South African law firm Webber Wentzel has introduced a legal incubation programme - Webber Wentzel Ignite - aimed at high-potential start-ups and scale-ups.
The programme will provide selected entrepreneurs and innovators with tailored legal services valued at up to R100 000, bespoke mentoring and training support focused on legal knowledge and developing key skills relevant to start-up businesses as well as targeted networking and profile-raising opportunities.
The law firm says it will give preference to high-potential South African ventures that already have some market traction.
"Webber Wentzel has a long-standing history of supporting entrepreneurship. We recognise that the future of South Africa requires an ecosystem of innovation and growth and we want to make a meaningful contribution to this, says Christo Els, senior partner for Webber Wentzel.
"Through our Ignite programme, we will provide the best applicants with legal services to drive their business forward and position them well for future fundraising and expansion. With the right support, good business ideas can turn into thriving enterprises with global reach."
The law firm says it is not asking for equity or exclusivity.
"We're hoping to form a long-term relationship of trust with the management team who see the potential and value in partnering with us to ensure their future success. We'd like to prevent avoidable mistakes, says Aalia Manie, senior associate for Webber Wentzel.
"It will be important for management to spend some time with us so that we can do a deep dive into their business. We will try our best to be flexible regarding when, where and how long we spend with them in each case - we understand that entrepreneurs are busy people."
To join the programme, interested applicants will need to complete an application form. Applications close on 15 January 2018.
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