Danae Shell found herself hearing a troubling narrative repeatedly: when something negative occurred at work, employees would simply leave, deterred by the complexity and high costs of pursuing any legal recourse.
Driven by her frustration, Shell founded the UK-based startup Valla in 2022, aiming to make employment law more accessible and less daunting to workers. Since its establishment, the platform asserts that it has helped more than 12,000 employees successfully lodge complaints and reach settlements with their employers.
“The idea behind Valla was straightforward,” Shell explained, noting that if technology can enable tasks like filing tax returns from smartphones, it certainly can demystify complicated legal processes. Valla offers a comprehensive platform that lets users gather evidence, draft necessary legal documents, and consult with legal experts for tailored guidance through each stage of their employment dispute. For instance, an employee dealing with discriminatory practices at work could document the incidents, create a claim for a Tribunal hearing, and purchase coaching sessions to help them prepare effectively.
The startup has integrated advanced generative AI, enhancing the efficiency of its services. Shell described this feature as acting like a virtual legal assistant—briefing coaches about cases, taking notes during conversations, and managing administrative tasks and reminders throughout each case’s lifecycle.
Investor response has been positive. Valla recently announced that it has secured a £2 million (around $2.7 million) seed funding round, spearheaded by Ada Ventures. Other participants include Active Partners, Portfolio Ventures, and returning investors Techstart and Resolution Foundation.
Shell attributed investor enthusiasm to the tangible early traction of the platform combined with successful early adoption of generative AI capabilities beginning in 2023. With this fresh capital, she plans to expand marketing efforts, deepen strategic partnerships with worker unions and insurance providers, and further develop the platform’s AI offerings.
Looking ahead, Shell revealed plans to broaden Valla’s services beyond employment issues, exploring possibilities in areas like tenancy disputes and small claims. The startup is also eyeing geographic expansion, initially into markets in the United States and Europe.
