Vishal Sikka launches Hang Ten Systems to automate IT services with AI

Vishal Sikka, the former CEO of Indian IT giant Infosys, is launching a new venture that positions artificial intelligence as a direct alternative to human-driven IT services. Hang Ten Systems, his startup, closed a $32 million seed round led by Mayfield Ventures with backing from Aramco Ventures and angel investors.

The company describes itself as an "AI-native" enterprise services firm focused on automating software development, modification, and operations. Yahoo co-founder Jerry Yang sits on its board. Early customers include Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and Fresenius, according to the announcement.

The case against traditional outsourcing#

For decades, IT services firms have generated billions by helping enterprises customize, integrate, and maintain software. Hang Ten challenges this model by suggesting AI-driven development and automation can perform much of that work faster and at different economics.

Mayfield framed the advantage as a function of scalability: "Traditional services scale linearly with headcount. Hang Ten is built so its leverage grows with every project."

Existing players adapt#

The launch arrives as major IT services firms—including Infosys itself—race to position AI as an opportunity rather than a threat. Infosys chairman Nandan Nilekani recently argued the technology could expand the industry's addressable market to $300–$400 billion by 2030, while industry analysts at Jefferies have flagged IT services as "the first real example of AI disruption."

Infosys has already partnered with Anthropic and OpenAI to develop AI agents for enterprise use.

Sikka's track record#

Sikka brings deep domain expertise to the venture. He spent 12 years building enterprise software at SAP, later served as an Oracle board member, and previously founded VianAI, which raised $50 million in seed funding in 2019 and $140 million in 2021 from SoftBank Vision Fund 2.

Mayfield described Hang Ten as distinct from VianAI—the earlier venture focused on AI analytics and decision-making tools, while Hang Ten targets agentic code generation and enterprise service delivery.

The startup is hiring across engineering, delivery, and sales, with plans to expand globally from its Bay Area headquarters.