HCLTech’s Software Arm to Acquire Belgian AI Firm Wobby

HCL Technologies has signalled its next strategic move in enterprise data and AI, with its software arm announcing an intent to acquire Belgium-based AI startup Wobby. But beyond the headline, what does this acquisition change for HCLTech’s data strategy, and why does it matter now?

What is HCLSoftware Buying with Wobby?

At a basic level, HCLSoftware is adding a specific capability to its portfolio rather than chasing size. Wobby builds AI data analyst agents that work directly with enterprise data warehouses, allowing users to ask questions in plain language and receive structured analytical outputs.

This addresses a common gap inside large organisations. While data systems are often mature and well governed, extracting answers can still involve multiple steps, specialist skills, or predefined dashboards. Wobby’s tools are designed to reduce that friction by letting business users engage with data more directly, without needing to understand its underlying structure.

Why Does the Deal Come at This Point?

Enterprise conversations around generative AI have become noticeably more grounded. After a wave of trials, many companies are now thinking if AI tools can be rolled out across teams without creating operational or compliance risks. There is demand for self-service analytics with AI-driven insights on a unified platform.

Concerns around reliability, oversight, and repeatability now feature more prominently than novelty. As a result, organisations are cautious about AI systems that sit outside their core data frameworks. Through this acquisition, HCL Software is tying AI-driven analytics closer to governed data environments, instead of offering them as standalone solutions.

This change mirrors how buyers now evaluate AI investments. The emphasis has shifted from what AI can do in isolation to how well it fits into everyday workflows across an organisation.

How Will Actian Use Wobby’s Technology?

The integration will be led by Actian, which anchors HCL Software’s data and AI offerings. Actian has seen steady uptake over recent years as enterprises invest more in metadata management, data catalogues, and governance to manage expanding data estates.

Wobby adds a more accessible interaction layer to this base. Its semantic architecture and agent-led design aim to help non-technical users work with governed data while relying on the same underlying controls. HCLSoftware expects this to enhance Actian’s data intelligence and knowledge graph capabilities, particularly for self-service analytics.

How Does This Fit into HCLTech’s Broader Strategy?

The Wobby deal comes just days after HCLTech announced an agreement to acquire the telco solutions business of Hewlett Packard Enterprise for $160 million. The two transactions are unrelated in scope, but their timing has drawn attention.

People tracking HCLTech’s recent moves say the company has been using acquisitions selectively, picking up smaller businesses that add specific capabilities rather than attempting large consolidations. In this case, Wobby brings AI-led analytics into the software portfolio, while the HPE transaction adds scale in the telecom services segment.

Taken together, the deals indicate where recent investment activity has been directed, even as the company continues to focus on its core enterprise clients.

Market reaction to the announcement was steady. Shares of HCL Technologies ended marginally higher on the Bombay Stock Exchange on December 22, closing in the ₹1,665 to ₹1,670 range. The Wobby transaction is expected to be completed by February 2026, after which attention is likely to shift to execution and client adoption.

Sources

CNBC TV 18
Business Today
Moneycontrol