After more than 20 years in the creative and digital advertising industry, Manesh Swamy has announced the launch of FirstAI Consultancy Pvt Ltd, marking his entrepreneurial foray following his exit from LS Digital earlier this year.
Swamy, who stepped down as Managing Director and Chief Creative Officer at LS Digital in May, is co-founder of the new venture. FirstAI Consultancy aims to merge creative craft with AI-led efficiency, positioning itself as a consultancy, product studio, and creative partner for brands looking to think and act smarter.
Explaining the motivation behind the move, Swamy shared, “After 20+ years in the creative space, I was contemplating should I keep refreshing the system (read: changing jobs)…or you hit Ctrl Alt Create (read: do your own thing). (Yes, shameless plug for my new Insta page)”
He added, “Six months ago, I chose the latter and jumped into the entrepreneurial journey with equal parts excitement and mild, healthy fear. Along with a few very close friends, I’ve been co-building First AI Consultancy Put. Ltd. At First AI, AI doesn’t just mean Artificial Intelligence. For us, it stands for: Artistic Imagination. Analytical Implementation. Audience Interaction. And an always-on Innovation mindset,” he said.
According to Swamy, the consultancy is backed by extensive leadership experience and is designed to offer integrated solutions.
“We blend deep craft with AI-powered speed, working as a consultancy, a product studio, and a creative partner, all rolled into one.”
Highlighting early momentum for the venture, he noted, “What’s been truly validating is seeing multiple brands already come on board. Deep gratitude for the trust placed in us. it’s fuel for the journey ahead. Our mission is simple (and slightly ambitious): Help brands think smarter, create faster, and grow bigger through intelligent ideas that actually move the needle. The journey has just begun. And if you ever find yourself thinking, we need a crazy creative solution, but smarter, faster, and future-proof, you already know whom to call,” he said.
During his tenure at LS Digital, Swamy played a key role in shaping the agency’s creative direction and culture. He progressed through several leadership positions — from Senior Vice President to Chief Creative Officer & SVP, and eventually Managing Director & CCO. Under his leadership, LS Digital delivered award-winning work for brands such as HDFC Life, Canon, Tata Motors Finance, Bajaj Allianz, PepsiCo, Intel, Singapore Tourism, among others.
With FirstAI Consultancy, Swamy now sets out to redefine how creativity, technology, and intelligence come together to drive meaningful brand growth.
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