The last of Infosys’ founders, Kris Gopalakrishnan, has stepped down from the company’s board, marking the end of an era for the 33-year-old company started by seven engineers, which has grown into an $8.24-billion software exporter.
The occasion brought most of the founders together. NR Narayana Murthy, founder-chairman, said Infosys epitomised his belief in compassionate capitalism.
“We came from similar background but we developed unique specialisations within the company and gave space to everyone else,” Gopalakrishnan said.
Infosys’ story has inspired many first-time tech entrepreneurs in the country, said Nandan Nilekani. “Infosys has set new standards for middle-class people to become entrepreneurs, and created meritocracy,” he said.
About a non-founder, Vishal Sikka, taking over as CEO, SD Shibulal said “It is transition from one set of professionals to another.” Sikka himself said that “It is a moving experience.”
KV Kamath, who will soon take over as chairman of the Infosys board, said, “This is a historic moment in Indian business, which we will not see in future.”
“We leave with the satisfaction of taking this company from a market value of Rs 28.5 crore on listing in 1993 to Rs 200,000 crore today, a return of 6,50,000% over 21 years,” said Murthy.
{{/usCountry}}“We leave with the satisfaction of taking this company from a market value of Rs 28.5 crore on listing in 1993 to Rs 200,000 crore today, a return of 6,50,000% over 21 years,” said Murthy.
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