First Technology Group
First Technology Group is a privately held EMEA-based IT systems integrator and managed services provider with 2,200+ employees across 30+ offices, delivering hybrid cloud, cybersecurity, networking, modern workplace, and managed technology solutions to enterprises through 100+ vendor partnerships and eight specialized subsidiaries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersBloemfontein, South Africa
- Headcount1,001–5,000
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What First Technology Group does
First Technology Group is a privately held IT systems integrator and managed technology solutions provider founded in 1982, with a corporate domicile in the United Kingdom (First Technology Holdings Ltd, Reading, UK) and a South African parent entity (First Technology Investments (Pty) Ltd). The group operates across five global regions through 30+ offices and a workforce of 2,200+ employees, positioning itself as one of the largest IT integration groups in EMEA. Its customer base spans SMEs to large enterprises across multiple verticals including financial services, insurance, retail, telecommunications, and data analytics.
The company's core technology offerings are organized across six service pillars: Hybrid Data Centre & Cloud, Cyber Security, Networking Solutions, Modern Workplace, Managed Services, and Professional Services. These are augmented by transactional lines (Hardware & Peripherals, Software Services, Microsoft Services) and complementary offerings including Payment Solutions, Technology Lifecycle Management, AI for Business consulting, and Microsoft 365 Copilot readiness workshops. Technical depth is evidenced by a Security Operations Centre managing 2.5 million+ cyber incidents and alerts, 205 dedicated cybersecurity professionals, 1,500+ vendor certifications, and 5.5 million+ Microsoft 365 mailboxes migrated. The group operates through eight wholly-owned subsidiaries (First Digital, FirstNet, First Horizon, BUI, The CRM Team, Galdon Data, Ascent Technologies), each specializing in distinct technology domains such as AWS migration, Microsoft Azure, unified communications, and database administration.
First Technology generates revenue through a hybrid model combining subscription/recurring managed services, project-based professional services, hardware resale, software licensing, and IT financing/leasing arrangements. Distribution leverages direct enterprise field sales supplemented by a channel partner ecosystem of 100+ technology vendors including tier-one relationships with Microsoft (Gold Partner, Azure Expert MSP via BUI), Dell, Cisco, HPE, VMware, Palo Alto Networks, and AWS (Advanced Services Partner via First Horizon). Customers are acquired through vendor co-selling motions, regional sales teams, and a multi-channel marketing approach combining thought leadership content, events, and case-study-driven demand generation. Disclosed 2024 turnover is R12 billion (South African Rand).
First Technology Group firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- First Technology Group
- Legal name
- First Technology Holdings Ltd
- Website
- https://firsttech.co.za
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1,001–5,000 employees
- Short description
- First Technology Group is a privately held EMEA-based IT systems integrator and managed services provider with 2,200+ employees across 30+ offices, delivering hybrid cloud, cybersecurity, networking, modern workplace, and managed technology solutions to enterprises through 100+ vendor partnerships and eight specialized subsidiaries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
First Technology Group industry classification
Industry- Product category
- IT Systems Integration & Managed Services
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services (51821)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373), Services-Computer Programming, Data Processing, Etc. (7370)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Systems Integration & Implementation Services (BPAEAAAB)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Enterprise Architecture & IT Operating Model (BPAHAEAB), Emerging Tech (IoT, Blockchain, AR/VR, Edge) Consulting (BPAHAEAL), Technical Enablement & Adoption Services (Change Management, Adoption, Champions) (BPAEANAC)
Keywords
Where First Technology Group is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bloemfontein
- HQ country
- South Africa
- HQ region
- Africa
Offices1 record
Markets served
First Technology Group business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Managed Services: Ongoing management and support of customer technology infrastructure including monitoring, maintenance, security, and capacity management
- Professional Services: Consulting, planning, design, implementation, and support services for technology projects
- Hardware and Peripherals Sales: Sale of technology hardware including the latest technology equipment
- Software Services: Software solutions turning complexity into clarity for customers
- Payment Solutions and IT Financing: IT financing options including fair market-value lease, subscription models, payment deferral, and rental options
- Asset Lifecycle Services: Certified pre-owned equipment, virtual warehousing, proof-of-concept enablement, asset upcycling, and data centre consolidation services
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Custom enterprise solutions |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels5 records
First Technology Group product offering
Product offeringCore offering
First Technology Group is a value-added IT systems integration and managed technology solutions company. It supplies, implements, and manages hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity, hybrid cloud, and modern workplace solutions for organisations across EMEA, operating through multiple specialist subsidiaries and 100+ vendor partnerships.
