Sterling raises NZD3.8m to scale AI autopilot for finance teams; Blackbird leads round as startup targets enterprise customers

New Zealand-based AI startup Sterling has raised NZD3.8 million ($3.15 million) in a funding round led by Blackbird Ventures, with participation from notable investors including Rowan Simpson and Eliot Crowther. Founded in 2025 by Nik Wakelin and Ludwig Wendzich, Sterling aims to create an AI 'autopilot' for finance teams, enhancing efficiency in tasks such as invoice processing, bank reconciliation, and month-end routines.¹²³⁴⁵

The startup's technology integrates seamlessly with existing finance tools, allowing teams to deploy AI workflows in minutes. “Every finance team is experimenting with AI right now, but a co-pilot only works while you’re at the keyboard. Sterling is the autopilot, it keeps working when your laptop is closed and you’re asleep,” said Wakelin.

The funding will enable Sterling to expand its team and target larger enterprise customers across New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. “Our buyers don’t care about hype. They’re finance people, they want to see it work,” Wakelin added, emphasizing the practical application of their technology.

Wendzich noted that the team has a strong background in software development, having previously worked at companies like Vend and Xero. The inspiration for Sterling's creation stems from personal connections to the finance industry, with both founders having family members in finance roles.