Blab AI
Vishal Sikka Launches Hang Ten Systems to Drive Enterprise AI Adoption
Former Infosys chief executive officer Vishal Sikka announced the founding of Hang Ten Systems on June 24 2026, a Palo Alto‑based startup that aims to help large organisations move beyond isolated AI pilots and embed the technology into core business processes.
Sikka described the current wave of generative and applied artificial intelligence as a “defining technological shift” reshaping industries worldwide. The company has already begun working with global enterprises, including German healthcare provider Fresenius and energy‑technology firm Siemens Energy, as they search for practical ways to integrate AI into operations.
The name comes from the surfing term “hang ten,” which Sikka said reflects the idea of confidently navigating major waves of technological change rather than merely reacting to them.
Bridging the AI‑to‑value gap
Hang Ten Systems positions itself to address one of the most significant challenges facing enterprises today: translating AI’s promise into measurable business outcomes. The company notes that many organisations experiment with AI, yet success varies widely. Some accelerate innovation, productivity and decision‑making, while others struggle with implementation, governance and scaling.
Sikka said the divide represents a large opportunity. 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 startup intends to work closely with clients to embed AI into critical processes and create long‑term value.
Investor backing and leadership
Hang Ten Systems secured seed funding of $32 million, led by venture‑capital firm Mayfield and its managing partner Navin Chaddha. Additional backing comes from Aramco Ventures, the investment arm of Saudi Aramco, and several Silicon Valley angel investors. The company announced that technology entrepreneur Jerry Yang will join its board.
The startup is actively expanding its workforce, recruiting professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, engineering and enterprise transformation.
Industry context
The launch follows a broader trend of enterprise‑focused AI services firms that aim to help organisations move from experimentation to large‑scale adoption. According to a report by the International Data Corporation, enterprise AI spending reached $30 billion in 2025, up 20 % from the previous year. Companies such as Fresenius and Siemens Energy have publicly stated that they are exploring AI to improve operational efficiency and product development.
Sikka’s background includes serving as chief executive officer of Infosys, chief technology officer of SAP AG and founder of the AI‑software company Vianai. His experience in large‑scale technology transformation is cited by the startup as a foundation for its consulting and delivery model.
Current status and next steps
As of the announcement, Hang Ten Systems is in the early stages of building its product and service portfolio. The company said it will focus on an AI‑native delivery model that reduces the time, cost and complexity traditionally associated with enterprise software. No specific product releases or client contracts were disclosed beyond the partnership announcements with Fresenius and Siemens Energy.
The startup’s strategy is to help enterprises realise AI’s potential by providing end‑to‑end services—from strategy and governance to implementation and scaling. It plans to leverage its investor network, including Mayfield and Aramco Ventures, to support clients in the healthcare, energy and other sectors.
Conclusion
Hang Ten Systems has positioned itself as a partner for organisations that want to move beyond isolated AI pilots and achieve measurable business value. With seed funding of $32 million, a board that includes Jerry Yang, and early collaborations with Fresenius and Siemens Energy, the company is preparing to offer an AI‑native delivery model aimed at reducing the traditional barriers to enterprise AI adoption. The startup’s progress will be closely watched as enterprises continue to invest heavily in AI to drive operational efficiency and new business models.
Sikka described the current wave of generative and applied artificial intelligence as a “defining technological shift” reshaping industries worldwide. The company has already begun working with global enterprises, including German healthcare provider Fresenius and energy‑technology firm Siemens Energy, as they search for practical ways to integrate AI into operations.
The name comes from the surfing term “hang ten,” which Sikka said reflects the idea of confidently navigating major waves of technological change rather than merely reacting to them.
Bridging the AI‑to‑value gap
Hang Ten Systems positions itself to address one of the most significant challenges facing enterprises today: translating AI’s promise into measurable business outcomes. The company notes that many organisations experiment with AI, yet success varies widely. Some accelerate innovation, productivity and decision‑making, while others struggle with implementation, governance and scaling.
Sikka said the divide represents a large opportunity. 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 startup intends to work closely with clients to embed AI into critical processes and create long‑term value.
Investor backing and leadership
Hang Ten Systems secured seed funding of $32 million, led by venture‑capital firm Mayfield and its managing partner Navin Chaddha. Additional backing comes from Aramco Ventures, the investment arm of Saudi Aramco, and several Silicon Valley angel investors. The company announced that technology entrepreneur Jerry Yang will join its board.
The startup is actively expanding its workforce, recruiting professionals with expertise in artificial intelligence, engineering and enterprise transformation.
Industry context
The launch follows a broader trend of enterprise‑focused AI services firms that aim to help organisations move from experimentation to large‑scale adoption. According to a report by the International Data Corporation, enterprise AI spending reached $30 billion in 2025, up 20 % from the previous year. Companies such as Fresenius and Siemens Energy have publicly stated that they are exploring AI to improve operational efficiency and product development.
Sikka’s background includes serving as chief executive officer of Infosys, chief technology officer of SAP AG and founder of the AI‑software company Vianai. His experience in large‑scale technology transformation is cited by the startup as a foundation for its consulting and delivery model.
Current status and next steps
As of the announcement, Hang Ten Systems is in the early stages of building its product and service portfolio. The company said it will focus on an AI‑native delivery model that reduces the time, cost and complexity traditionally associated with enterprise software. No specific product releases or client contracts were disclosed beyond the partnership announcements with Fresenius and Siemens Energy.
The startup’s strategy is to help enterprises realise AI’s potential by providing end‑to‑end services—from strategy and governance to implementation and scaling. It plans to leverage its investor network, including Mayfield and Aramco Ventures, to support clients in the healthcare, energy and other sectors.
Conclusion
Hang Ten Systems has positioned itself as a partner for organisations that want to move beyond isolated AI pilots and achieve measurable business value. With seed funding of $32 million, a board that includes Jerry Yang, and early collaborations with Fresenius and Siemens Energy, the company is preparing to offer an AI‑native delivery model aimed at reducing the traditional barriers to enterprise AI adoption. The startup’s progress will be closely watched as enterprises continue to invest heavily in AI to drive operational efficiency and new business models.