Product overview
First Technology Group is a platform of managed technology solutions and systems integration services, not a single unified product. The core offerings include six main service areas: Hybrid Data Centre & Cloud, Cyber Security, Networking Solutions, Modern Workplace, Managed Services, and Professional Services. These are complemented by TransACT services including Hardware & Peripherals, Software Services, and Microsoft Services. Additional offerings include Payment Solutions (IT financing and technology lifecycle management), AI for Business consulting, and Microsoft 365 Copilot workshops. The group operates through eight subsidiary companies (First Digital, FirstNet, First Horizon, BUI, The CRM Team, Galdon Data, and Ascent Technologies), each specialising in specific technology domains while being interconnected under the parent group's integrated service delivery model.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Hybrid Data Centre & Cloud Hybrid cloud solutions including cloud services, software, and infrastructure delivered as-a-service. Covers technology architecture design, migration and modernisation, implementation and optimisation, and management and operations for enterprise IT estates.
- Cyber Security Solutions Integrated security ecosystem combining intelligent security analytics with advanced threat intelligence for unified attack detection, threat response, and proactive threat hunting. Includes a 24/7 Cyber Security Operations Centre (SoC), security consulting, penetration testing, and vulnerability scanning.
- Networking Solutions Network infrastructure design, implementation, and management ensuring availability, scalability, and security. Includes data centre networking, software-defined networking, wide area networking, and wireless networking.
- Modern Workplace
Quantifiable outcome
- 5,500,000+ Microsoft 365 mailboxes migrated successfully
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use First Technology Group
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
First Technology Group technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Feature5 records
First Technology Group partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
32 partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.
- MicrosoftcoreGold Microsoft Partner with Azure Expert MSP designation through BUI subsidiary. Advanced specialisation in Microsoft technologies including Azure, Microsoft 365, and Copilot services.
- Dell TechnologiescorePremier Dell partner providing hardware, infrastructure, and technology solutions. Awarded recognition for partnership excellence.
- CiscocoreCertified Cisco partner offering networking solutions, collaboration tools, and security products.
- Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)coreHPE partner providing enterprise hardware, storage, and hybrid IT infrastructure solutions.
- HP Inc.coreHP partner offering personal computing devices, printers, and workplace solutions.
- LenovocoreLenovo partner providing computing hardware and enterprise solutions.
- ApplesecondaryApple partner offering Apple devices and ecosystem solutions for business.
- VMwarecoreVMware partner providing virtualisation, cloud, and data centre virtualisation solutions.
- Palo Alto NetworkscoreCybersecurity partner specialising in next-generation firewalls and security platforms. Primary security focus for BUI.
- AWS (Amazon Web Services)coreAWS Advanced Services Partner with First Horizon specialising in AWS cloud migration and modernisation.
- Google CloudsecondaryGoogle Cloud partner providing cloud platform services and solutions.
- FortinetsecondaryFortinet partner offering network security and cybersecurity solutions.
- SophossecondarySophos partner providing unified threat management and security solutions.
- MimecastsecondaryMimecast partner offering email security and collaboration protection services.
- Aruba (HPE Aruba)coreAruba networking partner providing wireless, switching, and edge solutions.
- NutanixsecondaryNutanix partner offering hyper-converged infrastructure and cloud solutions.
- VeeamsecondaryVeeam partner providing data management and backup solutions.
- CitrixsecondaryCitrix partner offering virtualisation, networking, and workspace solutions.
- APC (by Schneider Electric)secondaryAPC partner providing power protection and data centre infrastructure solutions.
- Pure StoragesecondaryPure Storage partner offering all-flash storage and data platform solutions.
- NetAppsecondaryNetApp partner providing data management and cloud infrastructure solutions.
- Juniper NetworkssecondaryJuniper Networks partner offering routing, switching, and network security solutions.
- IBMsecondaryIBM partner providing enterprise technology and consulting solutions.
- QualyssecondaryQualys partner offering vulnerability management and security compliance solutions.
- Arctic WolfsecondaryArctic Wolf partner providing managed detection and response security services.
- First Digital (Group Company)coreDigital development, transformation and deployment. Leading AI developer and Microsoft Advanced Specialisation Partner offering automation, data & analysis, digital workplace, innovation & IoT, cloud & migration services.
- FirstNet (Group Company)coreCloud solutions provider offering cloud-based solutions with related hardware and software for hybrid, on-premise, and public cloud configurations. Specialises in connectivity, voice, security, and retail solutions.
