Merlie Calvert

Merlie Calvert is the CEO and Founder of Farillio, a legal tech startup based in the UK that focuses on providing accessible business tools and legal resources for small businesses. Founded in 2017, Farillio aims to ensure that small business owners can easily access essential information and materials necessary for their success, especially in challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.14

Background and Career

Calvert has over 20 years of experience in both business and legal sectors. She began her career as a Trainee Solicitor at S J Berwin LLP in 1997 and has held various significant roles, including:

• Antitrust Counsel at De Beers Group (2002)
• Commercial Director at De Beers Group Marketing (2004)
• Of Counsel at Mayer Brown International LLP (2012)
• Head of Business at LHS Solicitors (2015) where she also launched a digital legal advice platform called elXtr.236

She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the University of Bristol and has furthered her education with studies at the London Business School.23

Achievements

Calvert has been recognized for her contributions to the legal tech industry, being named among the top 4% of global legal tech innovators by the Financial Times in 2019. She is also an advisor for Antler VC and mentors various startups.67 Her commitment to empowering small businesses is reflected in her advocacy for accessible legal services, which she views as critical for their survival and growth.46

Personal Philosophy

Merlie Calvert is known for her "rebellious" approach to business, emphasizing the importance of community support and collaboration among entrepreneurs. She believes that small businesses are powerful and should be championed, advocating for their rights and accessibility to necessary resources.56