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Founder Playbook

Infosys ex-chief's new startup raises $32M to challenge IT services

Vishal Sikka, former CEO of Infosys, has launched Hang Ten Systems, a new startup that secured $32 million in seed funding and is already working with Siemens Gamesa and Fresenius.

MK
Marek Kowalski

June 25, 2026 · 3 min read

An advanced AI system building software architecture, symbolizing the disruption of traditional IT services by Vishal Sikka's new startup.

Vishal Sikka, former CEO of Infosys, has launched Hang Ten Systems, a new startup that secured $32 million in seed funding and is already working with Siemens Gamesa and Fresenius. A rapid shift in enterprise software development, directly challenging traditional IT services models by 2026, is signaled by the immediate traction for an AI-native software delivery model.

The traditional IT services model relies on extensive human effort and incremental improvements. Hang Ten Systems, however, demonstrates that artificial intelligence can deliver complex enterprise software projects from day one. AI's immediate enterprise readiness is proven by this capability attracting significant investment and major clients.

Hang Ten Systems' rapid rise and early success suggest the IT services industry faces a fundamental transformation. AI-native approaches are poised to redefine efficiency and delivery, potentially marginalizing legacy service providers who fail to adapt.

What Hang Ten Systems Does

Hang Ten Systems leverages artificial intelligence to automate core software delivery functions, a direct departure from traditional models. Its AI-native approach provides a comprehensive, AI-driven solution for the entire software lifecycle. This move beyond human-centric IT services implies a future where enterprise software development cycles are drastically compressed and less prone to human error, fundamentally altering project timelines and resource allocation.

Who is Funding the Former Infosys Chief's New Venture?

Hang Ten Systems' $32 million seed round was led by Mayfield, as reported by TechCrunch. Additional participants included Aramco Ventures and various angel investors, according to Crypto Briefing. This diverse mix of institutional and private capital validates the market's conviction in the startup's potential and Vishal Sikka's leadership. Such significant early investment from varied sources implies a collective belief that AI-native software delivery is not just a niche innovation, but a scalable solution ready for widespread enterprise adoption.

How Hang Ten Systems' AI Transforms Software Delivery

Hang Ten Systems' AI enables enterprises to continuously build, modify, and operate software, according to TechCrunch. This AI-driven, continuous lifecycle management fundamentally departs from conventional project-based or maintenance-heavy IT service models. The implication is a shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive, iterative development, where software evolves dynamically to meet business needs, reducing the total cost of ownership and accelerating innovation cycles.

Early Client Adoption Signals Market Shift

Hang Ten Systems is already working with major enterprise clients, including Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, according to Inc42. Fresenius also utilizes Hang Ten Systems for its AI-native project delivery. Securing such established companies at a seed stage confirms the immediate demand for AI-native project delivery and validates Hang Ten's execution capabilities. A fundamental re-evaluation of critical software needs by enterprises, moving away from traditional, human-intensive models towards automated, AI-driven solutions, is signaled by this early adoption across diverse industries. It implies that the perceived risks of adopting nascent AI technologies are outweighed by the promise of efficiency and speed, suggesting a pragmatic shift in corporate technology strategy. This rapid client acquisition further positions Hang Ten Systems as a credible disruptor, not merely an experimental venture.

What distinguishes AI-native project delivery from traditional IT services?

AI-native project delivery, exemplified by Hang Ten Systems, automates the continuous building, modification, and operation of software. Traditional IT services, in contrast, depend on human capital, distinct project phases, and manual oversight. This fundamental difference implies a shift from linear, resource-intensive projects to dynamic, self-optimizing software ecosystems. The AI-native model promises not just efficiency gains, but a paradigm where software evolves autonomously, freeing human teams to focus on strategic innovation rather than operational maintenance.

How does Vishal Sikka's background influence Hang Ten Systems' early success?

Vishal Sikka's background as former CEO of Infosys provides significant credibility and a deep understanding of the enterprise IT services market. This experience likely facilitated the rapid securing of a $32 million seed round from investors like Mayfield and early client commitments from major companies such as Siemens Gamesa and Fresenius. His established reputation builds trust in a new, unproven technological model, accelerating its market acceptance.

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StartupsVenture CapitalArtificial IntelligenceIt ServicesVishal SikkaInfosysEnterprise Software
MK

Marek Kowalski

Contributing Editor

A former startup CTO, Marek Kowalski writes about the technical and product challenges of building a company from zero to one, blending engineering pragmatism with strategic product thinking.

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