Freshworks Founder Girish Mathrubootham to Step Down as Executive Chairman in 2025

Freshworks founder Girish Mathrubootham will step down as executive chairman effective December 1, 2025, after a 15-year journey. Mathrubootham will focus on his venture capital firm Together Fund and AI startups. Lead independent director Ramesh Srinivasan will serve as the new chair. Freshworks is a Nasdaq-listed SaaS company with a global presence.

Freshworks Inc., a leading software-as-a-service (SaaS) company, announced that its founder and executive chairman, Rathna Girish Mathrubootham, will step down from his role effective December 1, 2025. Mathrubootham, who has been instrumental in the company's growth since its inception in 2010, will now focus on his venture capital firm, Together Fund, and AI startups.

The decision comes four years after Freshworks' successful IPO on the Nasdaq in 2021. Mathrubootham's departure signals a significant transition for the company, which is known for its CX and EX products, including Freshdesk, Freshchat, Freshsales, Freshmarketer, Freshservice, and Freddy AI Agent. The company's generative AI solutions enhance both customer and employee experiences.

Ramesh Srinivasan, the lead independent director, will serve as the new chairperson of the board, effective December 1, 2025. Freshworks disclosed the development in an 8-K filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Freshworks' stock has been trading on the Nasdaq since its IPO. As of September 2, 2025, the stock was valued at $13.01, down from $13.16 a year ago. The company's revenue for the second quarter of 2025 was $204.7 million, a 3.8% increase from the same period last year. Freshworks expects its revenue to range between $207 million and $210 million for the third quarter of 2025.

Mathrubootham's exit highlights the challenges founder-led companies face in evolving beyond their original architects. However, Freshworks' strong financial performance and market position suggest that the company is well-positioned for continued growth under new leadership.

References:
[1] https://www.linkedin.com/posts/girish1_fifteen-years-ago-i-started-freshworks-from-activity-7369485050024742915-StP5
[2] https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/FRESHWORKS-INC-127173267/
[3] https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/freshworks-founder-girish-mathrubootham-to-exit-firm-stepping-down-as-executive-chairman-4-years-after-ipo-13523063.html