Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

We have created a platform where SMEs and tech Startups who cannot afford the fees of the traditional law firm, can now access legals services and support from the comfort of their rooms in a few clicks, few minutes and at affordable rates.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

Across Nigeria, so many brilliant startups and small businesses struggle. Legal issues are a major reason they fail. Often, they can't afford traditional lawyers. That's why I created Legal Root Solutions. Legal Root Solutions is a cutting-edge legal technology platform designed to empower SMEs and startups with easy access to expert legal services. We understand the challenges faced by small businesses in navigating complex legal landscapes, which is why we've created a user-friendly platform that streamlines legal processes and eliminates the barriers to legal assistance. From contract drafting to compliance management, our comprehensive suite of services is tailored to meet the specific needs of entrepreneurs and small business owners. With Legal Root Solutions, businesses can confidently address their legal needs, minimize risks, and focus on driving growth and innovation. Our mission is to democratize access to legal services and empower businesses of all sizes to thrive in tod

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

SMEs and tech startups face difficulties in accessing affordable legal services, hindering their growth and survival. Over 50% of SMEs and 90% of startups never get to see their 5th Anniversary due to legal issues, cofounder issues, non compliance, legal infringement, legal structures, fines and penalty. Even though they need these legal services, they can't get because they cannot afford the traditional law firm. This is where Legal Root Solutions comes in. We provides legal services and support to these SMEs from the comfort of their homes, in few clicks in seconds and at affordable rates.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

As a legal tech startup providing virtual legal services, Legal Root Solutions offers the following major benefits: 1. Cost-effective access to legal expertise By leveraging technology and adopting a lean operations approach, Legal Root Solutions can provide affordable access to legal services and advice for SMEs and entrepreneurs. This enables businesses with limited budgets to benefit from legal representation for launching products/services, enforcing contracts, resolving disputes, securing intellectual property rights etc. 2. Convenience through virtual legal services/consultations Legal Root Solutions provides services virtually, eliminating the need to physically visit a law firm office. Legal consultations and document support can be offered via video conferencing tools, enabling efficient and flexible communication for busy entrepreneurs and startups. 3. Legal support for business growth and compliance. 4. Affordable prices

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Legal Root Solutions' offerings are primarily aimed at serving small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and technology startups. These businesses often face significant financial constraints, making it challenging for them to access essential legal services from traditional law firms, which can hinder their growth and survival. Our targeted beneficiaries are: 1. SMEs across various industries: These include small businesses, entrepreneurs, and companies seeking affordable legal solutions for tasks such as incorporation, contract review, intellectual property protection, and compliance. 2. Technology startups: As innovative tech companies emerge, they require legal support for activities like software licensing, data privacy, venture capital financing, and protecting their intellectual property rights. By providing DIY, DIWY (Do-It-With-You), and DFY (Done-For-You) legal services through our automated platform, we empower SMEs and tech startups to navigate the legal landscape efficient

01.05 When was your company established?

2021-06-23

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

6

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

1

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

As the sole founder and lawyer with 7 years' experience, I bring invaluable legal expertise ensuring our offerings are accurate, comprehensive, and compliant with regulations. This background is crucial for a legal services provider. Additionally, I've assembled a talented team supporting the technical and operational aspects. The software engineers are vital for developing and maintaining the tech-driven platform automating and delivering services. Their skills in software development, programming, and system architecture enable creating a user-friendly, scalable solution. The product developer plays a key role translating legal expertise and market insights into well-designed offerings tailored to SMEs' and startups' needs, providing a seamless experience. The project manager ensures effective coordination and management of product development, service delivery, and operations. Their expertise in planning, resource allocation, and risk management contributes to efficient execution

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://www.facebook.com/Coudel https://www.instagram.com/ruth_oheha_ekrigwe_esq/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruth-ekrigwe-bb4b461a3 https://mobile.twitter.com/CoudelRuth

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

Other: Legal

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

By providing affordable and accessible legal services to SMEs and tech startups through your DIY, DIWY, and DFY offerings, Legal Root Solutions enables these businesses to navigate legal complexities cost-effectively. This support can enhance their chances of survival and growth, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction. When businesses, especially small enterprises and startups, have access to quality legal guidance tailored to their needs without exorbitant costs, they can establish stronger foundations, protect their intellectual property, comply with regulations, and mitigate legal risks. This increased resilience and longevity can lead to sustained operations, job creation, and income generation. By empowering SMEs and startups to overcome legal hurdles that may otherwise force them to shut down prematurely, your startup indirectly contributes to alleviating poverty. Successful businesses provide employment opportunities, support local economies, and create a ripple effect.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

