Databricks Sees an Opening as Businesses Demand Returns From AI

Singapore, 6 November 2026 – Databricks co-founder Arsalan Tavakoli-Shiraji said customers are increasingly asking how to make artificial intelligence useful in their own operations, rather than simply seeking access to the latest model. He spoke on 4 November at the opening of the company’s Singapore office, its Asia-Pacific and Japan headquarters. Databricks previously said it planned to invest more than US$350 million in Singapore over three years.

The shift matters to Asian companies deciding whether to expand spending after a trial. A model may look capable in a demonstration and still struggle to handle the company’s own documents, permissions or operating rules. Databricks sees a commercial opportunity in helping customers solve those problems. Its assessment describes conversations with customers; it does not measure the returns that companies across the region have earned.