Software Solutions Leader Zoho CEO Launches New Power Tools Venture ‘Karuvi’

Businesses diversifying from their original or dominant sector to enter new ones isn’t a new move.

From automakers entering apparel to smartphone manufacturers entering the EV market, diversification has helped many businesses boost their revenue, build new partnerships and enhance their own capabilities.

Most recently, we reported that logistics leader Ninja Van diversified its offerings with cold chain and B2B logistics.

Now, Indian multinational technology company and business software solutions leader Zoho Corporation’s CEO, Sridhar Vembu, has come with an announcement that’s set to propel his presence into yet another sector.

Zoho or Zoho Corporation, which is known for its Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions and products like Zoho Office Suite, ManageEngine, Qntrl, Trainer Central, Gofrugal and Zakya, was founded in 1996 by Sridhar Vembu and Tony Thomas and is now led by Vembu as CEO.

So, what did Zoho’s CEO reveal? Let’s explore!
 

What Did Zoho’s CEO Announce?

 

• Through a post on social media platform X, Zoho Corporation CEO Sridhar Vembu announced the incorporation of a new venture called Karuvi, which is the Tamil word for ‘instrument’ or ‘tool’.

• As per its website, Karuvi is a mechatronics company engaged in designing and developing consumer and industrial power tools and other mechanical systems, focusing on technology and automation.

• Having set up a small team of engineers around two years ago, Karuvi has created a set up power tools that are now ready for commercial production.

• The aim of the venture is to “build a slew of machine tools that are precise and equipped with the latest advances in motor technology, material science and electronics.”

• As of now, Karuvi will offer power tools, which includes rotary drills, hammers drills, impact drills, angle grinders, rotary hammers, demolition hammers, saws and drills bits and hooks.

• The venture plans to introduce hand tools, accessories and batteries soon.

• Overall, the brand’s products are designed to offer a blend of design aesthetics, functionality, quality, performance and ease of use at affordable prices.

 

What Did The Zoho CEO Say About The New Venture?

 

• Through a post on X (formerly Twitter), Sridhar Vembu, the CEO of Zoho Corporation, said, “A few years ago, during the pandemic, a Zoho customer and fan, Mr. Abdul Gafoor, who owns Mr. Light Global, a major own-brand distributor of electrical and electronics products in the Middle East (and now in India), came to see me in Tenkasi with a box full of hand held tools from his company. He told me he wanted Zoho to make these products and he would love to distribute them. I said we know nothing about it. He said this could create rural jobs. That is how he hooked me!”

• “Being crazy, we took up the challenge and set up a small engineering team. That was almost 2 years ago. A lot of designs and redesigns later, we have a suite of tools ready to start commercial production. The brand name is Karuvi, the Tamil word for instrument or tool.”

• “We are trying some innovative ideas in the factory being built in Tenkasi. A new adventure begins! Thank you, Mr. Gafoor, for pushing me on this! Thank you Cibi Anand for suggesting the name.”

Do you think other software solution companies should diversify into alternate industries? Do you think this move can help Zoho and Karuvi enter new markets?

Let us know in the comments below!