First Table Raises $7 Mn to Fund Next Phase of Growth

The funding round was backed by existing investors Altered Capital, Invest South, Mainland Angels and Snowball Effect shareholders along with new investors K1W1 and Icehouse Ventures.

First Table plans to use the funding to grow its presence in New Zealand, strengthen relationships with restaurant partners and offer more ways for diners and restaurants to use its platform.

The company has also seen strong demand, with bookings tripling over the past two years despite lower consumer spending in New Zealand, Australia and the UK.

CEO Alex Cappy says the service is a win-win, with diners and restaurants both benefiting.

"An empty table at 5.30pm is revenue a restaurant never gets back," said Cappy. "We help to turn those empty seats into paying customers, and the diner gets a meal they might not have booked otherwise. Everyone wins."

"People are being cautious with how they spend their money right now, but we know they still want to go out and connect over a meal, and the benefit that we offer at First Table is really appealing," Cappy said.

"Equally, it has been a tough time for hospitality, and First Table gives restaurants another way to get diners through the door and build a buzz during usually quiet times."

Founded in 2014 by Mat Weir in Queenstown, First Table is a restaurant booking platform that offers diners 50% off their food bill when they book during off peak hours.

The platform helps restaurants fill empty tables during quieter periods. It operates across New Zealand, Australia, the UK and Ireland with thousands of restaurants listed.

First Table charges diners a small booking fee while restaurants can list on the platform for free. In 2026, former Uber and Deliveroo executive Alex Cappy became CEO, while founder Mat Weir moved to focus on AI and technology.

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