It all began on 17th December 2004, when Tim Long - CEO - set up Zylpha at his kitchen table - a day before his wedding and just a week after leaving Visualfiles. The company’s unique name, Zylpha, was a tribute to Tim’s grandmother and the one name both Tim and his wife could agree on, and with an available domain name.
In the early days, the internet was mostly dial-up, Windows XP reigned supreme, and smartphones were yet to become mainstream - the original iPhone was still two and a half years away. Facebook was just beginning its ascent, and businesses relied on legacy systems for managing legal processes. Zylpha entered the market as a consultancy for the Visualfiles and SolCase systems with the aim of supporting law firms to get the most from investment.
Frettens Solicitors in Christchurch became Zylpha’s very first client in January 2005 - a partnership that has impressively stood the test of time for two decades. Soon after, Zylpha demonstrated its forward-thinking approach by launching its first integration product with CallCredit later that same year.
In 2005, Zylpha developed its first bundling solution for the introduction of Home Information Packs. These were a collection of documents which the seller of a property had to provide in advance. This included searches, title documentation and an energy performance certificate for the property. All of this was neatly laid out in a single PDF with a front cover, sections and numbering throughout.
This innovative new product became what is now known today as Zylpha bundling. Their first litigation bundling customer was Lambeth Borough Council, marking an important milestone that solidified Zylpha as a trusted name in legal technology.
Over the past 20 years, Zylpha has navigated eight Prime Ministers, a global financial crash, and a pandemic, emerging stronger and more versatile each time. Today, the company proudly serves customers in twenty-five countries. While Zylpha is widely recognised for its pioneering bundling software and eSignature integrations, its roots in Visualfiles consultancy remain a vital part of its DNA.
From humble beginnings at a kitchen table to a globally recognised brand, Zylpha’s journey has been nothing short of remarkable. As we celebrate 20 years, we extend our gratitude to our loyal customers, employees, and partners who have been part of this incredible adventure. Thank you for your continued support and trust.