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Indian Entrepreneurs Reshape Businesses as AI Investment Accelerates
A survey says that almost all Indian entrepreneurs are changing their businesses because of artificial intelligence.
Many of them plan to spend a large part of their business income on AI.
They think AI could help them compete, find new markets and make workers more productive.
Some believe AI will lead to more jobs, while others expect fewer jobs.
Business owners are worried about keeping data safe and fitting AI into older computer systems.
They also worry that employees may resist AI because they fear losing their jobs.
Most Indian entrepreneurs trust AI to help with business activities.
The survey also found that most feel hopeful about their future wealth and businesses.
HSBC found that 99% of surveyed Indian entrepreneurs have made or plan to make business changes because of AI.
About 54% plan to invest 11% to 30% of turnover in AI over the next 12 months.
Forty-five percent expect AI to increase employee headcount within two years, while 25% expect a decrease.
Data security, employee resistance and legacy-system integration were the leading AI adoption concerns.
Indian entrepreneurs also reported strong optimism about their future wealth and business prospects, with 97% positive about each.
- Who
- Indian high net worth and ultra-high net worth entrepreneurs surveyed by Ipsos UK for HSBC.
- What
- The HSBC Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2026 examined entrepreneurs' plans for AI adoption, investment, wealth and business growth.
- Where
- The findings focus on India and compare Indian responses with global results from 17 markets.
- When
- The survey fieldwork took place from April 1 to May 15, 2026; the AI investment plans cover the next 12 months.
- Why
- Entrepreneurs are adapting their operations to respond to AI and pursue efficiency, competitiveness, new markets and business growth.
Key facts
- Indian AI adaptation
- 99% have already changed or plan to change business operations in response to AI.
- AI investment plans
- 54% plan to invest 11% to 30% of turnover in AI over the next 12 months.
- Expected employment impact
- 45% expect AI to increase employee headcount within two years, while 25% expect a decrease.
- Top AI concern
- Data privacy and security risks were cited by 44% of Indian respondents.
- Trust in AI
- 54% reported a great deal of trust in AI for business activities, compared with 46% globally.
- Wealth outlook
- 97% expect their personal wealth to improve over the next few years.
- Survey sample
- The research surveyed 3,085 business owners with at least US$2 million in investable assets.
Quotes
Sandeep Batra
Head of International Wealth and Premier Banking at HSBC India
“Indian entrepreneurs are approaching AI with ambition, recognising its potential to strengthen competitiveness and support the next phase of business growth. Their willingness to invest significantly in AI reflects strong confidence in the opportunities ahead. With high levels of trust in AI and a global approach to business, Indian entrepreneurs are well placed to convert technological progress into long-term growth.”
theprint.in
Sources
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