Pioneering UK law firm, Mishcon de Reya, has launched a new programme, called M:Tech, offering free legal advice and mentoring to early-stage tech businesses.
Those companies that are accepted onto the programme will be given access to Mishcon’s Technology Group – a team of more than 40 lawyers drawn from across the firm. The move is in parallel to the work of the MDR LAB incubator for legal tech companies and will operate as a separate project.
Artificial Lawyer asked the firm if members of the MDR LAB incubator could also apply for M:Tech. This is what the firm said: ‘Any startup can apply, they don’t need to be in the legal industry. In terms of MDR LAB, it is separate from the lab, but if one of the LAB companies wanted to apply for it they could do so – they’d just have to go through the process like any other company.’
Looks good, especially the ‘free’ part…! Will be interesting to see which companies apply. Of course, one question is: what does Mishcon get out of this? One possible answer is a raft of potential new clients that one day may grow and grow.
Andrew Wolfin, Corporate Partner and M:Tech lead, said: ‘At Mishcon, we believe that supporting exciting young businesses in this crucial phase of growth will enable them to navigate the myriad challenges they may encounter, safe in the knowledge that their business is properly protected. With the right expertise, legal advice and guidance from the start, they should be well placed to flourish and reach their potential.’
What the M:Tech programme offers:
— A dedicated Mishcon lawyer as a first point of call, providing general legal/commercial advice for up to six months free of charge
— Access to key legal documents free of charge
— Discounted fees by up to 50% for any specific legal advice required which falls outside of the day-to-day business issues – e.g. fundraising, EMI/employee incentives, data protection, cyber, real estate, litigation
— Access to Mishcon business and networking events designed for founders of fast-growth businesses (e.g. The Leap)
— The potential for Mishcon to invest in your business, in return for a small equity stake.
To be considered for a place on the M:Tech programme, businesses should be:
— Based in the UK and in the first three years of operation
— Generating revenue, with at least one active client or pilot
— Contemplating a significant fundraising within the next six to 18 months
Mishcon are particularly (but not exclusively) interested in businesses operating in the following sectors:
— Life Sciences
— Leisure & Retail
— Financial Services
— Cyber Security
— Mobility
To find out more about the M:Tech programme click here.