Jointly Solutions has clinched the $10,000 grand prize at the BC Founder Faceoff: The $10K Pitch Competition, held as part of Web Summit Vancouver. This victory highlights the growing importance of accessible legal solutions in Canada, as Jointly stands out for its approach to simplifying family law processes. With the tech landscape buzzing with AI and blockchain, Jointly’s focus on legal tech might seem understated, yet it addresses a real-world issue that affects countless Canadians.
### What Jointly Solutions Offers
Jointly Solutions, founded by Aimee Schalles and Amanda Baron, offers an online platform that simplifies the creation of legally binding relationship agreements. Their services cover prenuptial, postnuptial, and cohabitation agreements, aiming to make family law more accessible and less intimidating. By reducing both the cost and complexity usually associated with these legal documents, Jointly is tapping into a market that has long been underserved. This approach could potentially save families from expensive and emotionally draining legal battles down the line.
### Competitive Context
The pitch competition saw Jointly go head-to-head with 11 other startups, including KnowledgeKeepr, Butterfly Legal, and Farpoint Technologies. While many competitors showcased innovations in AI, life sciences, and cleantech, Jointly’s focus on legal tech stood out for its practical application. The legal tech space is not as crowded as AI or fintech, yet it holds substantial potential for disruption. Jointly’s win suggests a growing recognition of the need for practical, consumer-friendly solutions in this domain.
### Real Implications for Founders and Engineers
For founders and engineers, Jointly’s success underscores the value of addressing real consumer pain points. While it’s tempting to ride the wave of the latest tech trends, Jointly’s approach shows that there’s merit in focusing on less glamorous but essential areas. Engineers and product managers can learn from Jointly’s user-centric design, which emphasizes simplicity and accessibility. For those in the legal tech space, this win could be a signal to explore similar opportunities, particularly in streamlining complex processes for everyday users.
### What Happens Next
Jointly Solutions will likely use the $10,000 prize to further develop their platform and expand their reach across Canada. As they continue to refine their services, the company could set a precedent for how legal services are delivered in the digital age. For founders looking to enter or expand in the legal tech market, Jointly’s journey illustrates the potential returns of focusing on consumer needs over hype-driven innovation.
