Pioneering UK law firm Mishcon de Reya has today opened applications for the second round of its MDR LAB legal tech incubator for start-ups. The incubator will run from 8 May to 17 July this year, in the firm’s London office.
The firm hosted its first LAB last year and eventually decided to invest in two companies out of six: Everchron, developers of collaborative litigation management software; and Ping, which automates timekeeping.
This second round is looking for early stage legal technology start-ups, with applications welcomed from companies at ‘concept through to revenue-generating stage, as long as the product or service is applicable to the legal industry‘ said the firm.
Although the incubator will take place in the UK, tech companies from around the world are invited to take part. Last year saw entries from around the globe, from the US to Germany to India.
Nick West, Chief Strategy Officer at Mishcon de Reya, said: ‘We are really excited to open applications for MDR LAB’s second year. Our first year achieved a lot; we met and worked with inspirational people and innovative companies, and we continue to work with all of the 2017 MDR LAB companies.’
‘Our new International Advisory Board (see below) will enable us to know more about what’s happening on the ground in some key tech hubs, and better understand how to attract the most innovative companies to come and work with us. I can’t wait to see what MDR LAB 2018 brings!’ he added.
In December, Mishcon de Reya announced that it had convened an International Advisory Board to help develop the MDR LAB programme into 2018. Members of the Board will act as ambassadors for MDR LAB in key markets across the globe, with current members based in the UK, US, Canada, Asia Pacific and Israel.
As of December last year, the advisory board included:
– Liam Brown, Founder and Executive Chairman of Elevate.
– Daniel van Binsbergen, CEO at Lexoo, a digital marketplace for legal services.
– Kenneth Grady, Adjunct Professor and Member, LegalRnD Faculty Michigan State University College of Law.
– Amy ter Haar, President at Integra Canada.
– Noa Mayer, Head of Business Development and Innovation at law firm Yigal Arnon & Co.
– Titus Rahiri, Founder & Director, KorumLegal, legal solutions firm
– Noah Waisberg, CEO and Co-Founder of Kira Systems.
Any start-up thinking of applying for the 2018 incubator can find more information => here.
Good luck to everyone!
Artificial Lawyer followed last year’s entries closely and also was there for the end of programme presentations and it all seemed like a great learning experience for all involved.
Even if the firm doesn’t decide to invest in you, there is much there to help you to develop your company, to meet like-minded start-ups and to gain invaluable insight into what the lawyers and their clients actually want from you. It’s a win-win for all involved.
Artificial Lawyer will again be closely following what happens this year. Watch this space.