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Legal tech Clio raises $900M at $3B valuation, plans to double down on AI and fintech

FinCrypt Staff

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Woman at a desk with a laptop, brass scales and gavel representing the legal system

ClioA Canadian software company that aims to help law firms operate more efficiently with its cloud-based technology has raised $900 million in a Series F round that values ​​the company at $3 billion.

The valuation is nearly double the $1.6 billion valuation the Vancouver, British Columbia-based company reached in April 2021 when raised $110 million.

Cliowhich describes itself as “the operating system for law firms,” recently surpassed $200 million in ARR, compared to $100 million ARR as of June 2022 and has been profitable (positive EBITDA) for several years, according to Clio founder and CEO Jack Newton.

The company works to simplify law firm management by centralizing client intake, case and document management, and payments, among other things. It is used by more than 150,000 legal professionals and has recently expanded into the APAC region, as well as acquiring more mid-sized law firms as clients, it says.

New Enterprise Associates (NEA) led the round with an investment of more than $500 million, its first in the company. New investors Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Sixth Street Growth, CapitalG and Tidemark joined existing backers TCV, JMI Equity, funds and accounts advised by T. Rowe Price and OMERS in also participating in the financing.

Notably, “a substantial portion” of the round was secondary funding that will be used to allow existing investors and employees to cash out some of their shares, Newton said.

With this investment, the total capital raised by Clio since its founding in 2008 reaches nearly $1.3 billion.

The mega-round is a significant amount but is, perhaps, particularly noteworthy in today’s environment where venture capital raises of this size are not all that common. For context, there were 105 mega-round raised globally throughout the first quarter, according to CB Insights.

The company has benefited from a couple of major tailwinds, Newton told TechCrunch in an interview.

“With COVID 19, we’ve seen explosive growth in the adoption of cloud technologies in general and Clio in particular,” he said. “We’ve also seen a huge boost from AI and the tremendous amount of interest that lawyers and the broader legal community have in AI and how AI can improve productivity.”

Payments and AI as growth drivers

In 2022, Clio began integrating payments into its offerings, a move that has increased its revenue beyond its core SaaS business, Newton told TechCrunch. Clio’s payments business now processes billions of dollars annually in fiat-specific transactions. The company earns “a small percentage” of every transaction recorded through Clio payments, Newton said.

“We’re really excited about the integrated payments opportunity with Clio and the broader fintech opportunity,” Newton said, “both for the growth it’s led to this point and what we think will be tremendous growth going forward.”

Payments in the legal sector are more complex than electronic payments in general, Newton stressed.

Image Credits: Clio

“For example, there are trust funds and trust transactions that have to be handled in a very specific way. And you can’t remove credit card transaction fees from a trust account transaction in the way that you normally would if you were, say, a small merchant using a Square account,” he said.

In other words, if a lawyer charges $100 for a trust transaction and subtracts $3 in processing fees and only $97 is deposited into a bank account, the lawyer is essentially making a mistake by not depositing 100% of the funds into a trust account.

“So the nuance with legal payments is that the fees have to be taken out of a separate operating account,” he said, adding that Clio’s offering is compliant with trust accounting requirements and is easy for lawyers to use. Clio also offers an accounting product to help businesses manage their finances.

In early 2023, the company also began working to integrate artificial intelligence into its offerings.

This year, it plans to release GA Clio Duo, an integrated generative AI assistant that aims to help lawyers “complete routine tasks and leverage their firm’s analytics to run a more efficient practice,” including an audit log feature for court discovery. It can also do things like make recommendations on which marketing channels a lawyer should use to best generate new leads. And Newton says the company has plans for more AI features in the future.

Clio currently has more than 1,100 employees. Its software is used by law firms in over 130 countries.

“The company has grown beyond its initial SMB market to become a leader in the mid-market, while also experiencing exponential growth in payments and leading the way in important product categories such as e-archiving, document automation and artificial intelligence,” said Amol Helekar, general partner at TCV and a member of the Clio board of directors.

Of course, Clio isn’t the only legal tech to benefit from the AI ​​revolution. In April, UK-based legal tech startup Lawhive, which offers an AI-powered in-house “lawyer” via a software-as-a-service platform aimed at small law firms, raised $11.9 million in a seed round. Backed by companies like Lightspeed and Menlo, Eve has emerged out of hiding last October with a mission to harness the power of large language models (like OpenAI’s ChatGPT) to revolutionize the legal profession.

