As Head of MDR Lab, Dan oversees a series of programmes that incubate and invest in early-stage startups in the legal space. Companies that are selected to join the programme spend 12 weeks with Dan's team in the Mishcon de Reya offices, working closely with people across the firm to rapidly accelerate their knowledge of the problem space. People from Mishcon de Reya act as initial users of the product and provide regular feedback, enabling rapid prototyping and product development. Through this, Mishcon is exposed to new technology that can improve the way its business is run, tools that its lawyers can use to work more efficiently and new investment opportunities.
In the five years that it has been operating, MDR Lab has worked with 30 companies from around the world, yielding over 10 customer partnerships and firm investments into a number of businesses, including TimebyPing, ThirdFort, Everchron and DraftWise.
Dan also leads the firm's engagement with startups and the wider ecosystem of investors and partners, working closely with Nick West (Partner and Chief Strategy Officer) on investment and growth activities across the portfolio, as well as other strategy projects. Most recently, Dan has been exploring how the firm can scale-up its venture activity across new markets and focus areas.