FNO: InsureTech
FNO: InsureTech by Alacrity Solutions is a place where movers and shakers from all points within the insurance ecosystem gather and discuss all things insuretech. Industry veterans Lee Boyd and Rob Beller talk technology and innovation and how it affects and drives change in the industry. We sit down and talk with CEOs, Thought Leaders, Venture Capitalists, Carrier Execs, Innovators, Startups, Founders, and other high-profile experts. New episodes air every Friday, with occasional bonus treats in between. FNO: InsureTech is a production of Fourseventy Claim Management.
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Ep 255: We talk with the InsurTech Coalition
03/29/2024
Ep 255: We talk with the InsurTech Coalition
This week, Rob and Lee welcome an esteemed panel including four of the founding members of the InsurTech Coalition: Austin Bailey from Branch, Scott Fischer from Lemonade, Jeremy Dietch from Boost and Rachael Dugan from Indigo. Together, they talk about the mission of the InsurTech Coalition and benefits of membership, the Coalition’s aim to shape regulation through education and transparency, and how we can better use technology responsibly in insurance. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [5:10] The four guests introduce themselves and how they got into the Coalition. [9:32] What is the InsurTech Coalition? [12:35] What is the shared goal of the InsurTech Coalition? [14:33] Being proactive vs reactive in regulation. [16:12] The Coalition aims to become more proactive in shaping regulation for insurance and technology. [21:03] The proactive nature of the Coalition’s work and a collaboration process at all steps. [22:14] The Coalition’s ultimate mission isn't to disrupt regulation, it is to better work with regulation. [23:49] The challenge of technology outpacing laws and regulations. [26:11] The core objectives of responsible use of technology in insurance. [32:07] The evolution of the Coalition. [33:06] Timeliness of AI adoption in the insurance industry. [35:16] Collaboration despite competition.
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Ep 254: Ali Azhar, Chief Business Development Officer at HOVER
03/22/2024
Ep 254: Ali Azhar, Chief Business Development Officer at HOVER
This week, Rob and Lee welcome Ali Azhar, Chief Business Development Officer at HOVER to discuss the company's growth and innovations. Ali talks about leading the charge to work on the current verticals in construction, insurance and moving into new verticals. He discusses HOVER's journey from 2018 and all the changes that have occurred since then. Ali also shares insights into HOVER's commitment to hiring top talent and how artificial intelligence has shaped the company since its early days and their vision for the future through emerging technologies. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [7:06] Ali joins from Franklin, TN. [7:20] Ali shares more about his career history and his family coming to New Jersey by way of Afghanistan. [10:08] Ali’s growth from a traditional sales leadership role to CRO, focusing on optimizing core businesses and developing new markets. [12:29] Starting with the construction vertical and scaling to home improvement. [15:05] Insurance is the fastest growing sector. [16:40] Monetizing AI-powered design tool for contractors. [19:50] HOVER’s leadership never wavered in their commitment to deliver a solution that would provide incredibly high utility and value to the end consumer. [21:10] HOVER provides more than measurements. [24:00] The magic moment of using HOVER’s technology. [25:35] A counterbalance between the needs of pro users as well as policy holders. [30:45] Why is construction the largest vertical? [33:20] The importance of human psychology in implementing technology. [38:26] HOVER’s great hiring philosophy - if you want to work there, you have to be nice! [41:02] Product development and what can we expect in HOVER’s future? [44:56] AI’s impact on Hover.
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Ep 253: Founder of CQCS, Gustavo Doria Filho
03/15/2024
Ep 253: Founder of CQCS, Gustavo Doria Filho
Rob and Lee start with some T-shirt talk before welcoming guest Gustavo Doria Filho, Founder of CQCS. What began as an online network for insurance professionals in Brazil has flourished into a global community of over 100,000 subscribers. In the episode, Gustavo shares the journey of founding CQCS and highlights the vibrant landscape of insurance and innovation in Brazil, offering insights that resonate far beyond its borders. He talks about how Brazil's thriving InsurTech ecosystem is shaping the future of the industry worldwide and what we can expect from future events and opportunities. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [7:50] Gustavo’s career path and CQCS’s history. [10:11] Organizing a mirror ITC event in Brazil. [12:30] What was the first year like? [14:35] In the US, each state has their own insurance regulator, while in Brazil, the entire country is under one regulator. [16:26] The event is a mirror effect of the original ITC. [17:39] Excitement about InsurTech in Brazil. [19:47] Brazil’s paperless bank system. [20:56] Gustavo highlights the growth of the insurance industry in Brazil. [23:56] What attendees get out of the different sessions. [26:56] Brazil’s great ecosystem that helps people both feel trusting and as though they are having fun. [27:59] More about the big events in November 2024 and what we can expect. [29:21] The small things that make a difference in the event, including a diverse speaker lineup, providing a zero waste event, and of course that Brazilian sunshine.
