Former Apprentice star launches six-figure crowdfund for Manchester-based legal tech startup

Legal tech startup The Link App has embarked on a six-figure crowdfunding campaign.

The Manchester-based company is attempting to raise just over £300k through funding platform Seedrs, as it looks to drive efficiency and innovation in the way law firms communicate with clients.

In the UK legal sector today, most firms send forms to their clients via post or email to be printed and completed by hand. The Link App is aiming to change this by enabling users to fill forms out securely on their smartphone or through a dedicated web portal.

The Link App was founded by solicitor Lauren Riley, who appeared on Series 10 of BBC hit series The Apprentice.

CEO Lauren said she is passionate about innovating in the legal sector, particularly when it comes to changes that will directly impact the public’s perception of the profession.

She explained: “There are so many lawyers doing amazing work for their clients but the satisfaction levels in this profession are too low.

“Half the time this is because clients do not know what is happening on their matter or how hard the legal team are working to achieve results. Since 2014 I have been working tirelessly to change that.”

She continued: “The ability for clients to use The Link App’s smartphone app or web portal to complete forms is our most requested feature. I am delighted we have been able to add form filling to the list of efficiency driving features in our technology.”

The Link App CEO Lauren Riley

The firm is backed by former DLA Piper managing partner Sir Nigel Knowles, who invested in the company and was recently made chairman.

Sir Nigel commented: “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.”

The Link App’s growth plans for 2018 include launching into new sectors.

Speaking further, Lauren said: “We have had phenomenal support from law firms, the business community, advocates of diversity in business and too many people to thank, this is our opportunity to allow them to own a piece of our business and profit when we do.”