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At Michelmores, our Technology & Innovation team is dedicated to supporting the growth of cutting-edge businesses and the development of transformative technologies. Through our expertise in legal support, we assist startups and established companies alike in navigating the complex challenges of the digital age. Below, we highlight some of the exciting and impactful work we’ve done with pioneering firms at the forefront of innovation.
Oriole Networks: Revolutionising AI with Photonics
Oriole Networks is a London-based tech firm on a mission to accelerate AI and machine learning in a sustainable, low-carbon world. Founded by University College London (UCL) scientists and entrepreneurs, Oriole’s groundbreaking technology leverages the power of light to connect thousands of AI GPUs directly, dramatically improving performance. This innovation can train large language models up to 100 times faster, using a fraction of the energy of traditional methods.
We were thrilled to advise Oriole Networks on its £10m seed round and £17.5m Series A funding round in 2024. This funding will help the company scale its energy-efficient AI solutions, addressing critical issues such as unsustainable power consumption in data centres. Oriole’s technology is set to revolutionise time-sensitive tasks like algorithmic trading, offering a transformative edge for industries worldwide.
Wilder Sensing: AI for Biodiversity Monitoring
Wilder Sensing, founded in 2021, is bringing AI into the field of conservation. The company developed a unique software solution that monitors biodiversity through audio analysis, helping to track and preserve ecosystems. In December 2024, we advised Wilder Sensing on securing a £300,000 equity investment from the South West Investment Fund. This investment will enhance the company’s platform, allowing it to expand its reach and improve biodiversity monitoring worldwide.
Wilder Sensing’s customers, including Somerset Wildlife Trust and ecological consultancies, are already using the platform to support biodiversity efforts. The company’s innovative technology is critical in combating the biodiversity crisis, and we are proud to be supporting their mission to create a more sustainable planet.
Sealeo: Revolutionising Vaccine Delivery
Sealeo, winners of the 2024 Imperial Enterprise Labs WE Innovate final, is tackling one of the global healthcare industry’s most significant challenges—vaccine wastage. Co-founded by Diana Epel and Emanuele Griccioli, Sealeo has developed a biodegradable material that maintains the safe temperature of medicines for 2.6 times longer than existing solutions. This breakthrough technology aims to drastically reduce vaccine wastage, particularly in last-mile deliveries, where 50% of vaccines are typically lost.
We provided legal advice on intellectual property protection as part of Sealeo’s participation in Michelmores’ MiVentures programme. Their environmentally friendly, cost-effective solutions promise to revolutionise the pharmaceutical supply chain while also reducing CO2 emissions associated with current packaging materials.
LIFELENZ: Transforming Workforce Management
LIFELENZ, an AI-enabled workforce management platform, is changing how businesses manage employee shifts and compliance. The Australian-founded company, trusted by leading global brands, provides businesses with tools to meet evolving market demands. We played a key role in supporting LIFELENZ’s entry into the UK market, in its negotiations with leading Quick Service Restaurant brands and providing strategic advice on data protection, employment law, and company secretarial matters.
LIFELENZ is now poised to expand its innovative platform further into the UK and beyond, and we are proud to have contributed to its successful UK launch and ongoing growth.
South West Grid for Learning
We have supported South West Grid for Learning (SWGfL) in its efforts to enhance online safety, particularly in tackling the growing issue of non-consensual intimate image (NCII) abuse. The Firm advised SWGfL on its industry partnerships with major social media platforms such as TikTok and Bumble, which enable SWGfL to share image hashes with industry partners. This sharing increases the effectiveness of SWGfL’s reporting tool and, crucially, improves the support provided to victims of NCII abuse. SWGfL is dedicated to creating a safer online environment for everyone. They provide essential resources and education around digital safety, empowering schools, parents, and the wider community to better navigate the challenges posed by online harm.
As the proliferation of NCII has become an increasingly topical issue, the work done by SWGfL is more relevant than ever. This issue has gained heightened attention due to Meta and X (formerly Twitter) removing content moderators from their platforms, which has left users increasingly exposed to harmful content online. The legal expertise provided by Michelmores has helped guide SWGfL to better collaborate with tech companies, aligning both the legal and ethical considerations necessary to safeguard vulnerable users from the detrimental effects of online harm.
By providing this support, Michelmores has played an important role in the ongoing fight against online harm, particularly when it comes to the proliferation of NCII.
Conclusion
At Michelmores, our Technology & Innovation team is proud to be part of the journey of these trailblazing companies, providing the legal support that empowers them to scale and innovate. Whether through cutting-edge AI solutions, environmental sustainability, or digital safety, we are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the ever-evolving tech landscape while driving positive change across industries.
For more information or to get in touch, please visit our website.
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