Former Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka launches AI startup Hang Ten

The new company aims to help enterprises accelerate AI adoption and unlock business value at scale, backed by leading investors and already working with global organisations across healthcare, energy and other sectors.

Former Infosys chief executive officer Vishal Sikka has unveiled Hang Ten Systems, a new artificial intelligence-focused company designed to help enterprises harness the full potential of AI and move beyond traditional approaches to digital transformation.

Announcing the venture on Wednesday, Sikka described the current AI revolution as a defining technological shift that is reshaping industries worldwide. He said the company has already begun collaborating with several major global enterprises, including healthcare provider Fresenius and energy technology company Siemens Energy, as organisations seek practical ways to integrate AI into business operations.

According to Sikka, the rapid advancement of AI presents an unprecedented opportunity for companies willing to embrace the technology strategically. Through Hang Ten Systems, he aims to help enterprises not only adopt AI tools but also develop new capabilities and business models that were previously difficult to achieve.

The company's name draws inspiration from the surfing expression “hang ten,” a term used when a surfer rides at the front of a board with all ten toes extending over the edge. Sikka said the concept reflects the idea of confidently navigating major waves of technological change rather than merely reacting to them.

Helping enterprises realise AI’s potential

Hang Ten Systems plans to focus on addressing one of the most significant challenges facing organisations today: translating AI's promise into measurable business outcomes.

While many companies have started experimenting with artificial intelligence, the level of success varies widely. Some organisations have managed to accelerate innovation, productivity and decision-making through AI, while others continue to struggle with implementation, governance and scaling challenges.

Sikka believes this divide represents one of the largest opportunities in the technology sector. He noted that AI can dramatically reduce the time required to solve complex problems and create new efficiencies across industries, but only when deployed effectively and aligned with business objectives.

The company intends to work closely with enterprises to bridge this gap by helping them integrate AI into critical processes and create long-term value from the technology.

Strong investor backing and expansion plans

The venture has attracted support from a group of prominent investors, including venture capital firm Mayfield and its managing partner Navin Chaddha. Additional backing comes from Aramco Ventures, the investment arm of Saudi Aramco, along with several Silicon Valley angel investors.

Sikka also announced that technology entrepreneur Jerry Yang will join the company's board, adding further industry expertise to the venture’s leadership team.

As Hang Ten Systems begins operations, the company is actively expanding its workforce and recruiting professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, engineering and enterprise transformation.

With businesses worldwide accelerating their AI investments, Hang Ten Systems is positioning itself as a partner for organisations seeking to move from experimentation to large-scale adoption, helping them navigate what Sikka describes as one of the most significant technological waves of the modern era.