and aspiration. His journey reminds us that there’s no insurmountable craving and that with unwavering commitment to one’s goals, anything is possible.

Yours

Sanjith