Global IT Giants Step Up Equity Bets in AI Startups

28 Oct 2026, 7:52 pm · 10h ago · 1 min read · The Economic Times

Major global information technology services companies are increasingly buying equity stakes in cutting-edge artificial intelligence startups to secure early technology access and bolster enterprise client offerings. Significant recent transactions include HCLTech's $150 million investment in Indian full-stack generative AI startup Sarvam, alongside global consultancy Accenture's direct backing of enterprise automation specialist Within. Rather than relying solely on vendor partnerships or internal research, enterprise IT service giants are deploying direct corporate venture capital to integrate domain-specific AI models, proprietary datasets, and specialized talent into their core outsourcing and digital transformation solution suites worldwide.