29 Apr, 2025
4 mins read
Infosys Ltd is one of India’s biggest success stories in the world of technology. From a modest start to becoming a global IT leader, Infosys’ history is packed with milestones, challenges, and innovation. Let’s take a closer look at how it all started, the ups and downs along the way, and what makes Infosys a true pioneer in the Indian IT industry.
Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. Headquartered in Bangalore, India, it operates in over 50 countries and serves clients across various industries, including banking, retail, manufacturing, and healthcare. The company has been instrumental in positioning India as a global outsourcing hub.
It offers services like IT consulting, software development, engineering services, and business process outsourcing. Infosys is also known for its strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and corporate governance.
So, who founded Infosys? It was established on July 2, 1981, by a group of seven engineers: N.R. Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, S. Gopalakrishnan, S.D. Shibulal, K. Dinesh, N.S. Raghavan and Ashok Arora. They started the company with just ₹10,000, which Narayana Murthy borrowed from his wife.
Back then, starting an IT company in India was a leap of faith. There was no startup ecosystem, and getting clients abroad was a major challenge. Yet, what started as a small software development firm grew into one of the most respected names in the global tech space.
Let’s walk through some of the major milestones in Infosys’ history:
1981: Infosys is founded in Pune.
1983: The company moved its headquarters to Bangalore.
1993: Infosys goes public in India.
1999: Infosys gets listed on the NASDAQ, becoming the first Indian company to do so.
2002: Nandan Nilekani becomes the CEO.
2011: Infosys crosses $6 billion in revenue.
2014: Vishal Sikka becomes the first non-founder CEO.
2017: Salil Parekh is appointed CEO and Managing Director.
2021: Infosys becomes a $100 billion company in market capitalisation.
These events have shaped the Infosys we see today—a powerhouse in IT and consulting.
Like any major company, Infosys has faced its share of hurdles. Some of the notable challenges faced by Infosys include:
Leadership transitions: The shift from founder-led to professional management saw internal and public scrutiny, especially during the exits of Vishal Sikka and the return of Nandan Nilekani in 2017.
Whistleblower complaints: In 2019, allegations were raised against senior executives for financial irregularities. Although the audit committees found no evidence of wrongdoing, it temporarily impacted investor confidence.
Fierce global competition: With players like TCS, Wipro, and Accenture, maintaining leadership in the IT sector hasn’t been easy.
Despite these challenges, Infosys has managed to sustain growth and trust, thanks to its strong values and governance framework.
Infosys has expanded its footprint through various acquisitions and investments. Here’s a quick list of subsidiaries of Infosys that support its core and emerging service areas:
EdgeVerve Systems Ltd – Offers automation and AI products.
Infosys BPM Ltd – Handles business process outsourcing services.
Infosys Public Services Inc – Focuses on healthcare and public sector clients in North America.
Infosys Consulting Holding AG – Provides management consulting services globally.
Infosys McCamish Systems – Specializes in insurance and financial services platforms.
Simplus - A Salesforce consulting and implementation firm.
WongDoody – A creative and customer experience agency based in the U.S.
These subsidiaries help Infosys stay competitive and cater to niche demands across various sectors.
Investors are often curious about Infosys’ share split and bonus history. Here’s a summary of the bonus and stock splits.
|
Split Year |
Split Ratio |
|---|---|
|
1997 |
2:1 |
|
1999 |
2:1 |
|
2000 |
2:1 |
|
2004 |
4:1 |
|
2006 |
2:1 |
|
2014 |
2:1 |
|
2015 |
2:1 |
|
2018 |
2:1 |
|
Bonus year |
Bonus Ratio |
|---|---|
|
1994 |
1:1 |
|
1997 |
1:1 |
|
1999 |
1:1 |
|
2004 |
3:1 |
|
2006 |
1:1 |
|
2014 |
1:1 |
|
2015 |
1:1 |
|
2018 |
1:1 |
These splits and bonuses have made Infosys shares more affordable and accessible to retail investors, increasing liquidity in the market.
Infosys has played a key role in putting India on the global tech map. Its focus on transparency, innovation, and employee welfare has made it a benchmark in the industry. Its legacy goes beyond profits, where it has built a strong culture of ethical business and social responsibility.
Many of Infosys’ founders have gone on to contribute significantly to India’s policy and educational space. For example, Nandan Nilekani played a crucial role in India’s Aadhaar project and public digital infrastructure.
The history of Infosys Ltd is more than just the story of a company. It’s a tale of grit, vision, and transformation. From a rented office space to becoming a global IT icon, Infosys continues to inspire entrepreneurs and professionals worldwide.
Through its journey, the company has overcome several hurdles, embraced change, and stayed true to its core values. With its strong leadership and future-ready approach, Infosys is poised to remain a major force in the digital age.
Infosys was founded by seven engineers: N.R. Narayana Murthy, Nandan Nilekani, S. Gopalakrishnan, S.D. Shibulal, K. Dinesh, N.S. Raghavan and Ashok Arora in 1981.
As of 2025, Salil Parekh is the CEO and Managing Director of Infosys.
Infosys is one of the first Indian companies to scale globally while upholding ethical standards and innovation. It also played a major role in developing India’s reputation as an IT outsourcing hub, making it a true pioneer in the industry.
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