The eighth annual ABA TECHSHOW pitch competition returns in 2024, inviting legal tech startups to apply for a spot on the floor. Since its inception in 2017, this remarkable event, held as part of the American Bar Association’s annual TECHSHOW, has propelled countless startups to success. Interested startups can now submit applications to vie for a place at the TECHSHOW 2024 scheduled for February 14-17 in Chicago.
Out of numerous entries, 15 startups will be chosen to partake in a live pitch competition marking the commencement of this year’s TECHSHOW. Apart from this pitching event, these 15 finalists will also be featured as exhibitors in a distinct Startup Alley section of the conference exhibit hall. Legal tech startups looking to join the competition can fill out the application form by 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on Friday, November 10, 2023.
From the accumulated applications, a panel of five judges consisting of Sofia Lingos, Cynthia Thomas, Julie Bays, Steve Embry, and the competition coordinator, Bob Ambrogi will select 25 finalists. These finalists will be announced on December 4, 2023, on the ABA TECHSHOW blog, Above the Law, and also on this blog. Readers will then have the opportunity to vote for their favorites, with the 15 startups garnering the most votes selected for Startup Alley. The winners will be declared on January 8, 2024.
Eligible startups must aim their product or services at lawyers or legal professionals, not consumers. They should not have exhibited at a national legal technology conference before. Also, they must have some demonstrable traction, either in the userbase or financing, and must not be one of the winners chosen to present at Startup Alley in the years 2017-2022.
Upon selection, the 15 winning finalists will engage in a live pitch competition, TECHSHOW’s traditional opening night event. Apart from this, they will be given space at a discounted rate to showcase their product or service in a dedicated Startup Alley inside TECHSHOW’s exhibition hall. Also, the winner of the opening night pitch competition will receive a host of benefits including a free 10×10 booth space at the 2025 TECHSHOW, a free 12-month listing on the ABA Legal Technology Resource Center’s Buyer’s Guide, a $5,000 credit for advertising in ABA Law Practice Division media, and a profile on the judge’s LawSites blog. Even the finalists will receive a free one-year premium listing in the LawNext Legal Technology Directory.
Participation in the ABA TECHSHOW offers legal tech startups exposure to a broad and diverse range of legal professionals, industry analysts, legal journalists, bloggers, and investors. As the ABA TECHSHOW is one of the world’s most prominent legal technology conferences, startups gain valuable visibility and networking opportunities.
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