Kenya’s Lawyers Hub, a legal tech startup founded by Linda Bonyo, is gaining traction for its role in helping African startups meet regulatory compliance. Many African startups face severe consequences, including business closures, due to non-compliance with regulations. Bonyo noticed this problem and established Lawyers Hub to address the lack of guidance for startups in establishing their operations within the boundaries of the law.
Lawyers Hub offers a legal and tech accelerator program that assists startups in various areas, including setting up operations in compliance with regulations, establishing clear structures and corporate governance, preparing for fundraising, and staying compliant with prescribed laws. The program is delivered in partnership with development agencies and includes optional one-on-one sessions with Lawyers Hub’s lawyers. This 12-week program specifically targets seed stage startups that lack access and funding.
The program covers key topics such as financials, taxation laws, intellectual property, fundraising preparation, scaling beyond borders, co-founder relations, conflict management, and company closures. The demand for Lawyers Hub’s services is evident through its current cohort of 200 startups from across the continent.
Bonyo understands the importance of structures in startups, as her own cancer diagnosis left her hospitalized for six months in India last year. However, due to the structure and continuity plan established by Lawyers Hub, the business was able to continue operations and even host a festival during her absence.
Structure is important, Bonyo emphasized. It helps founders separate themselves from the business and define the role of each member. It also enables startups to decentralize operations and involve others in the business.
Before launching the accelerator program, Lawyers Hub ran a fellowship program to upskill traditional lawyers in digital policy, which is crucial as policymakers grapple with issues arising from emerging technologies. The fellowship program attracted 508 applications from 24 African countries this year, with 23 candidates selected for the six-month paid program.
In addition to their programs, Lawyers Hub also organizes the Law Tech festival annually. The festival brings together experts, policymakers, and founders for regional conversations on topics such as AI and intra-Africa trade. Bonyo and Lawyers Hub have played a crucial role in developing digital policies, such as Kenya’s Data Protection Act, and advising African governments on digital identity and AI policy.
Bonyo’s expertise in digital law and data governance has gained recognition, earning her a nomination to the World Economic Forum’s Global Council on the future of Technology Policy. She will address a range of issues, including regulation and the responsible utilization of technology to address pressing needs. Bonyo also consults on digital identity and data governance for the UN’s Economic Commission for Africa and has collaborated with institutions like the Africa Union on data and AI policy frameworks.
