Girish Mathrubootham, the co-founder of Freshworks, announced his decision to step down as Executive Chairman to focus on his venture capital firm, Together Fund.
Why it matters: Mathrubootham’s departure marks a significant transition for Freshworks, one of India’s most prominent SaaS companies, just four years after its successful IPO in the US.
The details:
- Mathrubootham founded Freshworks in 2010 and led the company to rapid growth and a successful public listing.
- He will step down effective December 1, 2025, and work with Roxanne Austin, Lead Independent Director, to facilitate a smooth transition of Board leadership.
- Mathrubootham’s resignation was not due to any disagreements related to the company’s operations, policies, or practices.
- He will devote his time to Together Fund, which focuses on investing in early-stage startups, providing mentorship, and fostering innovation.
What they’re saying:
- “The journey with Freshworks has been incredibly fulfilling, but it’s time for me to focus on nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs through Together Fund,” Mathrubootham stated.
- In September 2024, when stepping down as CEO, Mathrubootham had said, “I’m excited about this transition because I have always believed in optimizing for people to play to their strengths. I’m a product manager at heart, and with AI being transformative across the industry, I think this is the right time for Freshworks to undergo this transition.”
The background: Mathrubootham, a former executive of Zoho, started Freshworks in 2010 and led the company to its Nasdaq listing in 2021. He has been instrumental in building and mentoring the next generation of SaaS startups in Chennai through initiatives such as SaasBoomi and the Together Fund.
What’s next: Under CEO Dennis Woodside, Freshworks has been thriving, recently raising its full-year 2025 revenue and profit forecast following strong quarterly results. The company faces a significant leadership change while continuing its growth trajectory.