Wipro Limited is a leading business conglomerate with diversified interests that are spread across the world. Based out of Bengaluru, India, it is into sectors such as information technology, consulting, and business process servicing. The company has a market capitalisation of Rs. 3.2 trillion as of December 2024. Over its nearly eight-decade journey, Wipro’s logo has undergone a few changes. These reflect the growth, diversification, and evolving identity of the company. The Wipro logo has been a symbol of the brand’s values, aspirations, and commitment to innovation and excellence. The article traces the history and evolution of the Wipro logo over the years.
The Genesis of the Wipro Logo (1945 – 1977)
Wipro’s origins can be traced back to 1945, when it was established as a Western India Vegetable Products Limited company. In fact, it started as a small manufacturer of vegetable and refined oils. The original logo of the company was a simple wordmark in grey that featured “WIVP” in a bold, serif typeface. It was enclosed within a white circle with a grey outline.
(1977 – 1998)
As Wipro expanded its operations globally, the need was felt for a more modern and universally appealing logo. So, in 1977, the company unveiled a refreshed logo that retained the iconic “W” symbol in white against a black circular background. However, it had a sleeker and more contemporary design. The wordmark was updated with a bold, sans-serif typeface, which reflected the commitment of the company to innovation and its growing international presence.
(1998 – 2017)
The late 1990s and early 2000s witnessed the dot-com boom and the rapid digitalisation of businesses worldwide. This was the time when Wipro recognised the need to align its brand identity with the digital age. Hence, in 1998, the company introduced a new logo that had a vibrant red dot within the “W” symbol. It symbolised Wipro’s entry into the digital era and its focus on cutting-edge technologies.
It was a memorable symbol that told the story of the company’s past. The logo had the graphical image of a sunflower painted in stripes of green, orange, red, purple, and blue. The realistic-looking flower had the rainbow colours marked diagonally. The company name appeared in a sans-serif typeface and uppercase letters with rounded corners. The logo was enclosed within a round blue frame.
The choice of the flower was made because Wipro used to produce sunflower oil. The rainbow colours of the logo represented the diversity of India’s population, languages, and religious preferences. More fittingly, the gradual change of colours demonstrated the transition of the company from plant-based products (green) to information technology (blue). The name of the company in the logo was followed by the inscription “Applying Thought.” This indicated the company was working with smart products that aimed to develop customer solutions by finding the best ways.
(2017 – Present)
In 2017, Wipro unveiled its latest logo, which embraced a minimalist and digital-friendly design approach. The old logo with the rainbow-coloured sunflower was replaced with a new logo comprising multicoloured dots. According to Wipro, the dots in the logo represent the way the company “connects the dots” for its clients. The iconic “W” symbol was reimagined as a simple graphic that conveys a sense of agility, modernity, and adaptability.
For Wipro, the circular design element conveys a sense of purposefulness. And the concentric circles resemble ripples spreading across water to symbolise the far-expanding global influence of the company. Besides, instead of a conventional floral motif, like the one earlier, the dots signify the role of computer technology and, as mentioned earlier, Wipro’s ability to “connect the dots” for its clients. The changing colours across the circles represent the diverse range of services and technologies offered by Wipro. This reflected the continuous growth and development of the company.
The colour palette also pays homage to India, the place where the company is based. It shows a deep-rooted respect for the homeland or origins of the company. The multitude of dots symbolises the impressive number of customers, employees, and countries where Wipro’s products and services are delivered. It underscored Wipro’s vast global footprint. Interestingly, the modern logo is crafted in lowercase letters, which is a departure from the uppercase wordmark of the previous logo. This design choice emphasises the role of Wipro as a facilitator and service provider. It caters to the needs of the customers with a more approachable and accessible brand identity.
Moreover, the seamless integration of the dot from the letter “I” into the overall dotted circle demonstrates a thoughtful, systematic approach and precise calculation. These are the logo characteristics that define the operational excellence of the multinational. The previous wordmark was updated with a clean, sans-serif typeface, which reflects Wipro’s commitment to simplicity and clarity in the digital age. The minimalist design of the new logo allows for seamless integration across various digital platforms and mediums. It ensures brand consistency and recognisability in the ever-evolving technological landscape.
The Elements of the Wipro Logo
Font
The Wipro wordmark is presented in a sleek and contemporary sans-serif typeface that bears resemblance to fonts like Brandon Grotesque Office Bold and Fibra One Bold. However, the letterforms have been subtly modified, and the dot above the letter “I” is replaced by one of the green circles from the emblem.
Colour
The vibrant multicolour palette of the Wipro logo symbolises a multifaceted and forward-thinking company that not only embraces the latest technologies but also crafts innovative solutions for its customers. It represents Wipro’s versatility in providing a comprehensive range of services, thereby staying ahead of the curve and anticipating emerging trends consistently.
The History of Wipro
The origins of Wipro can be traced back to the father of Azim Premji, Muhammad Hasham Premji, who was a prominent rice merchant in Bombay, India. In 1945, he established Western India Vegetable Products Ltd., which was a company engaged in the production of vegetable oils and laundry soap. Interestingly, during the 1970s and 1980s, the company changed course and made its foray into the computer sector. The owner, Azim Premji, capitalised on the surging demand for programmers in the 2000s and transformed Wipro into a market leader in outsourcing and software development.
Additionally, beyond its core IT services, Wipro also operates several furniture factories and develops medical and hydraulic equipment to show its diversified business interests. Today, Wipro is one of the largest IT companies in India and serves clients from 50 countries. It provides services in business management, consulting, and digitalization. The company has a total revenue of around $9 billion (financial year 2023) and employs around 200,000 people.
Interesting Facts About Wipro
- Wipro was founded in 1945 as Western India Vegetable Products Limited in Amalner, Maharashtra, primarily producing vegetable oils. It later diversified into soaps and other consumer goods.
- After the death of its founder, Mohamed Hasham Premji, his son Azim Premji took over at the age of 21, transforming the company from a local oil producer into a multinational IT giant.
- Wipro ventured into the information technology sector in the 1980s, initially focusing on computer hardware before expanding into software services. By 1985, it began selling personal computers in India.
- Wipro became one of the first Indian companies to adopt the Global Delivery Model, which has been pivotal in its success in providing IT services worldwide.
- As of 2023, Wipro is recognised as the fourth largest IT company in India, with a revenue of approximately USD 11.3 billion for the fiscal year.
- The company operates in over 66 countries, employing more than 250,000 people, showcasing its extensive global footprint and workforce.
- Wipro has been involved in significant technological developments, including creating India’s first minicomputer in 1981 and collaborating with ISRO to develop one of India’s fastest supercomputers in 2011.
- The company is recognised for its commitment to sustainability and corporate citizenship, actively engaging in various social responsibility initiatives.
- Wipro was the first company in India to implement Six Sigma to improve its processes.
- Wipro has expanded its capabilities through strategic acquisitions, including cloud services firm Appirio for $500 million in 2016 and technology consultancy Capco for $1.45 billion in 2021.
- Wipro has received several awards for its contribution to the IT industry. These include Fortune’s World Most Admired Companies, Forbes World’s Best Employers, and the Ethisphere Institute’s World’s Most Ethical Companies.
- Wipro operates 54 development centres in the world. It is also arguably the largest independent provider of research and development in the world.
- In recent years, Wipro has rebranded itself with a focus on digital solutions, adopting the tagline “Be Digital. Be More” to reflect its commitment to innovation and technology.
Finally
The evolution of the Wipro logo reflects the journey of the company from a consumer products company to a global IT giant. It proves the company’s remarkable ability to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing world.