Danae Shell recognised for her work in legal tech and says she wants to “give back”
Danae Shell, the founder and CEO of digital legal platform Valla, has been honoured for her inspirational work in tech during a special ceremony at Edinburgh Napier University.
Shell was presented with a purple plaque by Innovate UK as part of an initiative to challenge stereotypes in innovation at a special event hosted by Edinburgh Napier Alumni Network last Friday (12 September).
The campaign invites the winners of the Innovate UK Women in Innovation Award back to their former schools or universities, where they deliver assemblies and workshops to show the students that anyone, regardless of background or gender, can change the world through innovation.
44-year-old Shell created Valla, an AI-powered platform which simplifies the legal process by enabling workers to collect evidence, generate necessary documentation, and get fixed-price expert support without incurring the substantial costs typically associated with conventional services. More than 13,000 people have already benefitted from Valla’s services since its creation in 2016.
The UK boasts thousands of blue plaques on walls and buildings across the country honouring pioneering historic figures. However, fewer than one in seven Blue Plaques feature women, exposing a broader lack of role models for women, across media, business and education. Danae’s purple plaque, presented to her during a ceremony in front of first year technology students, will be put on display at Edinburgh Napier University where she completed her Masters degree in 2005.
On receiving the award, Danae Shell said: "Receiving this purple plaque is incredibly meaningful to me, not just as recognition of Valla's work in making legal support accessible to everyone, but as an opportunity to give back and inspire the next generation. When I see the statistics showing that girls make up just 27% of physics Higher students and only 17% in computing science, I know we have work to do.
“I want every young woman to know that innovation and entrepreneurship aren't reserved for a certain type of person – they're for anyone with curiosity, determination, and a desire to solve problems that matter. If my journey from Edinburgh Napier to building Valla can show even one student that they too can use technology to change lives, then this recognition will have achieved its true purpose."
Statistics for Scotland show that girls are underrepresented compared to boys in studying STEM subjects beyond National 5 level, with notable gender disparities especially in Higher and Advanced Higher subject choices. As recently as 2023, female candidates made up just 27% of physics Higher students, 17% in computing science, and 11% in engineering science.
Karen Souza, Senior Diversity and Inclusion Partner at Innovate UK, said: “Our Purple Plaques recognise the achievements of inspirational women innovators like Danae. These plaques spark conversations about innovation in the schools, colleges and universities where they’re unveiled, fostering pride among students and educators - making each institution a hub for celebrating and championing the contribution of women in innovation.”
Professor Peter Andras, Dean of the School of Computing, Engineering & the Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University said: “It is always a source of great pride to see our alumni go on to make a positive difference in their field, and Danae is an inspiring example. We are delighted that she has chosen to mark this deserved recognition with us.
“At Edinburgh Napier we are determined to offer a platform for everyone to reach their potential – including a commitment to tackle historic gender imbalances in certain subjects. We hope Danae will encourage the next generation of women in technology, innovation and entrepreneurship."
Other notable recipients of a purple plaque include Laura Bayliss, the founder of TimeTrove, Charlotte Windebank, managing director and co-founder of FIRST, which empowers enterprise skills for underrepresented communities, and Sam Woodham, co-founder of The Divorce Surgery, who’s game changing ‘One Couple, One Lawyer’ model is enabling separating families to reduce stress, costs and delays.
Innovate UK introduced the Purple Plaques campaign in 2019, to inspire more girls to follow in the footsteps of the Innovate UK Women in Innovation. Since then, 86 Purple Plaques have been unveiled at schools and universities up and down the country. Danae Shell was named as one of the UK’s Top 50 Female Entrepreneurs for 2025 in February.