The American Bar Association’s TECHSHOW has announced the opening of applications for its ninth annual Startup Alley and pitch competition, an eagerly anticipated segment of the TECHSHOW 2025. Set to take place in Chicago from April 2-5, 2025, this competition provides a platform for emerging legal tech companies to showcase their innovations and connect with industry professionals.
Since its inception in 2017, the Startup Alley has become a key feature of the TECHSHOW, helping to elevate the profiles of numerous legal tech startups. The 2025 edition will see 15 selected startups participating in a live-pitch competition as the event’s opening feature on April 2. Those finalists will also have the opportunity to showcase their products or services in the exclusive Startup Alley section of the exhibit hall throughout the event.
Startups interested in applying must meet specific criteria, including having been in operation for less than five years, focusing on products or services aimed at legal professionals, and having demonstrable market traction. The selection process begins with a comprehensive application form, which must be submitted by December 13, 2024.
A panel comprising TECHSHOW organizers and experts will select 25 finalists by January 6, 2025, whose descriptions will be published online for public voting. The 15 startups receiving the most votes will advance to the live pitch competition, with winners announced on February 11, 2025.
The contest not only grants recognition and exposure to the participating startups but also provides tangible rewards, including a free booth at the 2026 TECHSHOW for the pitch winner, a listing in the ABA Legal Technology Resource Center’s Buyer’s Guide, and more. All finalists gain a year-long premium listing in the LawNext Legal Technology Directory.
For legal tech startups looking to expand their visibility and network within the industry, the Startup Alley competition at TECHSHOW 2025 presents a valuable opportunity. Interested companies can find further details and submit their applications via the official announcement on LawNext.