Spectrum Consulting - Comprehensive Analysis Report

Summary

Spectrum Consulting is a New Zealand-owned and operated IT services company with 24 years of experience, established in 2001. Specializing in mission-critical data infrastructure services, the company serves essential sectors across New Zealand including banks, power companies, manufacturers, and government agencies. Its core philosophy, "People First," underpins its mission to empower data with dignity and respect, ensuring technology serves human needs. Spectrum is a significant provider of secure, sovereign cloud and network services, and is a pioneer in developing sovereign AI solutions tailored for Aotearoa.

1. Strategic Focus & Objectives

Core Objectives

Spectrum Consulting's primary objectives revolve around empowering organizations with secure and sovereign data infrastructure. They aim to deliver critical data services that are robust, reliable, and compliant with local jurisdictional requirements. A key strategic goal is to lead the development and adoption of sovereign AI solutions within New Zealand, ensuring data governance and control remain within the country. The company also emphasizes maintaining deep expertise and providing managed services to optimize cloud, network, and data management for enterprise and government clients.

Specialization Areas

The company specializes in several critical areas:

Cloud Solutions: Designing and implementing cloud environments that prioritize safety, security, and data sovereignty.

Network and Security Services: Providing robust infrastructure and cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and operations.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Developing and deploying sovereign AI solutions, with a particular focus on the innovative Lantern AI platform, ensuring data remains jurisdictionally sovereign to New Zealand.

Data Infrastructure Services: Delivering mission-critical services to essential sectors, leveraging over two decades of experience.

Target Markets

Spectrum Consulting primarily targets enterprise and government entities within Aotearoa New Zealand. They cater to sectors requiring high levels of data security, operational reliability, and compliance, including:

Financial institutions (banks)

Utilities (power companies)

Transportation (trains)

Manufacturing

Government agencies

2. Financial Overview

Funding History

In August 2024, Being AI Limited (BAI), an NZX-listed company, announced a conditional joint venture to acquire 100% of Spectrum Consulting for $6.6 million. Being AI is committed to acquiring a 50% interest for $3.3 million, with the remaining 50% retained by interests associated with Spectrum's existing management team.

Being AI has also committed to providing up to $4 million in growth capital funding to Spectrum over a 24-month period. This capital is specifically allocated for the development of the "Lantern AI" initiative. Additionally, Being AI will provide funding assistance to Spectrum's management team for their share of the purchase price, up to $1.5 million, which will be repayable to BAI. The total purchase price is payable through a combination of cash, with the balance over 30 months. For the financial year ended March 31, 2024, Spectrum Consulting reported invoiced revenue of $19.6 million.

3. Product Pipeline

Key Products/Services

Lantern AI

Product Name: Lantern AI

Description: Described as the world's first safe, secure, sovereign AI cloud platform. It is specifically built to ensure the management, storage, and governance of data remains jurisdictionally sovereign to New Zealand.

Development Stage: Designed, built, and currently being delivered. "Proof of operation" is underway with a major healthcare brand.

Target Market/Condition: Enterprise and government customers in New Zealand requiring secure, sovereign AI capabilities.

Expected Timeline: Ongoing delivery and expansion of customer base.

Key Features and Benefits:

Supports text-to-text, text-to-voice, and voice-to-text applications.

Offers analytics and data sharing with full explainability and provability.

Operates within a secure, isolated runspace, not exposed to the internet.

Separated from an organization's day-to-day operational network.

Built with guardrails and governance to keep AI operations under the control of the data guardian.

4. Technology & Innovation

Technology Stack

Spectrum Consulting's innovation is centered around its proprietary Lantern AI platform, which is positioned as the world's first safe, secure, and sovereign AI cloud platform for New Zealand.

Core Platforms and Technologies: Leverages AI and Generative AI technologies for its Lantern AI platform. Its cloud solutions are built with a strong emphasis on safety, security, and sovereignty, drawing on over 20 years of experience in critical data infrastructure.

Proprietary Developments: The Lantern AI platform is an in-house developed solution. It features unique operational parameters, including a secure, isolated runspace that is not internet-exposed and is separated from clients' daily operational networks.

