Accelerators targeting legal tech companies

They include Tech Lawyer Accelerator, Duke Law Tech Lab and LexisNexis Legal Tech Accelerator

For startups, there are numerous paths for getting their name out there. One way, which Vator has been covering recently, are startup competitions, but another popular method to get a foot in the door, as well as some funding and traction, are accelerators. These are programs that provide companies advice, guidance and various forms of support for startups in their early stages. They also often invest in the companies, for a certain equity stake.

Need a list of startup competitions, challenges, accelerators, etc. from around the world? Check out VatorX. You can find them, or list yours!

There are some very well-known accelerators out there, including Y Combinator and 500 Startups, which have made their names through various successful alumni. Those programs fairly general, accepting companies from a variety of different spaces. 

For some companies, it may help to join an accelerator that only focuses on their specific area. That's especially true for those in more specialized spaces, which will have their own unique challenges and regulations.

Here are some of the accelerators that are focused specifically on mentoring companies in the legal tech space:

 

• The Tech Lawyer Accelerator

"The Tech Lawyer Accelerator (TLA) connects law students interested in business law with companies that are either in the technology industry, or rely heavily on technology in delivering products or services, for a hands-on learning experience."

Investment amount: Not specified

Program benefits: The TLA begins with a series of professional development talks and a multi-week intensive training conducted by leaders in the industry, followed by a paid internship.  The internships range from 10 weeks to seven months and are offered in Colorado, Silicon Valley and elsewhere.

Portfolio companies: Not specified

 

• Duke Law Tech Lab

"We accelerate the next generation of startups that will change the way legal and civic services are delivered"

Investment amount: As a light-touch accelerator, we do not require any future equity in your company.

Program benefits: Our program involves 1-hour weekly virtual conferences with leading legal technology entrepreneurs, innovative law firms, industry consultants, court administrators, CTOs, and VCs committed to investing in early-stage tech products. We bring in thought-leaders from the legal profession and coaching experts to hone your pitch and enrich your understanding of the legal services ecosystem.

Portfolio companies: Hello Divorce, Smart Lien, Disputly

 

• LexisNexis Legal Tech Accelerator

"The program is designed to give start-ups a leg-up in the rapidly expanding legal tech industry. The accelerator leverages LexisNexis deep expertise in legal, technology and start-up domains, and industry-leading market position to advise and incubate program participants."

Investment amount: Not specified

Program benefits: 

• Tools: Access to cutting-edge tools and technologies from LexisNexis and Lex Machina
• Mentorship: Weekly hands-on sessions with LexisNexis executives on growing legal tech companies, and ad hoc discussions with other LexisNexis executives about technology, user experience & design, product development, product marketing and other topics
• Education: One-hour strategy sessions on a variety of topics, including marketing and selling to legal departments; running an agile product development organization; leveraging legal data; best practices in customer service, employee management, marketing and funding
• Connections: Leverage relationships with Stanford and other Bay-Area schools, businesses, VCs and other influencers
• Workspace: Space for up to four people inside the exciting Lex Machina offices in Menlo Park, CA or in the LexisNexis Raleigh Technology Center on the North Carolina State University Centennial Campus

Portfolio companies: Contract Wrangler, dealWIP, Lawcountability, Medilenz,ThreadKM, Vijilent, vTestify

 

• MDR LAB Accelerator

"MDR LAB is a programme for tech start-ups in the legal space. Open to early stage and growth technology start-ups, applications are welcomed from companies at concept through to revenue-generating stage, as long as the product or service is applicable to the legal industry."

Investment amount: Not specified

Program benefits: Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work within their target market to pilot and improve products and to gain a better understanding of how legal services are provided and where lawyers – and their clients – would benefit from new technologies. They will have access to Mishcon de Reya lawyers and other business experts throughout the firm for advice, mentorship and education.

In addition, those chosen to participate in MDR LAB will have access to Mishcon de Reya’s legal and business networks with opportunities for attracting investment and/or licensing products to Mishcon de Reya.

Portfolio companies: Ping, synergist.io, Orbital Witness, Everchron, Surukam, SaltDNA

 

 

• Legal Tech Hub Vienna

"The LTHV Accelerator is a 5-month-programme open for Start-Ups and SMEs working on legal topics. Participants are supported in alternation virtually and in attendance modules by (legal) experts, mentors and coaches. The programme is PoC-oriented and tailored to individual requirements."

Investment amount: Not specified 

Program benefits: 

Portfolio companies: Not specified

(Image source: liv.asn.au)