Girish Mathrubootham, the visionary founder of Freshworks, will step down as executive chairman and retire from the company’s board effective December 1, 2025, marking the end of a remarkable 15-year journey that transformed a Chennai-based startup into a global, Nasdaq-listed SaaS powerhouse. This planned transition represents one of the most significant leadership changes in India’s technology sector this year.
The announcement, made on September 4, 2025, confirmed that Mathrubootham will retire from all executive and board roles at the company he co-founded in 2010. His departure is not the result of any disagreement with company operations or governance, but rather part of a carefully orchestrated succession plan that began when he transitioned from CEO to executive chairman in 2024. Roxanne Austin, currently serving as lead independent director, will assume the role of chairperson when Mathrubootham officially steps down.
Mathrubootham’s decision to exit Freshworks stems from his desire to focus entirely on Together Fund, the operator-led, AI-first venture capital fund he co-founded in 2021. The fund, which manages over $200 million in assets, represents his next chapter in fostering innovation within the startup ecosystem. “Together Fund is my startup now, will watch Freshworks grow as a shareholder,” Mathrubootham stated in a recent interview, emphasizing his continued commitment to the company as an investor rather than an operator.
Under Mathrubootham’s leadership, Freshworks evolved from a small customer support software company into a comprehensive business software suite serving thousands of customers worldwide. The company achieved significant milestones including its successful IPO in 2021 and reaching over $800 million in annual revenues. His tenure was marked by a strong emphasis on building a people-centric culture and establishing professional management structures that could sustain the company’s growth trajectory.
The leadership transition comes at a time when Freshworks is experiencing robust growth under CEO Dennis Woodside, particularly in AI-driven initiatives that align with current market demands. The company’s board will be streamlined as part of this transition, with established processes ensuring continuity in operations and strategic direction. Mathrubootham will remain a significant shareholder in Freshworks but has indicated no immediate plans to reduce his stake in the company.
This departure signifies more than just a corporate leadership change; it represents a generational shift in Indian SaaS leadership. Mathrubootham’s journey from entrepreneur to venture capitalist reflects a broader trend of successful founders transitioning to roles where they can nurture the next wave of startups. As he prepares to watch Freshworks continue its growth trajectory from the sidelines, his focus shifts to identifying and supporting the next generation of technology entrepreneurs through Together Fund, ensuring his impact on India’s startup ecosystem continues well beyond his direct operational involvement at Freshworks.
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