Immediation Secures $3.6M AUD to Expand Dispute Resolution Platform in the US
Immediation Secures $3.6 Million AUD to Fuel Global Expansion
The recent global pandemic necessitated rapid adaptation within the legal sector, prompting many firms to adopt makeshift remote work solutions utilizing video conferencing and email. Immediation, headquartered in Melbourne, offers a purpose-built platform featuring digital courtrooms and mediation tools. Following adoption by Australian federal courts and New Zealand governmental bodies, the company is now focused on expansion into the United States and European markets, bolstered by a recent $3.6 million AUD ($2.7 million USD) funding round.
Company Background and Growth
Established in 2017 and publicly launched in 2019, Immediation’s client base encompasses the Federal Court of Australia, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT), and various New Zealand agencies including the Ministry of Justice, Sport New Zealand, and Domain Name Commission NZ.
Over the last year, the startup has reported a six-fold increase in revenue year-over-year, alongside a 2,000% surge in user growth. Currently, Immediation employs approximately 40 individuals across five countries and maintains a network of over 100 mediators and arbitrators.
This latest funding round brings the total capital raised by Immediation to $10 million AUD.
Strategic Market Focus
Beyond its established presence in Australia and New Zealand, Immediation also serves clients in Southeast Asian markets. The company’s immediate focus for the next twelve months will be on accelerating growth within the U.S. and European regions.
The Vision Behind Immediation
Prior to founding Immediation, Laura Keily, the company’s founder and managing director, spent two decades practicing as a corporate lawyer and barrister. She explained in correspondence with TechCrunch that her motivation stemmed from a desire to improve access to justice.
“I observed directly that many individuals were effectively excluded from the legal process,” Keily stated. “The existing legal system is often complicated, time-consuming, and costly. It’s a traditional framework governed by outdated rules and procedures, lacking scalability and efficiency.”
From Traditional Methods to Digital Solutions
Previously, many of Immediation’s clients were limited to in-person meetings held in mediation centers or courtrooms. The platform was made available to the public in September 2019, just prior to the onset of the pandemic.
“The emergence of COVID-19 proved to be a pivotal moment,” Keily noted. “As various industries were compelled to transition online rapidly, our team quickly adapted to address the urgent needs of the legal sector and provide a roadmap for a smooth digital transformation.”
Pandemic-Driven Acceleration
In 2020, Immediation experienced a remarkable 2,200% increase in users, including hosting a 500-person hearing over five days for the Willem C. Vis International Arbitration Moot – a prominent competition involving numerous law schools.
Platform Features and Security
Immediation was conceived by legal professionals to faithfully replicate the environments of physical courtrooms, mediation suites, and legal offices. The platform offers features such as hearing recording, document sharing and management, collaborative contract drafting and execution, and secure communication channels for confidential lawyer-client interactions.
Judicial officers and mediators maintain control over participant access within private rooms, enabling them to manage and remove individuals as needed.
Maintaining confidentiality is paramount. Immediation provides secure chat and dedicated party rooms, allowing legal teams to communicate privately and securely during proceedings, ensuring that messages remain unseen by other parties.
New Appointments to Leadership
Immediation has recently announced the appointment of Christine Christian, chair of Auctus Investment Group and Tamara Credit Partners, as its new chair. Rachael Neumann and Greg Wildisen have also joined the board.
Furthermore, Elena Rubin, chair of Afterpay, and Jim Cassidy, founding partner of Rampersand VC, have been added to the company’s advisory board.
