Software and AI project finance in New Zealand: how can a business spread the cost?

Last updated 6 November 2026 · Reviewed by 360 SaaSFin Compliance

Can a New Zealand business finance a software or AI project?

Yes. Software finance lets a business spread the cost of software, subscriptions, implementation and integration services over an agreed term, rather than paying the full cost when the project starts. It can suit a Microsoft 365 migration, a Salesforce roll-out, a new cloud platform or an AI project, where several costs land early. The platforms named are examples, not a statement of partnership.

Software finance is for businesses, not personal use. The lender assesses each application against its criteria and, if it's approved, provides the finance.

Who arranges the finance in New Zealand?

360 SaaSFin is part of the 360 group. In New Zealand, software finance is arranged through 360 Asset Finance Limited, the group's New Zealand company. In Australia, it's arranged by Kuone Consulting Pty Ltd trading as 360 SaaSFin. Either way, it's subject to the lender's assessment, and fees and charges apply.

What can be financed?

• Software subscriptions and licences: online software such as Microsoft 365 or Salesforce.
• Migrations and AI readiness: moving and cleaning data so the new platform, and any AI features, can use it.
• Implementation and partner services: consulting, configuration, development and integration work by the vendor or an SI.
• Upgrades, renewals and expansions: adding users, modules or platforms.
• Managed services: ongoing support after go-live.
• Refinancing: eligible existing software or implementation contracts.

These can be brought together in one facility rather than financed piecemeal. What goes in depends on the project and the lender's assessment.

Our budget is already set. Can finance help us start now?

Technology projects rarely line up with the budget cycle. A migration or AI project you need this quarter can end up waiting for the next budget round, or squeezed to fit what's left in this one. Software finance spreads the cost of the project over an agreed term, so the work can start without finding the full amount from the current budget, and more working capital stays available for the rest of the business.

How the finance is classified in your accounts, and how it's treated for tax, depends on your business, the contracts and whether the finance is a loan or a lease. Ask your accountant before you sign. We don't give tax or accounting advice.

How does it work, step by step?

1. Tell us about your project. Share the software, services and investment you need to finance.
2. We structure the finance. We design a payment structure that fits your project and cash flow, subject to the lender's assessment.
3. The vendor and partner are paid. Once the finance is approved and documents are complete, the vendor and SI are paid upfront and implementation can begin.
4. You pay over the agreed term. Your business makes regular payments over the agreed term.

How does finance compare with paying upfront or a vendor plan?

No option is right for every business. It depends on your cash flow, the project and, for finance, the lender's assessment.

What are the pros and cons of software finance?

Possible advantages

• The project can start without finding the full cost from the current budget.
• Licences, services and managed services can go in one facility.
• More working capital stays available for the rest of the business.

Possible drawbacks

• Fees and charges apply, so the total cost is more than paying from your own funds.
• The finance is a commitment for the full term, even if the project changes.
• It's subject to the lender's assessment, and the paperwork takes some preparation.

What should we have ready?

• Project scope: the platforms, number of users, phases and what's in and out of scope.
• Quotes: current quotes from the vendor and SI, with licences, implementation and managed services shown separately where possible.
• Timeline: contract signing, project start, go-live and any renewal dates.
• Business details: the lender will ask for information about your business and its finances as part of its assessment.

Finance is a commitment for the full term, so make sure the payments fit your cash flow over the whole of it.

How can 360 SaaSFin help?

We work with businesses, vendors and SIs. In New Zealand, finance is arranged through 360 Asset Finance Limited. We can:

• arrange finance for licences, subscriptions, cloud, AI readiness, migrations, implementation and managed services in one facility, subject to the lender's assessment;
• structure regular payments over an agreed term to fit your project and cash flow;
• tell you what the lender needs, starting with the project scope and quotes;
• work with your vendor and SI, who are paid upfront once the finance is approved and documents are complete;
• work alongside your accountant, who can explain how the finance is treated in your accounts and for tax;
• talk to you about upgrades, renewals and expansions as you grow.

FAQs

Sources and further reading:business.govt.nz: Funding your business · business.govt.nz: Business finance basics · business.govt.nz: Cash Flow Forecaster

General information only. It doesn't take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs, and it isn't credit, tax, accounting or legal advice. Finance is subject to the lender's assessment and criteria; fees and charges apply. 360 SaaSFin is a trading name of Kuone Consulting Pty Ltd (ABN 75 647 329 002), Australian Credit Licence 566705. In New Zealand, finance is arranged through 360 Asset Finance Limited.