Vishal Sikka Says He Has No Regrets Over Missing Early OpenAI Investment

Tech industry veteran Vishal Sikka has said he does not regret the decision not to pursue a major early investment in OpenAI, even as the AI firm has grown into one of the world’s most influential technology companies. Sikka addressed reports that Infosys had once explored backing OpenAI around 2015, when he was serving as CEO of the IT services giant. At the time, OpenAI was still in its infancy and structured as a non-profit research organisation focused on advancing artificial intelligence research.

Reflecting on the episode, Sikka made it clear that he holds no second thoughts about the outcome. He suggested that decisions must be viewed in the context of the time they were made, rather than through the lens of hindsight. According to him, corporate strategy involves weighing risk, governance considerations and long-term priorities, all of which shape investment outcomes.

While Infosys did contribute a modest amount to OpenAI’s early efforts, it did not take a significant equity stake. In the years since, OpenAI has emerged as a dominant force in generative AI, particularly following the global success of ChatGPT and other AI-driven tools. The company’s meteoric rise has sparked discussion about missed investment opportunities among global technology firms.

However, Sikka emphasised that the broader focus should remain on how artificial intelligence can be responsibly developed and deployed. He underscored the importance of building AI literacy, encouraging enterprise adoption and ensuring that innovation benefits society at large. Rather than dwelling on what might have been, he called for a forward-looking approach that prioritises capability building and inclusive growth. 

Now the founder and CEO of AI company Vianai Systems, Sikka continues to advocate for the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in reshaping industries. His remarks highlighted the unpredictable nature of technological breakthroughs and the importance of strategic clarity in an evolving digital landscape.