Melbourne-based AI-tech startup Deeligence simply took out high gong on the Startup World Cup 2025 regional occasion and earned a spot on the worldwide stage with a sponsored journey to the Grand Finale in San Francisco this October – and the possibility to compete for US$1 million in funding.
Hosted in Melbourne, the celebrated worldwide pitch competitors – run by Pegasus Tech Ventures – showcased 10 high-growth startups who pitched dwell to a panel of heavyweight buyers. Deeligence not solely impressed the judges with its AI-powered due diligence platform, however made it clear they’d be a pressure to be reckoned with for years to return.
Startup World Cup regional finals, Melbourne Picture: Sartup&Angels
Pitch win to world domination
“We help lawyers get through lots of documents much faster when they’re looking to buy a business for their client,” mentioned Justin Hansky, co-founder of Deeligence, who delivered the profitable pitch. “We came along to pitch at the Startup World Cup and headed home winners.”
Based in 2022, Deeligence has rapidly made waves within the authorized tech house by automating probably the most time-consuming components of M&A transactions: contract assessment. The platform itself helps companies display 1000’s of paperwork at fast pace, whereas on the identical time catching any purple flags and producing reviews that may meet even the tightest shopper deadlines.
“Deeligence is being used to review thousands of documents every month and lawyers are getting work done in about half the time on our platform than they would otherwise,” Hansky mentioned. “They’re actually able to meet their clients’ ambitious deadlines, which are getting tighter and tighter over time.”
Deeligence is already working with regulation companies and authorized groups throughout Australia and New Zealand. However worldwide enlargement – particularly into the US and UK – is a giant a part of their subsequent chapter.
“In terms of building a company in the legaltech space, if you want to build a really sizeable company, you need to be global from day one,” Hansky mentioned. “You need to be in the US, you need to be in the UK. So for us, Australia is a great place to start. The Australian market’s been an awesome testing ground for us. But in order to deliver on the next stage of growth for our business, we need to start seeing what else is available out there and heading to the market sooner rather than later.”
Timing the bounce to the US
The Startup World Cup prize couldn’t have come at a greater time. Deeligence is getting ready for a capital elevate and eyeing enlargement into North America – making San Francisco the right spot to begin forging connections.
“[We’re] mentally planning the sales calls we’re going to have on our trip to San Francisco,” Hansky mentioned.
With the Grand Finale set to happen this October, it’ll deliver collectively regional winners from greater than 50 cities world wide. As Hansky and co-founder Elena Tsalanidis’s first journey to the US on behalf of the enterprise, they’re planning to profit from their time there.
“It’s a great opportunity, both with our upcoming fundraise to meet folks over in San Francisco and also to validate some stuff about the market over in the US,” Hansky mentioned. “Because the best way to find out about this stuff is to be on the ground. It’s an incredible opportunity – timing-wise – for what we’re doing in the business.”
The journey has fast-tracked their market-exploration efforts – giving them not simply publicity, however a purpose to begin constructing connections and gathering all crucial insights proper now.
“[We] will adjust the timing and [add] a little bit of extra work to make sure we have the right meetings in our calendar before we go.”
A lift of confidence and visibility
Their victory on the Startup World Cup is a large morale enhance, whereas on the identical time signalling Deeligence as one to observe within the lawtech house.
“It feels surreal to have won this competition,” Hansky mentioned. “The reality of the prize is very cool. Going over and getting to meet all these amazing people [and going] to San Francisco, which is the absolute hub of startup land … it feels awesome.”
Whereas October is simply across the nook, Hansky is assured his staff can be prepared and ready – and that this win has generated loads of momentum they’re able to harness.
Deeligence joins an enviable listing of previous Startup World Cup winners who’ve gone on to safe main investments and partnerships after pitching on the world stage.
Startup Each day is a media companion of Startup World Cup Australia, hosted by Startup&Angels and supported by platinum companions, United Airways and Dell Applied sciences + Home windows 11.
With because of Dell Applied sciences, Startup World Cup sponsor
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