In 1981, Narayana Murthy and six of his friends set out to create a tech company with an initial investment of just $250 — a sum contributed by Murthy’s wife, Sudha Murthy. What began in a one-bedroom apartment in Pune, India, with limited resources, soon grew into one of the world’s largest IT services companies. Despite the minimal capital and challenging environment, the company was built on a vision of delivering high-quality software services, propelling the founders to success.

Despite its promising start, Infosys faced significant challenges in the first decade. The team struggled with bureaucracy, archaic laws, and a lack of infrastructure in India. Data communication lines and phone lines were hard to set up, and it took years to process applications for essential technology. In 1990, the company was offered a buyout, which Murthy considered. However, Murthy’s commitment to his dream and the unwavering support of his wife led to a pivotal decision not to sell out. Their perseverance during tough times was crucial to the company’s eventual success.

Infosys experienced a massive transformation after India's liberalization in 1991, led by then-finance minister Manmohan Singh. The new policies—tax holidays, export subsidies, and the ability to import duty-free hardware—created the ideal environment for companies like Infosys to thrive. Murthy recognized that entrepreneurship, supported by incentives, could create jobs and alleviate poverty. The company also became the first IT firm from India to be listed on NASDAQ in 1999, further solidifying its global standing.

Murthy’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and employee welfare played a crucial role in Infosys’s success. He introduced stock options to employees, making many of them millionaires. The company’s unique culture fostered loyalty and teamwork, ensuring that it remained a leader in the global IT sector. Infosys’s strong ethical foundation, built on values of honesty, decency, and hard work, allowed it to navigate challenges while maintaining growth.

Today, Infosys stands as a $19.11 billion company, employing over 323,000 people globally. The company’s journey from a small startup to an IT giant is a story of resilience, vision, and hard work. Narayana Murthy’s leadership has not only transformed Infosys into a global powerhouse but has also inspired millions of entrepreneurs worldwide. The success of Infosys exemplifies how combining innovation with strong ethical values can create enduring business success.

Today, Infosys is a global powerhouse in the IT services industry, valued at over $19 billion. The company's journey from a small startup to a multi-billion-dollar enterprise is a testament to Murthy’s vision, leadership, and resilience. Infosys continues to innovate, expanding its services in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital transformation. Narayana Murthy’s legacy endures not only in the success of Infosys but also in the countless entrepreneurs he has inspired across the world.