SmartClaim - The AI for R&D tax relief consultants

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Today we're excited to meet Shilin Chen of SmartClaim

So Shilin, tell us more about SmartClaim

SmartClaim is an AI tool for UK R&D tax relief consultants.

How did you come up with the business idea and what problem are you looking to solve?

While at McKinsey, I worked on several AI projects, including a pro bono engagement helping a public sector client shape their AI strategy.

It showed me just how powerful AI can be - if used by the right hands. Later, I came across HMRC’s 2020/21 R&D tax stats: nearly half of claims contained errors or fraud. Shocking. There's definitely something to be done.

The best way to help the scheme was to start with those on the front line - the R&D tax consultants. I interviewed 10+ consultants and discovered a web of challenges:

1. Complexity – consultants aren’t PhDs in every field of R&D, making eligibility assessment and technical writing difficult.

2. Manual – much of the work involves tedious back-office legwork that is not enjoyable as well.

3. Margin Pressure – from scheme change, rising enquiry risk, and competition. AI could be a solution to all three problems at once.

What made you want to start your own business?

While working at McKinsey, I began to feel a growing sense of dissatisfaction. Management consulting is project-based - you go in, deliver a solution, and hand it over. But I found myself craving the chance to build something more enduring, own the impact end to end, and be proud of it.

I had no prior experience as an entrepreneur, but that was a strength. It meant approaching problems with a blank-sheet mindset, staying curious, and learning fast.

What stage is your business currently at?

We were lucky to hit product market fit early on - SmartClaim now supports 30+ R&D advisory firms across the UK, meaning we’re indirectly supporting ~5% of all UK R&D tax claims.

My focus this year is on scaling our impact: grow 2–5x in a space where change doesn’t always come easily. At this stage, the task isn’t about proving that AI works - that part’s done. The results speak for themselves.

The real challenge now is navigating resistance to change, especially among larger, more traditional firms.

What do you love most about being an entrepreneur?

The SmartClaim product feels like an extension of who I am. I only recently realised it even shares my initials (Shilin Chen) - probably a subconscious choice, but it reflects how deeply connected I feel to the product.

When I look at how it looks, feels, and works, I can see how my past experiences have shaped it - from studying philosophy, to working at McKinsey, to even my short eyesight (which has definitely influenced how we keep the UI clean and visually simple).

It’s incredibly rewarding to see how these background and quirks can be channelled into building something that creates real impact for our users.

What is the number one business tip you've learned that you'd like to share with fellow budding entrepreneurs?

The team that sees reality as it truly is wins. Start-up life is full of noise: customers, competitors, investors, industry hype.

It’s easy to get swept away by what one wishes to be true, rather than what actually is true. Entrepreneurs are especially prone to this, as we’re optimistic by nature, often telling ourselves and everyone stories to keep the dream alive.

Seeing reality clearly is easier said than done. For me, it takes discipline and a lot of empty space. I don’t buy into the typical Silicon Valley grind culture. I think clarity comes not from hustle, but from stillness - having enough mental space to step back, reflect, and notice what’s really going on. That’s what helps us stay grounded.

Is there a favourite podcast, book or series you'd like to share with the world?

The 15 Commitments of Conscious Leadership (I come back to it again and again)

Where can people find you online?

Check out our website to find out more about what we do - you can also reach me on my email to chat more

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