Scientific Methodologies: Employs methodologies that embed guardrails and governance to ensure AI operations remain under the control of the data guardian, providing explainability and provability in its outputs.

Technical Capabilities: Capable of handling text-to-text, text-to-voice, and voice-to-text applications, as well as analytics and secure data sharing.

5. Leadership & Management

Executive Team

Paul Tomlinson: Owner and Director. Founded Spectrum Consulting in 2001 and has overseen its operations for 24 years. He is also the co-founder and CEO of DataMasque, a data security startup.

Marty Bennett: Country Manager. Appointed in June 2025, bringing over two decades of technology sector experience, with expertise in operational oversight and local market understanding. His role focuses on stability, governance, and renewed service.

Damian Pons: CEO (Spectrum AI). Previously CEO of Spectrum Consulting, he currently leads the Lantern AI initiative. He owns approximately 10% of Spectrum Consulting.

Billy Aucamp: Chief Financial Officer. Appointed in August 2025, he brings extensive experience from notable technology companies including Navman, Fusion Electronics, and EROAD.

Jeremy Foster: Director. Joined the board in August 2025, with over 25 years of international experience in technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, having held roles at Ericsson and Tech Mahindra. He also manages Peakbalance NZ, a consultancy.

John Marshall: Board Advisor. Appointed in August 2025, providing valuable governance experience to the board.

Deane Jessep: Chief Technology Officer. A key figure in the recent leadership transformation.

Lorraine Bryant: Head of People & Culture. Appointed to the Senior Leadership Team, having been with Spectrum since March 2020. She plays a crucial role in developing and nurturing the company culture.

Lucy Aguzzoli: Head of Service Operations. Appointed to the Senior Leadership Team, she has been instrumental in delivering customer-centric services for approximately two and a half years.

Recent Leadership Changes

Spectrum Consulting has undertaken a significant leadership transformation, particularly in 2025. Marty Bennett was appointed Country Manager in June 2025. This was followed by key board and executive appointments in August 2025, including Billy Aucamp as CFO, Jeremy Foster as Director, and John Marshall as Board Advisor. These additions, alongside Country Manager Marty Bennett and CTO Deane Jessep, complete a strategic strengthening of leadership, financial oversight, and corporate governance. Furthermore, Lorraine Bryant and Lucy Aguzzoli were appointed as Head of People & Culture and Head of Service Operations, respectively, marking a notable milestone with the first time two women have been appointed to the Senior Leadership Team.

6. Talent and Growth Indicators

Spectrum Consulting, an Auckland-based IT consultancy, has a team of approximately 40 employees. The company's "People First" philosophy underscores its commitment to its workforce and culture.

Hiring Trends and Workforce: Recent recruitment efforts have targeted roles such as "ICT/Comms or Security services engineer" to expand its capacity for delivering innovative technology solutions. Past recruitment for a "Corporate People & Capability Director" indicated a focus on strengthening HR strategy.

Employee Sentiment and Culture Insights: Employee testimonials suggest high satisfaction with the company's product knowledge, reliable service, comprehensive support, rapid response times, and the professionalism and helpfulness of the team. The appointment of a Head of People & Culture further emphasizes a focus on nurturing and growing the company's supportive culture.

Company Size and Expansion Metrics: With 40 employees and significant investment from Being AI, Spectrum is poised for growth, particularly in expanding its Lantern AI initiative and strengthening its service delivery.

7. Social Media Presence and Engagement

Digital Footprint

Spectrum Consulting maintains an active digital presence across platforms such as LinkedIn and Facebook.

Brand Messaging and Positioning: Their messaging consistently highlights their commitment to New Zealand's digital sovereignty, empowering data with dignity, and their "People First" approach to technology.

Community Engagement Strategies: They utilize an "information hub" to share news, events, IT advice, and technology insights.

Thought Leadership Initiatives: Content often emphasizes achievements such as achieving Microsoft Gold Partner Status and becoming a preferred solution partner for Cohesity. They also engage in discussions around data protection and cybersecurity threats, including Generative AI challenges.

Notable Campaigns or Content: They have celebrated women in leadership within their organization and actively promote their expertise in sovereign AI and critical data infrastructure.

LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/company/spectrum-consulting-nz/](https://www.linkedin.com/company/spectrum-consulting-nz/)

Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/spectrumconsultingnz/](https://www.facebook.com/spectrumconsultingnz/)

8. Recognition and Awards

Industry Recognition

Microsoft Gold Partner Status: Achieved in February 2021, recognizing their technical expertise and close collaboration with Microsoft, enabling them to offer advanced support and managed services for the Microsoft Technology Stack to New Zealand businesses.

DIA Marketplace: Added to the Department of Internal Affairs Marketplace.

Sovereign AI Pioneer: Recognized for delivering Aotearoa New Zealand's first Sovereign AI platform (Lantern AI).

9. Competitive Analysis

Major Competitors

Spectrum Consulting operates within the New Zealand IT services and cloud solutions market, confronting a diverse range of competitors locally and internationally depending on specific service areas.

General Managed IT Services & Cloud Solutions: Companies like Coastal, SHI, 7 Layer Solutions, Magna5, Cygnus Systems Inc. IT Solutions, Cortavo, GSI, Inc., and Vision33. These competitors may specialize in various areas such as Salesforce, data, and AI solutions (Coastal), end-to-end IT solutions from major vendors (SHI), or business and technical consulting for enterprise applications like Oracle JD Edwards and Oracle NetSuite (GSI, Inc., Vision33).

Specific New Zealand Competitors: In certain segments, particularly relating to network and connectivity, top competitors include Bandwidth and Frequency.

10. Market Analysis

Market Overview

The market for IT services and AI solutions in New Zealand is characterized by a strong demand for true data sovereignty and the need for trusted local expertise in critical infrastructure. The ongoing digital transformation across enterprises and government agencies, coupled with rapid advancements in AI, is compelling organizations to rethink how they access and utilize insights.

Growth Potential: The market shows significant growth potential driven by increased investment in AI, focusing on practical applications that enhance employee capabilities and deliver tangible returns on investment.

Key Market Trends: There is a pronounced trend towards requiring secure, sovereign AI platforms, reflecting a broader industry demand for stringent data control, compliance, and governance within national borders.

Market Challenges and Opportunities: Challenges include navigating the complexity of AI integration and ensuring robust cybersecurity. Opportunities lie in providing bespoke, jurisdictionally compliant, and secure solutions like Lantern AI to meet the specific demands of New Zealand's essential sectors and government.

11. Strategic Partnerships

Spectrum Consulting has established several key strategic partnerships:

IBM Gold and Red Hat Partner: Demonstrates expertise and access to IBM and Red Hat technologies.

Microsoft Gold Partner Status: Achieved in February 2021, providing access to the latest Microsoft technology products and services, enhancing their ability to offer support and managed services around the Microsoft Technology Stack.

Cohesity Preferred Solution Partner: Positions Spectrum as a key partner for Cohesity solutions in New Zealand.

Being AI Limited: A significant conditional joint venture announced in August 2024, involving the acquisition of a 50% interest in Spectrum and a commitment of up to $4 million in growth capital funding primarily for the Lantern AI initiative. This partnership represents a major strategic collaboration for future growth and AI development.

12. Operational Insights

Spectrum Consulting differentiates itself through a unique combination of local expertise, a strong commitment to digital sovereignty, and its "People First" ethos.

Current Market Position: Positions itself as a trusted provider of critical data infrastructure and cloud-based services specifically tailored for New Zealand's essential sectors, leveraging over two decades of operational experience.

Competitive Advantages:

Local Expertise & Longevity: Over 24 years of experience serving critical infrastructure in New Zealand.

Digital Sovereignty Focus: The development of Lantern AI, the world's first safe, secure, sovereign AI cloud platform for New Zealand, provides a distinct advantage by addressing critical jurisdictional data governance needs.

Agility & Innovation: Ability to deliver cutting-edge AI and cloud transformation solutions.

Strong Client Relationships: Long-standing partnerships with major New Zealand entities built on reliability and expertise.

Operational Strengths: Proven track record in delivering mission-critical services, deep technical expertise, and a resilient operational framework designed for high-security environments.

Areas for Improvement: While not explicitly stated, continuous investment in R&D for AI solutions and scaling operational capacity to meet the demands of advanced AI deployments are likely ongoing priorities.