Battlefield Alum DevAlly Raises €2M to Help Companies Comply with Europe's New Accessibility Law
In a move that highlights the growing importance of accessibility in the digital age, Irish startup DevAlly has secured €2 million in funding to help businesses navigate the complexities of Europe's new accessibility law. Launched by Battlefield alum Cormac Chisholm, DevAlly is among the first companies to leverage technology to detect and fix accessibility problems on websites, e-commerce platforms, and banking apps.
According to Chisholm, many companies, even large ones, were caught off guard by the European Accessibility Act (EAA), which took effect in June. "Companies would come to us two weeks before the deadline saying, 'Oh, we didn't know anything about this,'" he said. DevAlly's technology helps businesses detect accessibility barriers such as videos lacking captions on corporate websites and tracks customer-reported issues.
The EAA promises hefty fines for new products and services that are not in compliance, with existing ones given a grace period to comply until 2030. Despite similar standards existing in the U.S., many companies still have a long way to go in terms of accessibility. DevAlly's technology is designed to make it easier for businesses to detect and fix these issues.
Chisholm said that his company's goal is to help businesses "get ahead" of the EAA regulations. "We're not just about compliance, we're about creating a more accessible digital experience," he added.
The funding round was led by a group of investors, with Chisholm attributing the success to DevAlly's unique approach to accessibility. "We're proud to be among the first companies to leverage technology to make it easier for businesses to detect and fix accessibility problems," he said.
Background on the European Accessibility Act (EAA) is essential to understanding the significance of DevAlly's funding. The EAA aims to ensure that all digital products and services are accessible to people with disabilities, including those with visual, auditory, motor, or cognitive impairments. This includes websites, e-commerce platforms, banking apps, and other digital tools.
The implications of the EAA are far-reaching, with many companies scrambling to adjust their digital offerings to comply with the new regulations. DevAlly's technology is designed to help businesses navigate this complex landscape and ensure that they are in compliance with the EAA.
In addition to its technical capabilities, DevAlly also provides a range of services to help businesses create roadmaps for fixes and generate accessibility reports. This comprehensive approach sets DevAlly apart from other companies offering similar solutions.
As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is clear that accessibility will play an increasingly important role in business strategy. With its innovative technology and commitment to creating a more accessible digital experience, DevAlly is well-positioned to help businesses navigate this complex landscape.
In conclusion, DevAlly's €2 million funding round marks a significant milestone in the company's mission to make digital products and services more accessible to people with disabilities. As the EAA continues to shape the digital landscape, companies will need to adapt quickly to avoid hefty fines and reputational damage. With its cutting-edge technology and commitment to accessibility, DevAlly is poised to play a leading role in this rapidly evolving field.
*Reporting by Techcrunch.*
