They left McKinsey to help businesses fight patent violations. See the pitch deck they used to raise $10 million. (www.businessinsider.com)

Former McKinsey consultants Oskar Block and Oscar Adamsson have launched Stilta, a startup that utilizes artificial intelligence to help businesses identify and combat patent violations, securing $10.5 million in seed funding led by Andreessen Horowitz shortly after its January 2023 inception. The founders believe that the traditionally manual and lawyer-dominated patent analysis process is overdue for enhancement through AI. They have assembled a team that includes former McKinsey data experts to develop a software solution that automates the tedious tasks of searching and organizing patent-related evidence, allowing lawyers to maintain strategic control over the outcomes. Stilta’s technology segments patent analysis into manageable tasks that can be executed in parallel, streamlining the workflow from identifying patent infringements to defending against lawsuits. This innovative approach not only helps companies leverage their often-overlooked patent portfolios but also offers a cost-effective alternative for legal departments by reducing reliance on outside counsel. With early adopters like Roche and Maersk, Stilta is positioned within the competitive legal tech landscape, joining other companies aiming to modernize patent management processes. The significant backing from Andreessen Horowitz underscores the industry's belief in the potential for disruption in patent work through technology.