University accelerator gets top-tier legal backing

It’s perhaps with an eye on future billings that this firm is partnering with a university-based startup incubator

University accelerator gets top-tier legal backing
King & Wood Mallesons will be lending its expertise to support startups at the University of Technology Sydney Hatchery+ accelerator.

In a first for the Big Six firm, it will run seminars and provide bespoke legal support to the teams at Hatchery+.

“One of the most difficult aspects of launching a startup is navigating the myriad of legal documents you need in place to reduce the risks of doing business,” said Joe Allen, Hatchery+ program manager. “It can be an expensive process which can kill a startup before it has begun.”

The accelerator provides teams with access to mentors, master classes, and $2,000 in financial assistance. It helped launch dessert platform GetFoodi, video recruitment company myInterview, and drone control company Tekuma last year.

Sue Kench, who was recently named KWM’s global managing partner, said that having a mindset of innovation is a strategic priority for the firm. The program will expose the firm’s lawyers to entrepreneurship and innovation, she said.

Kench recently talked to Australasian Lawyer about the firm’s strategic priorities as it turns over a new leaf.

“Collaboration is critical to accelerating our innovation agenda which is why the partnership with UTS Hatchery+ is so exciting. It will give our people a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in innovation and expose them to new ways of thinking,” said.

The firm hosted the three-day #BreakingLaw hackathon with UTS last March.


Related stories:
KWM puts Asia on centre stage as it turns over a new leaf
Global giant tags Aussie chief as global managing partner

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