Scissero snaps up Robin AI's managed services arm in cut-price deal
Robin AI is set to sell the bulk of its operations to UK rival Scissero after a tough autumn that included significant layoffs and a failed funding round. The transaction covers Robin AI's managed services division and is expected to be announced on Wednesday.
The move expands Scissero's client base to more than 100 companies and brings its combined headcount to roughly 150 people. Notably, Scissero is not buying Robin AI's core technology platform.
What's included-and what isn't
Scissero gains Robin AI's managed services team and its relationships with large asset managers, investment banks, and major corporates such as Pfizer, PepsiCo, and General Electric. The deal is described by sources as struck at a knockdown price.
The technology platform remains with Robin AI, which means clients relying on Robin's software stack should expect changes to how tools and services are supported. Scissero, however, will compete more directly with legal AI vendors like US-based Harvey and Sweden's Legora on service delivery.
Context: from high praise to consolidation
In 2023, the then prime minister Rishi Sunak praised Robin AI for drafting contracts in minutes and helping businesses save time and money. The company attracted funding from SoftBank and Episode1, among others, before market pressure forced difficult choices this year.
Scissero's chief executive, Mathias Strasser, framed the acquisition as part of a broader consolidation phase in AI-enabled legal services, with the UK well placed to push innovation forward. Robin AI's chief executive, Richard Robinson, said the move gives clients broader solutions backed by a regulated legal services offering and quick turnaround.
Why this matters for in-house legal and law firms
- Continuity of service: Confirm which matters, SLAs, and teams are moving to Scissero, and which tools or automations will not be supported post-deal.
- Contract position: Check for novation requirements, consent rights, change-of-control clauses, and any service credits that apply during transition.
- Data handling: Re-validate data flows, subprocessors, retention, and model training policies-especially if redlines, playbooks, or clause libraries have been used to train systems.
- Security reviews: Refresh vendor risk assessments, pen-test evidence, SOC 2/ISO documentation, and access controls for both transferred and retained systems.
- Pricing and scope: Expect revised rate cards or package structures; benchmark against peers and verify what's now bundled as "managed services."
- Conflicts and privilege: Reassess conflicts checks and privilege protocols if Scissero now serves a wider set of counterparties in your sector.
- Jurisdictional issues: If work is offshored or cross-border, confirm data residency, export controls, and regulatory constraints tied to your sector.
- IP and playbooks: Ensure ownership of templates, clause libraries, and custom workflows is clear, and that your team retains needed access.
- Exit options: If service quality dips during integration, know your termination rights and transition assistance obligations.
Immediate actions to protect continuity
- Run a structured due-diligence checklist covering scope, team, SLAs, security, and data usage; memorialize outcomes in a short addendum.
- Request a joint transition plan with milestones, named owners, timelines, and reporting cadence; tie deliverables to fees where possible.
- Re-paper if needed: Use a streamlined novation or assignment process; update DPA terms to reflect any new processing activities or locations.
- Schedule parallel runs for critical workflows (e.g., high-value contracting) until performance is proven under Scissero operations.
- Communicate internally: Brief business stakeholders on what changes, who to contact, and how to escalate issues during the first 90 days.
Helpful references
- ICO guidance on AI and data protection
- SRA Code of Conduct for Firms (outsourcing and client protections)
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Bottom line: Scissero takes on service delivery and client relationships; Robin AI keeps its platform. Treat the next quarter as a live transition-lock down contract mechanics, validate data protections, and measure service performance week by week.
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