From Uni to Unicorn
An inspiring journey into the heart of the legal tech revolution
On June 3, 2024, together with YPOG, we had the opportunity to experience an inspiring evening focused on the world of Legal Tech. The event highlighted the opportunities and challenges on the path from studying to building a successful start-up. Together with experienced experts, including Prof. Dr. Reinhard Heckel, Dr. Benedikt Flöter and Prof. Dr. Boris Paal, we gained valuable insights into the future of Legal Tech and engaged in thought-provoking discussions.
Dr. Benedikt Flöter (YPOG) kicked off the evening with a keynote presentation on how legal tech start-ups can make their way to the top of the market through smart strategies and innovative ideas. This was followed by a lively panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Dr. Boris Paal (TU Munich), where we and the attendees delved into a number of hot topics. Our experts Anna Spitznagel (trail), Prof. Dr. Reinhard Heckel (TU Munich), Dr. Hariolf Wenzler (YPOG) and Dr. Stefan Blenk (LTC) shared fascinating perspectives and insider knowledge.
Highlights
EU AI law – a Blessing or a Curse for Start-ups?
One issue that sparked intense debate was the EU AI Act, a regulation aimed at standardising and controlling artificial intelligence. It turned out that this law is much more than just legislation – for some it’s the key to future security, for others it’s a barrier to innovation. Our experts agreed that this regulation will reshape the landscape, although it’s still unclear whether it will provide a supportive framework for small start-ups or stifle their creativity.
The Future of Large Language Models (LLMs)
Another topic of interest was the future of Large Language Models (LLMs) and their impressive capabilities. The question of whether these models will continue to improve, or whether their development will eventually plateau, intrigued the audience. Our experts highlighted the ground-breaking potential of these models – as well as the responsibility and need to closely monitor their progress, as they could play a key role in Legal Tech applications.
Interdisciplinary Teams – The True Key to Success
In the world of legal tech, it takes more than just technology. The discussion centred on the need for start-ups to build interdisciplinary teams to unlock their full potential. Legal Tech is a blend of technology, legal expertise and business foresight. The participants agreed: Only teams that combine all these disciplines can fully realise the potential of this industry. It requires the creative energy of visionaries who excel in all areas.
USA vs. Europe – Why is More Capital Flowing into Legal Tech in the USA?
One question on everyone’s mind was the difference in the investment climate between the US and Europe. Our experts discussed that it’s not just the size of the market that makes the difference, but also the linguistic diversity and the regulatory environment in Europe. The ban on outside ownership of law firms was identified as a significant barrier to investment in Europe. Changes here could lead to a real boom and encourage greater willingness to invest in Europe.
An Evening Full of Insights and Networking Opportunities
Our aim for the evening – to spark ideas that go beyond the ordinary – was a success! In addition to intense discussions and insights, the event also provided an ideal networking platform where new connections and potential partnerships were forged. In such an inspiring environment, aspiring founders, start-ups and seasoned experts came together to share their visions and actively shape the future of legal tech.
A big “Thank You” to our Partners and Speakers
Many thanks to our partner YPOG for providing delicious snacks and drinks. Special thanks to Dr Benedikt Flöter and Boris Paal for the engaging and inspiring event, and to our panelists Anna Spitznagel, Reinhard Heckel, Hariolf Wenzler and Stefan Blenk for their invaluable perspectives and enthusiasm. Their expertise made this an unforgettable evening.
