Microsoft ‘To Acqui-Hire Robin AI Tech Team’

It is understood that Microsoft is to acqui-hire the tech team of Robin AI. A source close to the deal told Artificial Lawyer that the group, which could number several dozen, will ‘help improve Word for lawyers’.

The move to one of the largest tech companies in the world is a happy ending after what has been a turbulent time for Robin AI, which in December saw the move of its managed services group to NewMod law firm Scissero, following a funding crisis.

It is understood that the deal to bring what remains of the tech team, e.g. AI specialists and engineers, into Microsoft is still not completely finished, but is expected to wrap up soon. Where Robin AI’s CEO, Richard Robinson, will decide to go remains up in the air. Joining the Microsoft team would be a logical place to land, but it’s not known yet if the former Clifford Chance lawyer will go there or join another company.

Artificial Lawyer asked the source whether taking on a sizeable legal tech team meant Microsoft would be building a dedicated capability within Word for lawyers? The response was that it was more likely the team would help with those parts of Word that lawyers use the most already.

Those moving over to Microsoft are understood to be from both the New York and London offices of Robin AI.

With this move, the UK-based company – which was quick to combine genAI with managed services – is effectively reaching its final stage.

All of this came about after a new funding round didn’t gain sufficient traction last year, triggering a need to cut costs and creating jitters among existing investors. Things spiralled and soon Robin AI was looking for a buyer. As noted, the bulk of the company has already gone to Scissero, which also combines genAI and legal services. Hence, with this move of the remaining tech team there is now closure for what has been a months-long rollercoaster.

Good luck to all involved and congratulations on the move.