HCLTech is set to lead a major investment of around $300 million (about ₹2,800 crore) in Bengaluru-based AI startup Sarvam AI, marking one of its biggest moves into the artificial intelligence space.
The funding round is expected to value Sarvam AI at nearly $1.5 billion (about ₹12,000 crore), reflecting strong investor interest in AI companies focused on building large language models and enterprise tools.
As part of the deal, HCLTech is expected to invest around $150 million. Other investors, including Bessemer Venture Partners, are likely to contribute about $50 million, while the remaining amount will come from global funds such as Nvidia-linked investors, Prosperity7, Activate and Glade Brook Capital.
Sarvam AI focuses on developing AI systems designed for Indian languages and enterprise use cases. The company is part of a growing push to build local AI models that can compete in the global generative AI race while also serving India-specific needs.
The latest valuation represents a sharp jump from its earlier funding round, showing rising confidence in India’s AI ecosystem. The deal also stands out because it marks a major Indian IT services company directly leading a large AI startup investment, beyond its traditional outsourcing and services business.
Industry experts say this reflects a broader shift in the tech sector, where IT companies are increasingly investing in or partnering with AI startups to stay relevant in a fast-changing market.
If completed, the funding round will be one of the largest AI-focused investments in India so far, strengthening Sarvam AI’s position in the country’s emerging “sovereign AI” space.
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