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We are the editorial team of FinCrypt, where seriousness meets clarity in cryptocurrency analysis. With a robust team of finance and blockchain technology experts, we are dedicated to meticulously exploring complex crypto markets with detailed assessments and an unbiased approach. Our mission is to democratize access to knowledge of emerging financial technologies, ensuring they are understandable and accessible to all. In every article on FinCrypt, we strive to provide content that not only educates, but also empowers our readers, facilitating their integration into the financial digital age.

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Fintech

US Agencies Request Information on Bank-Fintech Dealings

FinCrypt Staff

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Summer Trading Network 2016

Federal banking regulators have issued a statement reminding banks of the potential risks associated with third-party arrangements to provide bank deposit products and services.

The agencies support responsible innovation and banks that engage in these arrangements in a safe and fair manner and in compliance with applicable law. While these arrangements may offer benefits, supervisory experience has identified a number of safety and soundness, compliance, and consumer concerns with the management of these arrangements. The statement details potential risks and provides examples of effective risk management practices for these arrangements. Additionally, the statement reminds banks of existing legal requirements, guidance, and related resources and provides insights that the agencies have gained through their oversight. The statement does not establish new supervisory expectations.

Separately, the agencies requested additional information on a broad range of arrangements between banks and fintechs, including for deposit, payment, and lending products and services. The agencies are seeking input on the nature and implications of arrangements between banks and fintechs and effective risk management practices.

The agencies are considering whether to take additional steps to ensure that banks effectively manage the risks associated with these different types of arrangements.

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What changes in financial regulation have impacted the development of financial technology?

FinCrypt Staff

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Block Telegraph Staff

Exploring the complex landscape of global financial regulation, we gather insights from leading fintech leaders, including CEOs and finance experts. From the game-changing impact of PSD2 to the significant role of GDPR in data security, explore the four key regulatory changes that have reshaped fintech development, answering the question: “What changes in financial regulation have impacted fintech development?”

  • PSD2 revolutionizes access to financial technology
  • GDPR Improves Fintech Data Privacy
  • Regulatory Sandboxes Drive Fintech Innovation
  • GDPR Impacts Fintech Data Security

PSD2 revolutionizes access to financial technology

When it comes to regulatory impact on fintech development, nothing comes close to PSD2. This EU regulation has created a new level playing field for market players of all sizes, from fintech startups to established banks. It has had a ripple effect on other markets around the world, inspiring similar regulatory frameworks and driving global innovation in fintech.

The Payment Services Directive (PSD2), the EU law in force since 2018, has revolutionized the fintech industry by requiring banks to provide third-party payment providers (TPPs) with access to payment services and customer account information via open APIs. This has democratized access to financial data, fostering the development of personalized financial instruments and seamless payment solutions. Advanced security measures such as Strong Customer Authentication (SCA) have increased consumer trust, pushing both fintech companies and traditional banks to innovate and collaborate more effectively, resulting in a dynamic and consumer-friendly financial ecosystem.

The impact of PSD2 has extended beyond the EU, inspiring similar regulations around the world. Countries such as the UK, Australia and Canada have launched their own open banking initiatives, spurred by the benefits seen in the EU. PSD2 has highlighted the benefits of open banking, also prompting US financial institutions and fintech companies to explore similar initiatives voluntarily.

This has led to a global wave of fintech innovation, with financial institutions and fintech companies offering more integrated, personalized and secure services. The EU’s leadership in open banking through PSD2 has set a global standard, promoting regulatory harmonization and fostering an interconnected and innovative global financial ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the EU’s PSD3 proposals and Financial Data Access (FIDA) regulations promise to further advance open banking. PSD3 aims to refine and build on PSD2, with a focus on improving transaction security, fraud prevention, and integration between banks and TPPs. FIDA will expand data sharing beyond payment accounts to include areas such as insurance and investments, paving the way for more comprehensive financial products and services.

These developments are set to further enhance connectivity, efficiency and innovation in financial services, cementing open banking as a key component of the global financial infrastructure.

Sebastian Malczyk

General Manager, Technology and Product Consultant Fintech, Insurtech, Miquido

GDPR Improves Fintech Data Privacy

Privacy and data protection have been taken to another level by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), forcing fintech companies to tighten their data management. In compliance with the GDPR, organizations must ensure that personal data is processed fairly, transparently, and securely.

This has led to increased innovation in fintech towards technologies such as encryption and anonymization for data protection. GDPR was described as a top priority in the data protection strategies of 92% of US-based companies surveyed by PwC.

Arid Islam

Financial Expert, Sterlinx Global

Regulatory Sandboxes Drive Fintech Innovation

Since the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) pioneered sandbox regulatory frameworks in 2016 to enable fintech startups to explore new products and services, similar frameworks have been introduced in other countries.