- First Horizon (Group Company)coreAWS Advanced Services Partner specialising in end-to-end data migration to Amazon Web Services. Provides innovative, scalable, and cost-efficient cloud solutions with migration assessments.
- BUI (Group Company)coreAward-winning IT consultancy offering global cloud solutions and services. Gold Microsoft Partner and Cisco specialist with strong focus on Azure, Cisco, and Palo Alto Networks for modernisation and security.
- The CRM Team (Group Company)coreModern workplace, CRM assessment, development and deployment. Collaborates with clients to automate marketing and enhance sales forecasting using Microsoft technologies for proactive operations.
- Galdon Data (Group Company)coreUnified communication, collaboration and telecommunications specialist. Certified Microsoft Gold Partner since 1998, adept in IP Telephony offering consulting, training, and design services.
- Ascent Technologies (Group Company)coreEnterprise database administration, consulting and management. Provides comprehensive, cost-effective database, BI, and Azure services with flexible, client-centric approach.
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
First Technology Group competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- NTT DATA (formerly Dimension Data): Global IT services and systems integration group with deep EMEA and African roots (originally South African). Closest analogue in scale and vendor-agnostic IT integration model, with comparable managed services, networking, and security offerings.
- Computacenter: UK-headquartered, vendor-agnostic enterprise IT integrator supplying hardware, managed services, and professional services across EMEA. Directly comparable in go-to-market (enterprise field sales, multi-vendor solutions) and customer base.
- Logicalis Group: Global IT solutions and managed services provider focused on digital transformation, cloud, security, and managed services for enterprise customers. Comparable in vendor-partner-led delivery and EMEA-heavy footprint.
- Datacentrix: South African-listed IT integrator offering hybrid IT, managed services, security, and enterprise networking — directly competing in First Technology's home market with a similar vendor-agnostic enterprise model.
- Altron: JSE-listed South African technology group providing IT services, networking, and managed solutions to enterprise and public sector. Operates in the same South African IT integration market with overlapping vendor partnerships.
- EOH Holdings: Large South African IT services group delivering consulting, systems integration, and managed services across enterprise customers. Comparable in regional scale, multi-vendor delivery, and transformation-focused offerings.
Broad incumbents
- T-Systems (Deutsche Telekom): European-headquartered ICT services arm of Deutsche Telekom, delivering cloud, SAP, security, and managed services across EMEA. Comparable in EMEA enterprise IT services scope, but larger and broader portfolio.
- Accenture: Global professional services firm with a large EMEA technology consulting and systems integration practice. Competes for the same enterprise digital transformation, cloud, and security engagements, though at materially larger scale.
- Capgemini: Global IT services and consulting group with strong EMEA presence in cloud, digital, and managed services. Overlaps with First Technology on enterprise transformation and managed services engagements.
- Deloitte (Consulting): Big Four consulting firm with a substantial EMEA technology transformation and cyber practice. Competes for enterprise modernisation, cloud migration, and security advisory engagements.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
First Technology Group social profiles
Digital presenceFirst Technology Group financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
First Technology Group leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
First Technology Group subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries7 records
First Technology Group funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
First Technology Group M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about First Technology Group
What does First Technology Group do?
First Technology Group is a value-added IT systems integration and managed technology solutions company. It supplies, implements, and manages hardware, software, networking, cybersecurity, hybrid cloud, and modern workplace solutions for organisations across EMEA, operating through multiple specialist subsidiaries and 100+ vendor partnerships.
Is First Technology Group a public or private company?
First Technology Group is a private company. It is classified as unknown and is currently operating.
When was First Technology Group founded?
First Technology Group was founded in 1982. It employs 1,001 to 5,000 people.
Where is First Technology Group based?
First Technology Group is headquartered in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in the Africa region.
How does First Technology Group make money?
Six revenue lines are on record. Managed Services are the primary driver. The others are professional Services, hardware and Peripherals Sales, software Services, payment Solutions and IT Financing and asset Lifecycle Services.
Who are First Technology Group's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are NTT DATA (formerly Dimension Data), Computacenter, Logicalis Group, Datacentrix, Altron and EOH Holdings. Broad incumbents are T-Systems (Deutsche Telekom), Accenture, Capgemini and Deloitte (Consulting).
Does First Technology Group have an API?
No public API is recorded for First Technology Group.
What industry is First Technology Group in?
First Technology Group's product category is IT Systems Integration & Managed Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAEAAAB, Systems Integration & Implementation Services, with a secondary code of BPAHAEAB, Enterprise Architecture & IT Operating Model. Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 7373.