TITLE: HCLSoftware to acquire Belgium AI startup Wobby

HCLSoftware Announces Acquisition of Wobby

HCLSoftware, a division of global IT services company HCL Technologies, has agreed to acquire Wobby, an early-stage startup based in Belgium that develops agentic AI tools for data analysis in warehouses. The deal, valued at $5.24 million according to updated PitchBook data, aims to bolster HCLSoftware's offerings in artificial intelligence and data governance. Terms beyond the valuation were not disclosed, and the transaction is expected to close by February.

The acquisition comes amid rising demand for advanced data management solutions, particularly in metadata handling, data cataloging and governance. HCLSoftware's data and AI division, known as Actian, identified this trend as a key driver for the purchase. By integrating Wobby's technology, the company plans to enable customers to derive rapid and precise business insights directly from raw data through interactive AI agents.

In a statement released on December 23, HCLSoftware emphasized that the addition of AI data analyst capabilities will facilitate natural-language interactions with data. This setup is designed to support self-service analytics on a unified, governed semantic layer, incorporating large language models for context-aware insights. The move is positioned to lay the groundwork for scaling generative AI initiatives securely.

Wobby's Technology and Founding

Wobby, established in 2023, specializes in agentic AI agents that function as data analysts. These tools allow users to query intricate datasets using everyday language, generating instant insights without requiring technical expertise in coding or database management. The platform interprets business contexts, automates multifaceted workflows and scales analytical outputs to meet enterprise needs.

Beyond basic querying, Wobby's agents are built to evolve toward proactive analytics. This means they can automatically share insights, anticipating user needs rather than solely responding to prompts. Such features represent a shift in business intelligence practices, moving from reactive reporting to forward-looking data utilization.

The startup's focus on agentic AI—systems that act autonomously to achieve goals—aligns with broader industry trends toward automation in data-heavy sectors like finance, healthcare and manufacturing. Wobby's natural language interface lowers barriers for non-specialists, potentially democratizing access to data-driven decision-making.

Executive Perspectives

Marc Potter, CEO of Actian and portfolio general manager for HCLSoftware's data and AI division, highlighted the strategic fit in the announcement. "With Wobby, Actian provides large language model-powered natural-language analytics on a unified, governed semantic layer, enabling self-service analytics that deliver context-rich, accurate insights and a foundation for scaling GenAI initiatives with confidence," Potter stated.

Amra Dorjbayar, CEO and co-founder of Wobby, described the acquisition as a pivotal moment for the company's vision. "Wobby is reinventing how teams do business intelligence by building AI agents that not only answer questions but also are evolving toward proactive analytics by sharing automated insights," Dorjbayar said.

Broader Implications for HCLSoftware and the AI Sector

HCL Technologies, listed on the National Stock Exchange of India under HCLTECH, operates HCLSoftware as a key arm focused on software products and services. The division's Actian unit has been expanding its portfolio to address enterprise challenges in data integration and analytics. This acquisition follows a pattern of investments in AI to stay competitive in a market projected to grow significantly, with global AI spending expected to exceed $200 billion by 2025 according to industry analysts.

For Wobby, the deal provides resources to accelerate development and reach a wider customer base through HCLSoftware's established global network. It also underscores the appeal of European startups in the AI space, where Belgium has emerged as a hub for innovative tech firms benefiting from EU funding and regulatory support.

The integration of Wobby's agents into Actian's ecosystem could enhance HCLSoftware's position against rivals like IBM, Oracle and Snowflake, which offer similar data platforms. As companies grapple with data silos and the need for AI governance, such acquisitions signal a consolidation trend in the sector, prioritizing technologies that ensure compliance and accuracy in AI outputs.

No immediate changes to operations or staffing at Wobby were mentioned, though post-acquisition synergies are anticipated to drive innovation in generative AI applications for business intelligence.