From Courtrooms to Code: The Rise of Harvey in Legal Tech
In the rapidly evolving landscape of legal technology, few stories are as compelling as that of Harvey, a San Francisco-based startup that has swiftly ascended to prominence. Founded by Winston Weinberg, a former first-year associate at O’Melveny & Myers, and Gabriel Pereyra, a seasoned AI researcher with stints at DeepMind, Google Brain, and Meta AI, Harvey is redefining the intersection of law and artificial intelligence.
The Genesis of Harvey
The inception of Harvey traces back to a serendipitous collaboration between Weinberg and Pereyra, who were roommates at the time. Pereyra introduced Weinberg to OpenAI’s GPT-3, a powerful language model. Initially, Weinberg experimented with GPT-3 for personal projects, including orchestrating a Dungeons and Dragons game. However, the potential of AI in legal applications became evident when Weinberg was assigned a landlord-tenant case at his firm. Lacking expertise in this area, he leveraged GPT-3 to navigate the complexities of the case.
Recognizing the transformative potential of AI in legal workflows, Weinberg and Pereyra embarked on developing a platform tailored for legal professionals. Their goal was to create a copilot for lawyers, an AI-driven assistant capable of streamlining legal research, drafting, and analysis.
Rapid Ascension and Investor Confidence
Harvey’s innovative approach quickly garnered attention from top-tier investors. The OpenAI Startup Fund was the first institutional investor to back the company, signaling strong confidence in its vision. Subsequent funding rounds saw participation from venture capital heavyweights such as Sequoia Capital, Kleiner Perkins, Elad Gil, Google Ventures, Coatue, and Andreessen Horowitz.
The company’s valuation trajectory reflects its meteoric rise. In February 2025, Harvey was valued at $3 billion. By June, this figure had climbed to $5 billion, and by late October, it reached an impressive $8 billion. This exponential growth underscores both the burgeoning interest in AI applications and Harvey’s unique position within the legal tech sector.
Expanding Clientele and Revenue Milestones
Harvey’s impact is not confined to investor enthusiasm. The startup boasts a client base of 700 across 63 countries, including a majority of the top 10 U.S. law firms. This widespread adoption signifies the platform’s effectiveness and the legal industry’s readiness to embrace AI solutions.
Financially, Harvey has achieved significant milestones. As of August, the company surpassed $100 million in annual recurring revenue, a testament to its robust business model and the value it delivers to clients.
The Future of AI in Legal Practice
Weinberg envisions a future where AI complements rather than replaces legal professionals. By automating routine tasks and providing insightful analyses, Harvey aims to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of legal work. This perspective aligns with a broader trend in the legal industry, where technology serves as an enabler, allowing lawyers to focus on more complex and strategic aspects of their practice.
The journey of Harvey from a concept born out of a roommate’s demonstration to a leading force in legal tech exemplifies the transformative power of AI. As the company continues to innovate and expand, it stands as a beacon of how technology can revolutionize traditional industries.
