Shake is a legal technology startup founded in 2012. It primarily offers the Shake app, which enables individuals to create, sign, and send legally binding agreements directly from their iOS devices. The app provides a library of simple, plain-English contract templates covering areas like freelancing, non-disclosure agreements, buying and selling, rental agreements, and personal loans. Shake’s mission centers on simplifying and modernizing legal contracts, particularly targeting the "Tiny Law" market—freelancers and small businesses needing affordable legal services for small transactions who traditionally avoid legal counsel due to cost.
Shake was co-founded by Jon Steinberg, Jared Grusd, Stuart Ellman, and Abe Geiger. The idea originated from Steinberg and Grusd, who sought to simplify legal contracts. They connected with Ellman and Geiger, who were already working on legal tech ideas, and together launched Shake with the goal of disrupting the legal contract space by making it accessible via mobile devices.
The company grew by focusing on the underserved "Tiny Law" segment, coining that term for individuals and small businesses needing simple legal tools. The Shake app launched initially on iOS and gained traction for its ease of use and plain-language approach.
Shake’s culture emphasizes accessibility, simplicity, and empowerment of underserved legal users. By targeting freelancers and small businesses, Shake reflects values of democratizing legal services and reducing barriers to entry. The founders’ backgrounds in media, law, and venture capital suggest a culture of innovation and disruption in traditional legal processes.
Shake primarily serves freelancers, independent contractors, and small businesses—collectively referred to as the Tiny Law market. This user base values affordable, fast, and easy-to-use legal tools. The app’s availability on iOS and focus on mobile contract execution appeals to tech-savvy users who prefer digital solutions over traditional legal services.
