DevAlly, a promising startup and alum of TechCrunch’s Startup Battlefield, has raised €2 million in funding to tackle the growing challenges of digital accessibility compliance.
With the European Union’s stringent new accessibility law, the European Accessibility Act (EAA), set to take full effect by 2025, companies across the continent are scrambling to ensure their digital products meet the mandated standards.
The Rise of Accessibility Regulations in Europe
This new legislation aims to create a more inclusive digital environment, requiring businesses to make websites, apps, and other digital services accessible to people with disabilities.
DevAlly’s innovative platform offers automated tools and consulting services to help companies navigate these complex regulations, ensuring compliance while minimizing costs and effort.
A Growing Need for Digital Inclusion
The impact of the EAA is monumental, as it affects not just tech giants but also small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may lack the resources to overhaul their digital infrastructure.
Historically, accessibility has been a secondary concern for many businesses, often addressed only after legal or reputational pressures, but the EAA marks a shift toward proactive inclusion.
DevAlly’s Journey and Vision
Emerging from the competitive Startup Battlefield stage, DevAlly has quickly positioned itself as a leader in the accessibility tech space, with this €2M funding round led by prominent European investors.
Looking ahead, the company plans to expand its reach beyond Europe, eyeing markets where accessibility laws are also tightening, such as the United States and Canada.
The future of digital accessibility looks promising yet challenging, as non-compliance penalties under the EAA could result in hefty fines and restricted market access for offending companies.
DevAlly’s mission is not just about compliance but about fostering a culture of inclusion, ensuring that digital spaces are usable for the estimated 135 million Europeans with disabilities.
As the 2025 deadline approaches, experts predict a surge in demand for solutions like DevAlly’s, potentially transforming the startup into a key player in the global accessibility market.
With this funding, DevAlly is poised to scale its operations, innovate further, and lead the charge in making the internet a more inclusive space for all.