Webber Wentzel launches incubation initiative, Webber Wentzel Ignite

South African law firm Webber Wentzel has announced the launch of Webber Wentzel Ignite, a legal incubation programme aimed at high-potential startups and scale-ups.

The law firm is looking for SA enterprises that have gained some market traction. Applications close on 15 January.

In a press release yesterday (7 December) the law firm said the programme will provide support that includes legal services valued at up to R100 000, focused mentoring and support which will aim to arm startups with legal knowledge and skills relevant to startups.

A panel of industry experts will consult for the programme and select the successful applicants to the incubator.

Project lead Aalia Manie said the selected startups will be announced in early February, around the same time the programme will kick off.

The Webber Wentzel Ignite incubation programme will provide participating startups with support that includes up to R100 000 in legal services

Although there are no set number of spots on the programme, Manie expects that the first cohort will not be large “to ensure a meaningful and tangible impact” on participating startups.

“We intend to invest a great deal of time and resources engaging with each company and founder on a personal level to gain a deep understanding of their business, technology and strategy and to tailor the legal services and value-adds to maximise our impact and provide an optimal package,” she said.

She added that the programme has no fixed period or end date it. “We are looking to form long-term relationships with each company that joins our incubation programme. We see it as a partnership and we hope to continue to add value at every stage of their startup journey,” she said.

The panel that will consult for the programme includes: Webber Wentzel head of technology, media and telecommunications Peter Grealy, Knife Capital partner Andrea Böhmert, 88 Business Collective founder Antoinette Prophy, Seed Academy co-founder Lara Rosmarin, Startupbootcamp Cape Town co-managing director Zachariah George, and Webber Wentzel partner Leanne Mostert.

Want to know more? You can get more information here.