For new companies and those that are growing, we've curated a list of accelerator programs focused on legaltech and its adjacent industries. Founders can explore these fantastic opportunities as their next step forward!
US:
Orrick Labs specializes in the technology and innovation, energy and infrastructure, and finance sectors. They look for products that improve quality, increase efficiency, and reduce human error in the world of legal.
The LexisNexis Legal Tech Accelerator looks for unique ideas with commercial readiness and quality management teams. Businesses must be past the earliest stages and ready to scale. Additionally, companies focusing on improving justice and access to legal services will be favored.
CivStart is designed for govtech founders who are ready to scale their solutions. Products designed for use at the local government level are preferred.
Urban-X looks for impact-oriented startups focused on using tech to solve challenges facing cities. Building, real estate, infrastructure, energy, transportation/mobility, food/waste/water, public health, and govtech are the main focus areas. Companies should be early-stage (less than $1M in revenue), have at least rough prototypes of their product, and some initial validation like pilots or LOIs. Full-time founders are preferred.
Dreamit Ventures runs an accelerator program designed for pre-Series A startups in real estate, construction, smart cities technology, security/compliance, and healthcare. Businesses must have a market-ready product to apply.
DCode is a paid bootcamp/advisory program for tech startups looking to sell their solutions to federal organizations. The program is intended for companies new to the federal market looking for general guidance and introductions. The advisory program is designed for companies that are looking for personalized strategies.
Global:
MDR Lab comes out of Mishcon de Reya. They look for early-stage companies and prefer to see multiple co-founders. Selected companies usually pair well with the firm’s strengths: real estate, litigation, and cybersecurity. Companies can have raised previous funding rounds, but to join MDR’s Improve Program, founders must be full-time. Founders and key team members must be based in London; other employees can be located elsewhere. This program allows founders to keep control of any IP.
Fuse, run by Allen & Overy, looks for tech companies whose work applies to A&O’s lawyers and clients. While the program will consider any legaltech startup, there is a special focus on fintech-related companies. Generally, companies must have an established product and proven traction.
Ashurst's FinTech Legal Labs is focused on fintech companies. The program itself provides companies with advice and assistance for their legal matters. Businesses at any stage of development will be considered. Their primary focus is to build in-house tech products; investment is a secondary goal.
Collaborate, run by Slaughter and May, is open to companies at any stage of development and any startup with products relevant to the legal sector. The program specifically looks for founders and management teams with the ability to respond well to significant business challenges.
Slaughter and May also run a Fast Forward incubator program. The program is sector-agnostic, and while applications from at stage of development will be expected, the program is designed for early to mid-stage startups. Companies should have a functional product and marketing strategy already in place.
BrightMinds Capital Partners looks for companies that start with legal data and provide solutions to real-life challenges. They look for Series B companies who need support to scale and grow. Proven ROI and cash flow are requirements. Companies focused on data visualization, blockchain, smart contracts, and machine learning are given preference.
Geovation’s program is backed by Ordnance Survey and HM Land Registry. They look for early-stage products with an MVP that is ready to be further developed. Startups in the geotech and proptech sectors will be considered.
GovStart looks for startups that transform public services, especially in the following areas: privacy, security/safety, climate, health, justice, blue light services, business systems, and social care. They look for seed to Series C companies with a preference for founders from diverse, underrepresented backgrounds.
The GovTech Academy is designed for small businesses looking to sell tech solutions to the government or public sector organizations. To qualify, organizations must have a registered or trading address in South Yorkshire and meet SME criteria. The annual turnover must be below €50M with a balance sheet of less than €45M and the company cannot be a subsidiary or under the control of another SME entity.
PWC’s Scale-up programs are focused on aiding established B2B companies with proven traction that are looking to scale their business. Companies must fall within one of the following categories: fintech, IoT, insurtech, mediatech, retail, or proptech.
DWF Ventures is an innovation and research business created by its parent company DWF. The Ventures team works alongside the general legal and business groups to create novel ideas for tech solutions. Though there is no distinct program, a select group of companies will be invited by the ventures group to work on projects; legaltech is a key focus, but not the exclusive one. Investment is given on a case-by-case basis.
The Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab supports diverse entrepreneurs by providing $250,000 in capital, mentorship, and access to extensive networks and resources. Participants benefit from tailored curriculum and strategic guidance, enhancing their growth potential. The program culminates in a Demo Day, offering exposure to investors and business partners. This accelerator aims to create a more inclusive investment landscape, fostering innovation and financial inclusion for underrepresented founders.
Canada:
The Legal Innovation Zone has multiple programs for founders at every stage. The short 6-week Concept Framework program only requires founders to have a unique idea of a novel legal solution. The 12-week Sprint Studio program looks for founders who already have or will soon have an MVP. The Incubator is designed for companies with developed products and early sales; companies are required to have at least one full-time founder. While the first two programs are virtual, the Incubator is in person, meaning at least one founder must be in/near Toronto.
Spain:
Cuatrecasas Acelera works with companies across Europe. Legaltech products or startups that operate in regulated sectors, need support for regulatory compliance, or deal with highly sensitive data are the target of this program. There are multiple different tracks for companies at any stage of development.
New Zealand:
Lightning Lab’s GovTech program is designed for public sector projects. Only government teams can apply and all that’s needed is an idea to solve the challenges government organizations face in meeting citizen needs.
Lithuania:
The GovTech Lab aids startups and SMEs working to solve issues facing the public sector. Companies can enter the program with nothing more than an idea.
Australia:
The LawTech Hub is designed for startups in the legaltech, ESG, or climatetech space. They must have early customer research, a functional prototype, or an existing MVP. Companies that have already launched into the market are also eligible. Founders must have already secured seed funding or be in the process of raising a round. The Hub values diverse backgrounds.
Hong Kong/China:
Moment Fintech is a venture builder and accelerator geared towards ESG-focused regtech and fintech companies. Companies at any stage from building to scaling can apply. Companies must be looking to sell and scale across Asia.
Thomson Reuters partners with the SuperCharger accelerator to aid fintech and edtech companies. Both startups and established companies looking to scale across Asian markets are considered.
India:
Prarambh is India’s first-ever legal tech incubator at a law firm. Registered businesses that are at least one year old and ready to develop and/or scale are encouraged to apply. Companies that have previously received funding or are already generating revenue may apply.
Brazil:
BrazilLAB supports govtech startups with successful products that need help learning how to properly market and sell solutions.
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