5

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

Providing affordable and accessible legal services to businesses indirectly support good health and well-being in a few ways: 1. Reducing Stress and Mental Health Burden: Navigating complex legal matters can be a significant source of stress and anxiety for business owners, especially those with limited resources. By offering cost-effective legal solutions, Legal Root Solutions help alleviate some of the mental health burdens associated with legal uncertainties, disputes, or compliance issues. 2. Enabling Business Continuity: Legal Root Solutions' services help SMEs and startups overcome legal hurdles that could otherwise force them into premature closure. By supporting business longevity, our platform contributes to sustained employment and income generation, which are crucial determinants of good health and well-being for individuals and their families. 3. Facilitating Regulatory Compliance: In some industries, such as healthcare or food production, legal compliance is essential.

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

6

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

While Legal Root Solutions is not directly involved in providing educational services, its mission to make legal solutions more accessible and affordable for SMEs and tech startups can indirectly support quality education in the following ways: 1. Enabling Education-focused Businesses: Some of Legal Root Solutions' clients may include businesses operating in the education sector, such as edtech startups, tutoring services, or training providers. By offering affordable legal guidance, our platform help these education-focused enterprises navigate legal complexities, protecting their intellectual property, complying with regulations, and ultimately enabling them to deliver quality educational services more effectively. 2. Supporting Business Continuity for Education Providers: Legal Root Solutions' services contribute to the longevity and sustainability of businesses, including those in the education sector. By helping education providers overcome legal hurdles and mitigate risk.

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

1. Enabling Women Entrepreneurs: By providing affordable and accessible legal services, Legal Root Solutions support women entrepreneurs and business owners who face financial or systemic barriers in accessing traditional legal counsel. Our platform empowers women to navigate legal complexities, protect their intellectual property, and operate their businesses compliantly, leveling the playing field. 2. Supporting Women-led Businesses: Some of Legal Root Solutions' clients include women-led SMEs or startups across various industries. By offering cost-effective legal guidance, we enable these businesses to overcome legal hurdles, mitigate risks, and focus on growth and success, indirectly contributing to the economic empowerment of women. 3. Promoting Gender Diversity in Entrepreneurship: Affordable legal services can lower barriers to entry for women aspiring to become entrepreneurs. By making legal guidance more accessible, Legal Root Solutions indirectly encourage and enable more w

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

Enabling Business Growth and Job Creation: Affordable legal services from Legal Root Solutions help SMEs and startups overcome legal challenges, facilitating their growth and creating new employment opportunities, thus contributing to economic growth. Supporting Entrepreneurship and Innovation: By making legal guidance accessible, Legal Root Solutions reduces financial barriers, enabling more individuals to pursue business ideas, fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and new economic opportunities. Promoting Responsible Business Practices: Legal Root Solutions assists SMEs and startups in understanding and complying with regulations, labor laws, and industry standards, promoting decent work conditions, employee rights, and ethical practices, contributing to sustainable growth. Facilitating Intellectual Property Protection: Legal Root Solutions offers affordable IP services, enabling businesses to protect their innovations and creative works. Enabling Business Formalization

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

7 - Strongly Agree

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

**7 = Strongly Agree** **Justification:** Legal Root Solutions strongly supports the SDG "Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure" through the following: 1. Affordable Legal Services: Helps SMEs and startups overcome legal barriers, establishing a robust operational foundation. 2. Promoting Sustainable Industrialization: Assists businesses in compliance with regulations, ensuring responsible and ethical practices. 3. Fostering Innovation: Offers affordable IP protection, encouraging continued research and development. 4. Supporting Entrepreneurship: Reduces financial barriers, enabling more individuals to pursue entrepreneurial ventures. 5. Business Formalization: Aids in legal requirements for registration and compliance, promoting a regulated economic environment. Through these efforts, Legal Root Solutions significantly contributes to building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

6

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

Justification: Legal Root Solutions contributes to the SDG "Reduced Inequalities" through: 1. Accessibility of Legal Services: Makes legal assistance affordable for SMEs and startups, leveling the playing field for smaller businesses. 2. Support for Underrepresented Groups: Reduces barriers for minority entrepreneurs and those in developing regions. 3. Promoting Economic Inclusion: Helps small businesses formalize and comply with regulations, integrating them into the formal economy. 4. Encouraging Innovation Across Borders: Provides affordable IP protection, fostering global economic development. Through these efforts, Legal Root Solutions promotes economic inclusion, innovation, and accessibility, helping to reduce inequalities within and among countries.

