vLex becomes Barcelona’s newest unicorn after $1 billion acquisition by Clio

In a landmark deal that signals a major shift in the legal technology landscape, Canadian legal tech giant Clio has announced the acquisition of vLex, a Barcelona-founded company known for its advanced AI-powered legal research platform. The transaction is valued at US$1 billion, making vLex the latest unicorn to emerge from Barcelona’s thriving tech ecosystem.

Founded in 2000 in Barcelona, vLex has grown into a global leader in legal intelligence, combining cutting-edge artificial intelligence with the most comprehensive legal database in the world. The company’s flagship AI, Vincent, is trusted by law firms, courts, and legal organizations across jurisdictions for its deep, cross-border insights and high-value drafting capabilities.

“This signals the onset of a transformative era in the legal industry, unlike anything we’ve seen before”

Lluís Faus, CEO and Co-Founder of vLex

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"This is a watershed moment for Clio and the broader legal profession", said Jack Newton, CEO and Founder of Clio. "By bringing together the business and practice of law in a unified platform, we’re revolutionizing every aspect of legal work".

Clio’s legal operating system is currently used by over 200,000 legal professionals. With the addition of vLex, the company aims to create a unified, intelligent legal technology platform that enables professionals to manage, research, and execute legal tasks with greater efficiency and insight. The deal is described as the most significant acquisition in Clio’s history and is expected to close later this year, pending regulatory approval.

"This signals the onset of a transformative era in the legal industry, unlike anything we’ve seen before", said Lluís Faus, CEO and Co-Founder of vLex. "Together with Clio, we have a bold vision for the future that empowers legal professionals to go beyond traditional research and operational silos, harnessing deeper intelligence and broader impact. With the most comprehensive global legal library and firm insights, Clio and vLex are uniquely positioned to reshape the mechanics of legal work and redefine the trajectory of the profession".

A New Unicorn in a Growing Tech Hub

With this acquisition, vLex joins the ranks of Barcelona’s unicorn companies—privately held startups valued at $1 billion or more—alongside names like Glovo, TravelPerk, Wallbox, and Factorial. These companies exemplify the city’s growing influence as a leading innovation hub in Southern Europe.

Barcelona’s rise as a tech powerhouse is supported by a dynamic startup ecosystem, international connectivity, and a robust talent pool. Resources like the Barcelona & Catalonia Startup Hub, created by Catalonia Trade & Investment, provide a window into the region’s startup scene. The hub currently tracks over 2,280 startups, offering data on funding, technologies, and business models.

This latest milestone for vLex reinforces Barcelona’s reputation as a global center for legal and technological innovation and underscores the city’s role in shaping the future of AI-powered services across industries.

Source: vLex