“All In : Memoirs of the Freshworks Founder “ by Girish Mathrubootham (with Pankaj Mishra ) - Book Review
Sometimes, reading the same book across varied settings, moods, and cities reveals its subtle nuances and deeper layers of meaning. I was reading “All In : Memoirs of the Freshworks Founder “ by Girish Mathrubootham (with Pankaj Mishra) from a Manhattan apartment with a view overlooking the iconic Brooklyn Bridge, during a flight from New York to Dublin, through a prolonged wait at the Liffey Lounge in Dublin Airport before boarding another flight to Newcastle, again on a train journey from Sunderland to London, and finally during moments of cross-chapter reading in Oxford.
Each time I revisited this e-copy—indeed, I am among the privileged readers who received an author's advance copy before its official publication—I resonated deeply with Girish's narrative, albeit within a kind of alternate universe shaped by my own experiences. Being a Trichy boy myself, I clearly perceive the distinction between my experience as an RC Higher Secondary School student and the relative privilege afforded to Campion School attendees like Girish. While Campion was known for its English speaking polished infrastructure, disciplined environment, and clear pathways to prestigious careers, RC School offered a grounded, economically accessible education to a diverse student body, reflecting the broader social divide between the privileged and underprivileged in Trichy.
Unlike the Western notion of the middle class as a unified group, Tamil Nadu can distinctly recognise two clear strata—the lower middle class and the upper middle class. As I began reading the first chapter of "ALL IN," I initially perceived Girish as yet another privileged boy from an upper-middle-class, English newspaper-reading household, inevitably set on a clear path to success. However, my assumptions were swiftly upended by the closing pages of the first chapter, titled "Pambaram" (The Top), delivering a strikingly unexpected revelation that challenged my initial preconceptions.
I found myself returning repeatedly to the first chapter alone. Reflecting on my own childhood, if I could turn back the years, I, 'Karthi'—then a little boy from a lower-income family—would certainly have envied "Srikanth" for his seemingly privileged circumstances. That envy persisted only until the poignant realisation of what seven-year-old Srikanth endured, profoundly reshaping my understanding of his early life experiences.
As I continued reading, I felt an unexpected kinship form with the young boy, Srikanth—we were, in many ways, reflections of each other. He possessed what I lacked, and I held in abundance what he yearned for. Yet, now, we found ourselves on an even playing field. With envy replaced by empathy and a deeper understanding, I moved forward through the pages of "ALL IN," feeling a deep connection to his journey.
Although I have never worked directly for AdventNet, ManageEngine, or Zoho, my professional journey intersected with theirs through my roles at their partner companies in Sweden and Italy. I’ve come to know many individuals from that ecosystem—some in person, others through conversations, and quite a few via glowing word-of-mouth or mutual connections. As I read the book, I realised that many of the characters who appear—whether briefly or prominently—are people with whom I share, at the very least, a familiar name or a social media thread. That made reading the chapters detailing Girish’s Zoho years all the more engaging layered with recognition, recollection, and a sense of shared history that added a personal dimension to the narrative.
Some years ago, to support myself financially, I began teaching at the University of Oxford. Ever since stepping into the role of a tutor, I’ve found myself in a distinctly different space—one where teaching not only sharpened my thinking but steadily increased my confidence, particularly in my entrepreneurial journey. In many ways, I took the reverse path to Girish. In this book ALL IN, Girish recounts: “I typically began preparing just 48 hours before an exam. I’d gather a study group, teach them the material and break down complex concepts. Teaching didn’t just help my peers—it cemented my understanding, making even intricate ideas memorable.” That early habit of teaching wasn’t just an academic strategy—it revealed an instinct to share, support, and lead through knowledge. I believe it is this very quality that laid the foundation for the remarkable leader he eventually became.
There’s a thread of heartbreak and love woven through the narrative, alongside moments of deep nostalgia—especially resonant for those of us who came of age in the ’80s and later moved to Chennai (then Madras) from smaller towns. It transported me back to the early 2000s, stirring memories of that same cultural shift and emotional turbulence. One reflection, in particular, struck a chord: when you begin to feel too comfortable in a system, it’s often a sign that it’s time to move on—towards something bolder, with greater purpose and ambition.
As Girish transitions into the Freshdesk phase of his journey, the book takes on the energy and intensity of a Dragon’s Den or Shark Tank narrative. For someone like me—still searching for that elusive elevator moment in my own startup journey—these chapters were not just inspiring; they offered a powerful mirror, highlighting where I might be going wrong. While at first glance, they may seem tailored for those aspiring to build the next unicorn, the lessons embedded here speak to anyone striving for success in their career. There’s a wealth of between-the-lines insight—practical, strategic, and deeply reflective—waiting to be uncovered by any attentive reader.
Although there are still a few ‘missing pages’ for those who have followed Girish’s journey—particularly the later stages of Freshworks’ growth and challenges—I believe those are best reserved for his next book. As far as ALL IN is concerned, it delivers a complete and compelling experience. As a reader, I journeyed alongside Girish; as an entrepreneur, I learned from him; and as a fellow Trichy boy, I found myself deeply inspired. If I had the talent to write a screenplay, I truly believe that Girish’s story—or rather, the story of that little boy Srikanth—deserves to be told on the silver screen.
