43. Lexoo

Founders: Daniel van Binsbergen and Chris O’Sullivan
Founded: February 2014 (launched June 2014)
Website: www.lexoo.co.uk

Looking to disrupt an old-fashioned industry, tech start-up Lexoo launched in June 2014 to revolutionise the way entrepreneurs and businesses find lawyers.

Three years since launch and the online platform has helped over 13,000 companies of all sizes connect with the right lawyer for their job.

Founded by former lawyer Daniel van Binsbergen and website developer Chris O’Sullivan, Lexoo – which has moved three spots up our index since 2016 – is simple and streamlined to use: when a customer submits a request, three to four of the lawyers best suited to the job are quickly invited to send a quote, which the customer receives within just 24 hours. Only those lawyers who are invited to quote will see the job description, therefore ensuring client confidentiality.

Lexoo’s service has proved popular. Hosting over 300 approved specialist lawyers from around the globe, the start-up has successfully developed internationally, connecting businesses in countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and more with specialist lawyers with knowledge of everything from intellectual property (IP) protection to employment disputes.

In line with its significant pace of growth, over the past year Lexoo has attracted custom from the in-house legal teams of over 30 large multinationals looking to outsource projects, and was shortlisted for Service Business of the Year at the Startups Awards 2016.

Given Lexoo’s promise to cut companies’ legal spending by 46% or more, it’s no surprise that so many businesses use the platform. What’s more, the platform benefits the many lawyers who have chosen to join the site as it markets their services to masses of entrepreneurs.

Having raised £1.4m from Forward Partners, 500 Startups, London Co-Investment Fund and angel investors, Lexoo plans to continue its international expansion and raise additional finance to help further fuel its mission of “bringing law into the 21st century”.