This has reduced the “crippling effect on innovation” caused by a “one size fits all” regulatory approach, which would also require machines to be built to complete regulatory compliance before any testing. Successful applications within sandboxes give regulators the confidence to move forward and address gaps in laws, regulations, or supervisory approaches. This has led to widespread adoption of new technologies and business models and helped channel private sector dynamism, while keeping consumers protected and imposing appropriate regulatory requirements.

George Blandford

Co-founder, UK Linkology

GDPR Impacts Fintech Data Security

A big change in financial regulations that has had a real impact on fintech is the 2018 EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). I have seen how GDPR has pushed us to focus more on user privacy and data security.

GDPR means we have to handle personal data much more carefully. At Leverage, we have had to step up our game to meet these new rules. We have improved our data encryption and started doing regular security audits. It was a little tricky at first, but it has made our systems much more secure.

For example, we’ve added features that give users more control over their data, like simple consent tools and clear privacy notices. These changes have helped us comply with GDPR and made our customers feel more confident in how we handle their information.

I believe that GDPR has made fintech companies, including us at Leverage, more transparent and secure. It has helped build trust with our users, showing them that we take data protection seriously.

Dr. Rhett Stubbendeck

CEO & Co-Founder, Leverage Planning

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M2P Fintech About to Raise $80M

FinCrypt Staff

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M2P Fintech About to Raise $80M

Application Programming Interface (API) Infrastructure Platform M2P Financial Technology has reached the final round to raise $80 million, at a valuation of $900 million.

Specifically, M2P Fintech, formerly known as Yap, is closing a new funding round involving new and existing investors, according to entrackr.com. The India-based company, which last raised funding two and a half years ago, previously secured $56 million in a round led by Insight Partners, earning a post-money valuation of $650 million.

A source indicated that M2P Fintech is ready to raise $80 million in this new funding round, led by a new investor. Existing backers, including Insight Partners, are also expected to participate. The new funding is expected to go toward enhancing the company’s technology infrastructure and driving growth in domestic and international markets.

What does M2P Fintech do?

M2P Fintech’s API platform enables businesses to provide branded financial services through partnerships with fintech companies while maintaining regulatory compliance. In addition to its operations in India, the company is active in Nepal, UAE, Australia, New Zealand, Philippines, Bahrain, Egypt, and many other countries.

Another source revealed that M2P Fintech’s valuation in this funding round is expected to be between USD 880 million and USD 900 million (post-money). The company has reportedly received a term sheet and the deal is expected to be publicly announced soon. The Tiger Global-backed company has acquired six companies to date, including Goals101, Syntizen, and BSG ITSOFT, to enhance its service offerings.

According to TheKredible, Beenext is the company’s largest shareholder with over 13% ownership, while the co-founders collectively own 34% of the company. Although M2P Fintech has yet to release its FY24 financials, it has reported a significant increase in operating revenue. However, this growth has also been accompanied by a substantial increase in losses.

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Scottish financial technology firm Aveni secures £11m to expand AI offering

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Aveni, Investment Management, AI, NLP, UK

By Gloria Methri

Today

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  • Aveni Assistance
  • Aveni Detection

Artificial intelligence Financial Technology Aveni has announced one of the largest Series A investments in a Scottish company this year, amounting to £11 million. The investment is led by Puma Private Equity with participation from Par Equity, Lloyds Banking Group and Nationwide.

Aveni combines AI expertise with extensive financial services experience to create large language models (LLMs) and AI products designed specifically for the financial services industry. It is trusted by some of the UK’s leading financial services firms. It has seen significant business growth over the past two years through its conformity and productivity solutions, Aveni Detect and Aveni Assist.

This investment will enable Aveni to build on the success of its existing products, further consolidate its presence in the sector and introduce advanced technologies through FinLLM, a large-scale language model specifically for financial services.

FinLLM is being developed in partnership with new investors Lloyds Banking Group and Nationwide. It is a large, industry-aligned language model that aims to set the standard for transparent, responsible and ethical adoption of generative AI in UK financial services.

Following the investment, the team developing the FinLLM will be based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, in a state-of-the-art facility.

Joseph Twigg, CEO of Aveniexplained, “The financial services industry doesn’t need AI models that can quote Shakespeare; it needs AI models that deliver transparency, trust, and most importantly, fairness. The way to achieve this is to develop small, highly tuned language models, trained on financial services data, and reviewed by financial services experts for specific financial services use cases. Generative AI is the most significant technological evolution of our generation, and we are in the early stages of adoption. This represents a significant opportunity for Aveni and our partners. The goal with FinLLM is to set a new standard for the controlled, responsible, and ethical adoption of generative AI, outperforming all other generic models in our select financial services use cases.”

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