Waymaker Wednesday: Women in LegalTech – Meet Kanan Dhru

Kanan Dhru is a legal innovation leader, investor, and academic working at the intersection of law, technology, design, and justice. She is currently a General Partner at Ritam Ventures, India’s first LegalTech-focused venture capital fund, where she invests in innovations transforming law, justice, and society. Alongside this, she leads Kanan Dhru Consulting, supporting organisations in adopting AI responsibly through transparent and ethical governance frameworks.

Kanan’s work spans academia, policy, venture building, and social impact. She is a Researcher on Law and Technology at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, a Visiting Lecturer at Leiden University, and has previously served as Senior Lecturer in Legal Technology, teaching and shaping curricula around AI, cybersecurity, and technology regulation. She has also coordinated interdisciplinary initiatives such as the Center for Law, Design & AI at TU Delft.

A three-time founder, Kanan has built platforms like Lawtoons and LawForMe, and has held leadership and research roles at global institutions including HiiL, Justice Leaders, McKinsey & Co., and the World Health Organization. Recognised internationally through fellowships such as Acumen and Fulbright, her journey reflects a deep commitment to human-centred design, justice innovation, and building systems that make law more accessible and equitable.

Here’s a peek into her world:

1. What inspired you to join the Women in LegalTech community?

Women in the LegalTech community bring together stellar doers and thought leaders in the LegalTech space. I am a strong believer in communities. They not only provide you with a fantastic network but also help in building the ecosystem that ultimately creates a momentum for change.

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2. If you could solve one problem in the legal world (or beyond) with technology, what would it be?

For me, it would be access to justice all through. I'd love to solve for it in a way where legal problems are prevented (or 'nipped in the bud') as much as possible. Technology can play such an important role in making this happen. If we can strike a win-win where there is also a sustainable business model to solve this fundamental problem, it would be amazing!

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3. What’s one book, podcast, or resource that’s made a big impact on how you think about work or life?

The Upanishads have had a lasting influence on how I think about work and life. I am drawn in particular to the idea of detached engagement: doing meaningful work with full commitment, but without being consumed by outcomes.

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4. Outside of work, what’s something you’re passionate about or love spending time on?

I love visual storytelling and creative expression, especially using illustrations and comics to explain complex legal ideas to children and non-lawyers. I also value quiet time, good coffee, and conversations that cut across philosophy, ethics, and public policy.

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5. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received as a woman in your career journey?

“Don’t wait to be fully ready. Clarity comes from movement.”

This advice has helped me turn ideas into action and trust that credible impact is achieved through thoughtful execution.

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6. If you weren’t working in law/legaltech, what’s another path you could totally see yourself in?

If I weren’t working in law or LegalTech, I could genuinely see myself doing something deeply connected to nature. The clarity, humility, and perspective that nature can provide are unparalleled.

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Kanan’s journey reflects what’s possible when law, technology, and human-centred design come together. Through her work across innovation, academia, and investment, she continues to shape more accessible, responsible, and future-ready legal systems.

Are you a woman shaping the future of legal tech? We’d love to hear your story. Our Women in LegalTech community is a space to connect, inspire, and spark conversations that matter. Click here to join and be part of the movement.