Former Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka has launched a new artificial intelligence startup called Hang Ten Systems and raised $32 million in seed funding from investors led by Mayfield, with participation from Aramco Ventures and several angel investors. The launch marks Sikka’s latest attempt to reshape the enterprise technology landscape using AI after his previous venture, VianAI, focused on enterprise AI applications and analytics.
Hang Ten positions itself as an enterprise AI services company that aims to help organizations build, modify, and operate software using AI-driven development tools and automation. Unlike traditional IT services firms that depend heavily on large workforces, the company plans to use agentic AI systems, reusable skills libraries, and automated code generation to deliver software solutions faster and at lower costs.
Sikka announced the launch through a social media post, describing artificial intelligence as a transformational wave that businesses must learn to navigate. The startup’s name, Hang Ten, is inspired by surfing terminology, reflecting the company’s belief that enterprises should not merely adapt to AI but master it.
Hang Ten Targets a Market Facing AI Disruption:
The startup enters a rapidly changing IT services industry where companies are increasingly exploring how AI can automate software development, maintenance, and integration work. Traditional IT services firms have historically relied on large teams of engineers to manage enterprise technology projects. However, advances in generative AI have raised questions about whether much of that work can now be performed more efficiently through intelligent software systems.
According to Hang Ten, its platform combines AI-native development processes with experienced engineers to help organizations modernize technology operations. The company says it is already working with customers including Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and Fresenius on AI-driven project delivery initiatives.
Investors backing the venture believe the model could fundamentally alter how enterprise software services are delivered. Mayfield Managing Partner Navin Chaddha stated that traditional services companies typically scale in proportion to headcount, whereas Hang Ten’s AI-first approach is designed to generate greater leverage and efficiency as it grows.
Experienced Leadership Team and Global Expansion Plans:
Hang Ten has assembled a leadership team that includes several executives who previously worked alongside Sikka at SAP, Infosys, and VianAI. Key members include CTO Navin Budhiraja, Chief Design Officer Sanjay Rajagopalan, and Senior Vice President of Forward Deployed Engineering Tao Liu. The company has also attracted notable industry figures, including Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang, who serves on its board.
The startup currently operates with a small team but plans to use the new funding to expand engineering, sales, leadership, and delivery functions across multiple global locations. The capital will also support customer acquisition efforts and further development of its AI-powered enterprise platform.
Sikka’s reputation in the technology industry remains a significant attraction for investors. Before joining Infosys as its first non-founder CEO, he spent more than a decade at SAP and later served on Oracle’s board. His experience in enterprise software is viewed as a major advantage as AI increasingly becomes central to corporate technology strategies.
Investors See Growing Opportunity in Enterprise AI Services:
The launch of Hang Ten comes at a time when demand for enterprise AI solutions is accelerating globally. Organizations are seeking ways to improve efficiency, automate workflows, and reduce software development costs while adapting to the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Analysts estimate that AI-first services could become a multi-hundred-billion-dollar market by the end of the decade.
“Announced the launch of Hang Ten Systems and its mission to help enterprises embrace AI-driven software development.”~Vishal Sikka
“Announced its lead investment in Hang Ten’s $32 million seed round.”~Mayfield
“Participated in the funding round supporting enterprise AI innovation.”~Aramco Ventures
“Associated with Hang Ten as a board member supporting the company’s growth strategy.”~Jerry Yang
With fresh funding, a high-profile leadership team, and an ambitious vision, Hang Ten is entering one of the most competitive segments of the AI market. The company’s success could provide an early indication of how artificial intelligence will reshape the future of enterprise software services and the broader IT consulting industry.
