Technology entrepreneurs are developing artificial intelligence (AI)- powered tools designed to help businesses manage and reduce their legal spending, offering a potential alternative to traditional law firms.

Founded in 2020 and backed by $2.6 million in funding, Hence Technologies, a Rwanda-UK startup, offers a web-based platform to assist businesses in finding suitable legal counsel.

Currently lacking a mobile app, Hence connects users with lawyers through its website. After booking an initial consultation, users have the opportunity to discuss their specific needs and ask questions about the platform.

The company aims to differentiate itself by using data and algorithms to match businesses with the most appropriate lawyers based on the nature of their legal issues, their location, and cost considerations. This differs from "marketplace solutions" that prioritize facilitating transactions, according to co-founder Steve Heitkamp.

We "built a product that is helping people find the right lawyers; a starting place for their needs," Heitkamp stated in 2022.

With operations spanning three continents and headquartered in Kigali, Rwanda, Hence plans to leverage local tech talent to expand its services and target larger companies globally.

Adoni Conrad Quenum