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Legal Root Solutions contributes to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable through the following mechanisms: 1. Supporting Local Businesses: By providing affordable legal services, we help local SMEs and startups thrive, contributing to the economic vitality and resilience of communities. 2. Promoting Responsible Business Practices: Our legal guidance ensures businesses comply with regulations and standards, promoting safe and ethical business environments within communities. 3. Facilitating Business Formalization: We assist businesses in the formalization process, increasing transparency and accountability, which are essential for sustainable urban development. 4. Encouraging Innovation and Sustainability: By protecting intellectual property and supporting innovative startups, we contribute to the the development of sustainable and forward-thinking urban economies.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

5

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

For the SDG "Responsible Consumption and Production," I would rate Legal Root Solutions as follows: **5 = Somewhat Agree** **Justification:** Legal Root Solutions contributes to ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns through the following efforts: 1. **Legal Compliance:** By assisting businesses in understanding and complying with regulations and standards, we promote responsible business practices that support sustainable production. 2. **Promotion of Ethical Practices:** Our services encourage businesses to adopt ethical and sustainable practices in their operations, contributing to reduced environmental impact and resource consumption. 3. **Support for Green Initiatives:** We assist businesses in navigating legal frameworks related to environmental regulations and sustainable practices, fostering a culture of responsible consumption and production. While Legal Root Solutions actively promotes responsible business practices and compliance with environmental r

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

While Legal Root Solutions indirectly supports climate action through promoting responsible business practices and compliance with environmental regulations, our direct impact on combatting climate change and its impacts is limited. Our contributions include: 1. Legal Compliance: Assisting businesses in adhering to environmental regulations helps mitigate their environmental footprint, albeit indirectly impacting climate change. 2. Promotion of Sustainability: Encouraging ethical and sustainable practices among businesses contributes to reducing environmental impact, supporting broader climate action goals. 3. Advocacy and Awareness: We can further contribute by raising awareness among clients about the importance of climate action and supporting initiatives that promote sustainability. To enhance our impact on climate action, Legal Root Solutions could explore partnerships with environmental organizations, offer specialized legal services focused on climate-related issues, and adv

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

3

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

6

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

Justification: Legal Root Solutions actively contributes to promoting peaceful and inclusive societies, providing access to justice, and building effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions through the following efforts: 1. Access to Legal Services: We provide affordable legal services, ensuring that SMEs and startups have access to justice and can resolve legal issues effectively. 2. Support for Rule of Law: By assisting businesses in complying with regulations and legal standards, we promote adherence to the rule of law, contributing to stable and accountable institutions. 3. Advocacy for Inclusive Practices: We advocate for fair and inclusive business practices, supporting diversity and equality within the business community. 4. Transparency and Accountability: Our services help businesses formalize and operate transparently, fostering accountable practices that strengthen institutions. Through these initiatives, Legal Root Solutions plays a significant role in advancin

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Legal Root Solutions contributes to strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development through several key actions: 1. Collaborative Efforts: We collaborate with various stakeholders, including legal professionals, businesses, and non-profits, to enhance access to legal services and promote sustainable business practices. 2. Partnerships: We seek partnerships with organizations that share our commitment to sustainable development goals, enhancing our reach and impact in supporting businesses. 3. Advocacy and Awareness: Through advocacy efforts, we raise awareness about the importance of sustainable development and encourage stakeholders to engage in global partnerships. While Legal Root Solutions actively engages in partnerships and collaboration, further efforts could include expanding strategic partnerships with international organizations focused on sustainable development and participating more actively in global initiative

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

2

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

3

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

2

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

6

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

5

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

6

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

4

06.08 Justification for my startup

Legal Root Solutions innovates by offering unique, affordable legal services tailored for SMEs and startups. Our approach leverages technology to enhance accessibility and efficiency without pioneering new technologies. We improve upon traditional legal services by addressing common barriers and filling a niche market need for cost-effective solutions. This positions us as both an extension of existing legal services and a response to unmet demands in the legal services sector.

06.09 Competitive Analysis

Legal Root Solutions competes in the legal services market against players like DIY Law, Sabilaw, Resolution NG, and Vazilegal. These competitors offer varying degrees of self-service legal solutions, but Legal Root Solutions stands out with its unique blend of affordability, accessibility, and tech-driven approach. Unlike traditional law firms, we provide DIY (Do-It-Yourself), DIWY (Do-It-With-You), and DFY (Done-For-You) legal services through an intuitive platform. Our competitive edge lies in several key areas: 1. Affordability: We offer cost-effective solutions tailored specifically for SMEs and tech startups, addressing their budget constraints without compromising on quality. 2. Accessibility:nOur platform is designed to be user-friendly, allowing businesses to access legal services anytime, anywhere, and without the complexity associated with traditional legal processes. 3. Tech-Savvy Approach: By leveraging technology, including automation and digital tools, we streamline

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

Yes I lead a community of 350 women currently