The Global Incubator Programme
What is the Global Incubator Programme?
The Global Incubator Programme (external link) is an acceleration programme established by UK’s national Innovation agency, Innovate UK (external link) for UK-based innovative SMEs to grow and scale through exploring the potential of global markets.
The LIZ was selected to partner with Innovate UK to host the Global Incubator programme for UK-based legal tech startups and SMEs looking to explore the potential of the Canadian Market. Participating companies get the opportunity to build their Canadian market plan, and bring their global legal technologies to the Canadian market.
This 6-month program gives selected companies a unique opportunity to grow and explore the potential of the Canadian Market with expert resources and guidance provided by the LIZ.
Why the Legal Innovation Zone?
The LIZ is the world’s first and largest incubator dedicated to legal technology. We incubate start-up companies from idea through international sales, with several 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, engaging with the LIZ community - and much more.
LIZ offers the opportunity to explore the potential in the North American market.
Why Toronto?
Toronto is the legal, financial and economic centre of Canada. The largest law firms known as the 'Seven Sisters' are headquartered there, as are the major banks. It is at the centre of technology innovation generally.
Programme Overview
1:1 Mentorship
Receive country-specific mentoring from trusted & experienced experts in the legal tech sector.
Masterclasses, Workshops & Expert Panels
Online group learning insight sessions to assist in all aspects of business formation and scaleup.
Office Space
Establish a presence with dedicated desk space at the Legal Innovation Zone available throughout the incubation period.
Innovation Community
Become familiar, connect and participate in a vibrant community of Legal Tech entrepreneurs and industry professionals.
Pitching Opportunities
Access to investor, corporate and strategic partner networks in Canada during the Programme and at a Final Showcase event.
Market Visits & Demo Day
Two intensive market visits to Toronto are planned as part of this initiative in June and November 2024. Participate in a final 'Demo Day' where you'll get the opportunity to showcase your product or service to key stakeholders.
Eligibility Requirments
Eligible startups and SMEs must:
- Be established in the UK
- Be able to commit 15+ hours (average) per week to programme requirements
- Be an innovation-focused business in the legal tech sector
- Be able to participate in two intensive visits to Toronto in June and November 2024
We are looking to support innovative companies that are developing innovative technologies that are helping to transform the legal sector. The technology areas include:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Analytics
- Automation
- Contract Management / Analysis
- Legal Research
- Discovery
- Case Management
Who Should Apply?
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
Applications for our 2024 cohort of the Global Incubator Programme are now closed.
Applications close: April 12th, 2024
Shortlist Interviews: TBD - April 29th, 2024
Cohort confirmed: May 7th, 2024
Programme Commences: June 2024