A legal tech start-up founded by former Apprentice contestant Lauren Riley is looking to raise a six-figure investment for growth.
The Link App’s campaign is currently live on equity crowdfunding website Seedrs and has already exceeded 50 per cent of its £300,000 target.
Entrepreneur and qualified solicitor Lauren Riley appeared on Series 10 of BBC’s The Apprentice but missed out on a potential investment of £250k for her idea after being told “you’re fired” in week seven.
The Link App was developed to shake up the legal sector by helping legal and professional firms improve client communication.
The cloud-based, encrypted communication platform allows firms to deliver updates to clients instantly on their smartphone app or web portal. Firms can update their clients instantly, share documents, offer e-signature requests or forms that can be completed paperless and on the go, reducing the need for constant phone calls, emails, and letters.
Riley, who described 2017 as a “phenomenal year” for The Link App, said: “The number of people using our app is growing and I am delighted that this year we have been able to add form filling to the list of efficiency driving features in our technology.”
“Since we launched The Link App we have had phenomenal support from law firms, the business community, advocates of diversity in business and too many people to thank, so this is our opportunity to allow them to own a piece of our business and profit when we do,” she added.
Sir Nigel Knowles, former managing partner of law firm DLA Piper, is an investor and was last year appointed as the company’s chairman.
He said: “The legal services sector needs to remain profitable, it needs to work smarter and The Link App allows lawyers to work smarter, by giving them the opportunity to work more effectively and efficiently. The legal sector has been looking for The Link App for a long time.”
Although The Link App was initially sold to the legal sector, Riley says the technology is “completely agnostic” and has the potential to work across any sector. Future target markets are healthcare, property and financial services.
The proceeds of the crowdfunding campaign will be used for growth, with plans to employ tech, marketing and sales staff.