Built on the same platform as Netflix and using the same programming language as Facebook, Hoowla is modernising conveyancing for law firms. Founded in 2013, it is independently owned, designed and built in the UK, and offers case management software that includes full accounts and invoicing, precedents and letters, digital signatures, search ordering, online SDLT submissions and dashboard reporting. Here they are with more.
How would you describe your company to a friend?
Hoowla frees legal professionals from old-fashioned, out of date, installed case management software. Our legal cloud case management solution works to remove the repetitive tasks, log data to help with compliance and allows users to spend more time adding really value to their client.
Hoowla also takes care of all of the IT infrastructure and security for case management.
And if you had to describe it to a techy?
Hoowla is based on the same platform that Netflix use and the same programming language Facebook use, meaning that for users of our case management system Hoowla can scale from one case to a million.
Hoowla is a true cloud offering with no software requirements other than a device (PC, Mac, Laptop, mobile phone, tablet) that can access the internet. We believe in freedom for our users so there is no contract lock-in and data can be exported by users in formats that don’t require the use of Hoowla to access.
When were you founded?
Hoowla was founded in 2013
By who?
CEO Adam Curtis; lead software developer Edd Turtle; account manager Tom O’Brien; designer Bethan Jones
Who are your key managers/senior execs?
Adam Curtis
What is your growth strategy?
Direct customer acquisition online and through our partners. Hoowla is also expanding to other case management industries, outside of the legal industry.
Have you received investment?
No
Who are your target clients?
Solicitors that want great case management. We attract a lot of smaller firms because of our no setup cost but this, combined with our flexibility of configuration, means we are gaining a lot of interest from larger firms with upwards of 100 employees that are looking for a modern approach to their case management software.
Have there been any key changes in direction since you were founded?
No
What are the key challenges you face in your market?
Managing change is always a delicate subject. Case management is integral to a firm so swapping to a supplier and a new entrant is perceived as a big step. We are changing that perception with each new firm we sign up.
What are the most exciting developments you’ve seen in your market in the past year to 18 months?
Digital signatures are starting to be explored a lot more. We launched our digital signature and welcome pack last year, so it’s nice to now have more customers ready to start giving that a go.
Tell us something that people don’t already know about the company?
At Hoowla we believe strongly in giving back to the community. Even as a busy startup we find time to regularly give talks and mentoring sessions at local schools and Universities across South Wales about how to start a tech business or a career in software development. Many of the team also volunteer on a number of local community projects.
(Photo taken of Hoowla winning Legal Geek’s inaugural Lawtech startup award)