In a remarkable development within the legal tech sector, Chris Scantlebury, a former conveyancer, has raised £850,000 for a specialised client onboarding tool.
The new tool, designed specifically for the conveyancing industry, has already onboarded 2,200 clients since its mid-July launch. This accomplishment highlights the tool’s potential to streamline the conveyancing process considerably.
Chris Scantlebury, co-founder and director of the new project, emphasises his decade-long experience at the forefront of conveyancing. Drawing from this, he created a solution tailored specifically to the unique requirements of this sector. Unlike general onboarding tools, this product offers a comprehensive approach involving automated client onboarding and thorough checks for ID and anti-money laundering concerns.
The system does more than simply automate processes; it collects vital information such as property details, ownership, buyers, transaction particulars, and verifies all involved parties. This streamlined approach not only summarises data but also prepares contract-ready packs, aiming to reduce initial transaction administrative tasks.
Support is integrated into the platform, with dedicated customer service available for law firms. Reflecting on his previous experiences, Scantlebury notes the challenges faced with existing digital onboarding solutions and expresses confidence that his tool will provide a more efficient alternative.
ProConvey, operational since February 2022, was founded in collaboration with Manuela Fabris, a business adviser, and Ryan Buckle, a businessman. Financial support includes a notable £292,000 Innovate UK grant, alongside private investments totalling £550,000. These funds have secured the company’s early-stage development and future operational stability without the need for additional funding rounds.
Currently, ProConvey engages with eight firms, including a prominent top 10 conveyancer. Scantlebury aims to expand this network to over 100 firms by the close of 2025. ProConvey’s unique pricing model, charged per case, potentially impacts consumers differently, depending on the firm’s decision to absorb or pass on the cost.
Looking ahead, Scantlebury envisions further growth, targeting the inclusion of 10 more firms by the end of the current year and 96 more by the end of the following year. He plans to establish a panel of conveyancers and develop an in-house quoting tool to meet upcoming regulatory demands, such as the requirement for sellers to provide upfront property information.
User feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing Scantlebury’s mission to simplify conveyancing processes. However, as regulatory changes loom, initial charges by conveyancers for preparing sellers’ property information might deter less serious sellers, a potential shift in the industry’s landscape.
Chris Scantlebury’s innovative approach in refining the conveyancing process through bespoke technology exemplifies the potential for transformation within the legal sector.
