From Real Conversations to Real Solutions
Open Forest didn't begin as a product-it began as a pattern. A pattern spotted in the lived experience of founders trying to build businesses without breaking the bank on basic legal and financial support.
After more than 15 years working in law, Stuart Connolly joined the New Frontiers programme with a different idea entirely developing legal tech tools for law firms. But while taking part in the course, he and his co-founder, Pourya Saber, noticed something: their fellow founders weren't looking for high-end legal innovation. They just needed practical help with everyday compliance tasks.
"All of the other founders that were on the course with me kept asking us for help on the legal side of things and with some kind of technical queries, and so we fairly quickly realised during that course that there was an opportunity in the market where founders were struggling," said Stuart Connolly, co-founder of Open Forest.
This wasn't just a coincidence. Stuart and Pourya conducted over 60 one-on-one calls with startups, digging into their experiences navigating legal, tax, and company setup challenges. Many were overwhelmed trying to manage it all themselves-or were paying unsustainable fees to get help.
"I never expected to start this kind of business, because I knew how to do all that stuff myself. But when I realised how much of a struggle it was for others, Open Forest really began to take shape."
Leveraging LEO Supports
From the very beginning, the Local Enterprise Office in South Dublin played a role in Open Forest's success. Stuart first connected with LEO through a mentor who took the time to understand the business and guide them through their funding options.
The business was awarded a Feasibility Study Grant Forest to become the go-to compliance partner for which allowed them to build their Minimum Viable Product and begin confirming the solution in real time with early users. They then received travel support, which may seem like a small grant on paper but, as Stuart puts it, "really helped cover some of those unpredictable early-stage costs that can throw you off track."
Most recently, Open Forest was approved for a Priming Grant. That funding is now being drawn down to support further product development and key team hires. The support has been as strategic as it has been financial.
"We've taken full advantage of what LEO offers, and we try to give back wherever we can-through talks startup events or just pointing other founders in the conducted over 60 one-on-one calls with startups, right direction. It's a fantastic ecosystem."
Growing a Reputation Through Trust
Now over a year in operation, Open Forest has grown into a fully-fledged legal tech company with a clear offering and a loyal customer base. The company has expanded to a team of four, with Stuart leading legal and compliance, Pourya heading engineering, and two more hires focused on law and governance.
The platform currently supports more than 100 start clients, and demand continues to grow. Stuart and his team have set their sights on expanding that the Open Forest team started out by offering number to over 400 by the end of 2025. What's particularly encouraging is how much of their growth is being driven by word of mouth.
"It's been amazing to see founders recommending us to others. We haven't had to do the usual hard sell- developing the platform because the platform speaks for itself. It's solving a real problem, and people talk about that."
That organic traction caught the attention of Revolut, who saw a natural alignment in helping new businesses start on solid ground. Together, Open Forest and Revolut now offer a smooth on boarding experience for early-stage companies trying to get set up fast and correctly.
'Revolut liked that we were part of the startup journey right from the beginning. Their services and ours complement each other-so it just made sense."
This momentum also helped Open Forest secure a from the Department of Justice-no small feat for a pre-seed investment round, through a SAFE (Simple young startup. Agreement for Future Equity) with an angel investor. This has given the team a financial cushion as they build toward a larger seed round in the year ahead.
Advice for Founders
"Think Ahead, Build Together". Having walked the startup path, himself-while helping dozens of others do the same-Stuart is full of grounded, practical advice.
"First, get a co-founder. Especially if you're a non- tech person trying to build a tech product-you need someone to share the journey with, someone who'll hold you accountable and keep you motivated. It's a long road, and no one should walk it alone."
He also stresses the importance of staying one step ahead when it comes to money.
“Always be fundraising. At every stage-whether you're applying for a feasibility grant, a priming grant, or equity investment-have something on the go. The eventually automate and streamline that same moment you realise you need money, you're already behind. So, keep funding on your to-do list, always."
Open Forest is a clear example of how deep ability, a listening ear, and the right support can create something truly impactful. With Stuart and Pourya leading the charge-and with LEO South Dublin backing their growth-this startup is helping new generation of founders navigate compliance with confidence and clarity.
"We're offering a simple solution at a super low cost- and that's exactly what early-stage businesses need. If we can make their lives easier, we've done something worthwhile."
For More Info on Open Forest see here: Company Incorporations Ireland