23-Year-Old College Student Launches AI Startup

Raphael Lim, a 23-year-old computer science student, and Jamison Teng, a 24-year-old law student, have taken the unconventional route of prioritizing their business over their studies. The two college students in Singapore launched their legal tech startup, Jam & Raph, during finals week, which provides AI consultancy services to law firms.

The duo met in 2022 and initially bonded over Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training and playing video games. However, their focus shifted when they competed in a collegiate legal tech hackathon in 2024 and placed second. This experience sparked the idea for Jam & Raph, which has now become a year-old startup.

Lim, a second-year student at the National University of Singapore, and Teng, a final-year student at the Singapore Management University, have had to juggle their academic responsibilities with the demands of running a business. As a result, they have had to sacrifice their social life, grades, and even their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training to build up Jam & Raph.

## What's at Stake The stakes are high for Lim and Teng, who are navigating the challenges of running a startup while still in college. However, they see this as an opportunity to test their business in a relatively low-risk environment. If successful, Jam & Raph could join the ranks of prominent legal AI startups like Harvey.

## Why it Matters The success of Jam & Raph could have significant implications for the legal tech industry, which is increasingly relying on AI consultancy services. As law firms look to innovate and streamline their operations, startups like Jam & Raph are well-positioned to provide the necessary expertise. For Lim and Teng, the experience of running a business while in college has been a valuable learning experience, teaching them the importance of time management, prioritization, and adaptability.

As Jam & Raph continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how Lim and Teng balance their academic and professional responsibilities. One thing is certain, however: their decision to prioritize their business has given them a unique opportunity to make a mark in the legal tech industry.