'It is time to ride this wave': Ex-Infosys CEO Vishal Sikka launches AI startup Hang Ten Systems

Vishal Sikka, the former CEO of Infosys, has officially launched Hang Ten Systems, a groundbreaking startup dedicated to aiding businesses in the implementation and scaling of artificial intelligence technologies. Sikka sees AI as a pivotal force in the modern business landscape and highlighted that Hang Ten is already collaborating with significant global players such as Fresenius and Siemens Energy. In a post on social media platform X, Sikka likened the current surge in AI to a massive wave, stating, "When big waves appear, it’s time to surf." He emphasized that Hang Ten Systems aims to propel enterprises beyond traditional digital transformations, enabling them to harness AI's full potential. "We are committed to helping the world's leading companies ride the wave of AI, unlocking capabilities previously thought impossible," he expressed. The startup's name, 'Hang Ten', draws inspiration from a surfing term where a surfer positions all ten toes over the edge of the board, symbolizing mastery over technological advancements rather than mere adaptation. Backed by prominent investors including Mayfield, Aramco Ventures, and several angel investors from Silicon Valley, Sikka revealed that the venture capital firm Mayfield is led by his longtime friend Navin Chaddha. Additionally, Jerry Yang will also join the company's board, bringing valuable experience and insight. Sikka identified a critical opportunity within AI: bridging the divide between organizations that successfully implement AI and those that do not. He noted, "I have witnessed the remarkable benefits AI can provide to teams that understand how to leverage it effectively, achieving in minutes what could take others years of hard work. Yet, many organizations struggle to reap similar rewards and can inadvertently face setbacks due to poor execution." He believes this gap represents one of the most significant opportunities in the current technological era. To build Hang Ten, Sikka is assembling a team of experienced professionals and invites those interested in tackling complex business challenges through AI to join the initiative. "It’s time to ride this wave," he concluded, urging others to embrace the transformative power of artificial intelligence.