Global Incubator Programme: Toronto - Legal Tech

To apply, you must be a UK based legal tech company with fewer than 500 employees.

This Programme is aimed at innovative legal services and technology companies that have:

• A novel / innovative solution with some traction (such as efficacy data or reference customers)
• A strong leadership team ready to dedicate time in Toronto at the LIZ to build relationships with advisors, investors, legal tech leaders, and decision makers
• A willingness to adapt and openness to incorporating the feedback and guidance provided by experts in our network
• An initial Canadian value proposition and a hypothesis about how to reduce cost, drive quality and increase revenue in the Canadian legal services market

The three stages of the programme are as follows:

Prepare

A two-day preparation workshop delivered to the entire cohort in the UK. You will be allocated an Innovate UK EDGE innovation and growth specialist to work with in the UK who will work with you on your strategic action plan for the programme. You will receive an overview of the innovation and sector landscape of the country’s market, a full briefing on the programme and working with the incubator, and support to better present your business and the value proposition.

Pursue

This 4-6 months stage of the programme is about working with the incubator.  A typical programme will see a visit to the market at the beginning, providing the opportunity to consider technology and market fit, preliminary customer validation and an introduction to ecosystem players.  This will be followed by regular (weekly or fortnightly) virtual sessions with the incubator team, mentors, and experts, to do a deep dive into understanding what it takes to be successful in accessing the market.  The final part is a second visit to the market, including a demo day to showcase the achievements of the cohort, continuing to raise the profile and make connections for the businesses involved.

Exploit

Work with your innovation & growth specialist to continue to exploit the programme, building on all the connections, knowledge, and expertise gained.  You should now be in a much better position with the necessary understanding and networks to accelerate your global growth and scaling journey.

The cost to participate in the programme is the time commitment of a senior person from the business.  The commitment would include at least two one-week visits, two-three hours of weekly or fortnightly virtual programming and working with mentors for 4-6 months, and time working with an Innovate UK EDGE innovation & growth specialist.

Innovate UK will fund and organise group flights, group accommodation and group in-market travel for successful applicants. One senior representative from each company will be funded and they should be available to participate in all stages.  Additional colleagues can participate in the virtual programming where relevant.

On acceptance to the programme a commitment fee of £1000 will be obtained from each participant, which will be refunded on completion of the full activities and agreed action plan. Non-completion after formal acceptance may result in forfeiting some or all the commitment fee.

Toronto is the legal, financial and economic centre of Canada. The largest law firms known as the ‘Seven Sisters’ are head quartered there, as are the major banks. It is at the centre of technology innovation generally.

The Legal Innovation Zone (LIZ) is the world’s first, and largest, incubator dedicated to legal technology. They incubate start-up companies from idea through international sales, with a number of very successful alumni.

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, LIZ has supported over 170 legal tech start-ups, engaged over 700 entrepreneurs through LIZ workshops, reached 26 different countries and have a community of over 10,000 members. LIZ supports the innovation agendas of governments (provincial and international), law firms, lawyers, legal organisations, and Canadian administrative tribunals. LIZ also works to modernise the legal system.

LIZ provides legal tech innovators with access to resources they can leverage to help grow their businesses. These include connecting with industry experts and mentors, participating in group learning sessions, becoming engaged with the LIZ community – and much more.

LIZ offers the opportunity to explore the potential in the North American market.

Applicant Briefing: 26 Feb 2024 – register for a place

Applications close: 12 April 2024 (note extended deadline)

Shortlist Interviews: W/C 29th April 2024

Cohort confirmed: 7th May 2024

Programme commences: June 2024

Final Showcase event in Toronto in June 2024

Two intensive market visits to Toronto are planned as part of this initiative in June and November 2024.

For more information, assistance with your application or to discuss accessibility needs, please contact: Dr Dilruk Yahathugoda at dilruk.yahathugoda@innovateukedge.ukri.org