First Focus Launches $100,000 AI Investment Fund to Accelerate Innovation in New Zealand

First Focus Launches $100,000 AI Investment Fund to Accelerate Innovation in New Zealand  

Following the successful launch of its AI Investment Fund in Australia earlier this year, leading managed IT services provider First Focus has announced a $100,000 AI Investment Fund for New Zealand, designed to help local businesses turn AI ideas into practical business solutions. 

The initiative will co-fund up to five client-led AI innovation projects, with each selected organisation receiving up to $20,000 in consulting, development and implementation support from the dedicated First Focus AI Services and Consultancy team. 

"Our customers have the ideas, and we have the expertise to bring them to life," said Ross Sardi, CEO of First Focus. "This fund is about helping New Zealand businesses deliver AI solutions that create measurable business value and return on investment." 

The AI Investment Fund is part of First Focus' broader strategy to become the leading provider of Managed AI & IT services for mid-market organisations, helping businesses adopt artificial intelligence safely, securely and in ways that deliver lasting commercial outcomes. 

Each successful project will progress from concept to working prototype in collaboration with First Focus AI specialists. The resulting solutions will be showcased through jointly developed case studies and multimedia content, inspiring other New Zealand organisations to explore practical applications of AI. 

Success stories from the Australian AI Investment Fund are available at firstfocus.com.au/ai-fund. 

"This is the first of several AI-focused initiatives we'll be rolling out through to 2027," said Brendan Ritchie, Chief Growth Officer at First Focus. "We want to demonstrate what's possible when innovative organisations combine their industry expertise with the right AI capabilities. There are incredible ideas emerging across New Zealand, and we're excited to help bring them to life." 

About the AI Investment Fund 

The AI Investment Fund provides co-investment for customer AI projects that demonstrate innovation, technical feasibility and measurable business impact. Selected projects will commence in late 2026 and run for approximately 8 to 12 weeks, showcasing practical AI applications across a broad range of industries.