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Ep 252: CEO and Co-Founder of REOR20, Danny Chatziprodromou
03/09/2024
Ep 252: CEO and Co-Founder of REOR20, Danny Chatziprodromou
Rob and Lee chat about their recent trip to London and then welcome Danny Chatziprodromou, CEO and Co-Founder of REOR20. Danny talks about how REOR20 is applying AI to revolutionize flood risk assessment and underwriting, and how the innovative technology could transform the flood insurance industry. He details more about how their physics-based AI model is one of a kind and provides more accurate risk predictions, allowing for a transformative solution for engineering-focused underwriting. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [7:24] Danny explains more about the meaning and name REOR20. [9:11] Fun Fact: Danny wanted to become a Formula One engineer as a child. [11:03] REOR20 coming out of stealth mode. [11:48] Winning Lloyd's competition, Lloyd's of London. [12:33] Building deep tech, AI that understands physics. [16:47] What REOR20 brings to the market. [23:44] Rewriting the thinking and methodology that has been in place. [25:18] How would this affect claim management? [27:45] REOR20 working with insurance directly. [30:05] Winning the Lloyd Labs contest and what they got out of the collaboration. [32:11] Flooding is the #1 catastrophe on Earth. [33:17] REOR’s customer base. [38:24] REOR is a deep technology company, but it was an organic fit with the InsurTech space. [40:10] The issue of AI working with the dynamics of physics. [42:15] Teaching AI the components of mathematics. [42:42] Building the fluid dynamics engine. [45:13] What is it like to be at the forefront of AI?
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Ep 251: CEO and Founder of LeakSentinel, Bill Loesch
03/02/2024
Ep 251: CEO and Founder of LeakSentinel, Bill Loesch
Rob and Lee welcome Bill Loesch, Founder and CEO of LeakSentinel, to discuss tackling the challenging problem of home water leak detection. As a serial entrepreneur with decades of experience in Silicon Valley, Bill saw an opportunity to innovate in this space and develop a lower-cost solution compared to existing cut-the-pipe technologies. In the episode, Bill talks about Leak Sentinel's approach, which involved years of prototyping to create a proof of concept device that can automatically detect water flow acoustically and shut off valves for both common types of home water pipes. He also discusses strategies for insurers to support bringing such solutions to market by mandating use to improve returns. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [4:32] Bill shares his journey as a serial entrepreneur and angel investor and what led him to LeakSentinel. [6:14] LeakSentinel’s history. [13:44] The people that appreciate it: people who have had flooding in their house, and insurers. [14:32] What exactly does a water leak detector does. [16:57] How LeakSentinel works. [23:30] The three types of non-invasive flow detection technologies: thermal, acoustic and ultrasonic. [25:42] Overview of LeakSentinel's approach and proof of concept device development. [27:12] LeakSentinel’s view that it’s time for insurers to start demanding these solutions. [31:28] How insurers can phase in the mandates. [31:53] Does the homeowner install LeakSentinel themselves? [35:17] Who pays for this? [37:12] Bringing LeakSentinel to market, and the need for insurers to drive the demand. [44:07] Rob and Lee tease Chapter 2 of the conversation! Stay tuned for more.
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Ep 250: CEO of InsTech, Matthew Grant
02/23/2024
Ep 250: CEO of InsTech, Matthew Grant
Rob and Lee take it internationally this week as they welcome Matthew Grant, CEO of InsTech. Matthew talks about InsTech’s ability to help insurance companies understand real trends related to technology and innovation while looking for technology companies that can provide solutions to make a real difference for insurers. He discusses how the events and community have grown and expanded over time, along with the benefits and criteria for membership. Matthew also touches upon the cultural nuances in the insurtech industry in London, including Lloyd of London’s history and function as a marketplace for insurance companies. Grab a cup of tea and enjoy! Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [7:06] The two main aspects of InsTech's business. [10:37] The evolution of InsTech’s events. [14:35] More about the London market. [16:44] What is Lloyd of London? [20:02] Insurance in the UK market. [22:44] What the United States can learn from business done overseas. [33:50] Lloyd’s Lab. [37:50] Matthew’s background. [42:08] How someone becomes an InsTech member, and the benefits of membership.
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Ep 249: Co-Founder and CEO of Whisker Labs, Bob Marshall
02/16/2024
Ep 249: Co-Founder and CEO of Whisker Labs, Bob Marshall
Rob and Lee welcome in Bob Marshall, Co-Founder and CEO of Whisker Labs. Bob talks about their flagship solution, Ting, which draws on decades of electromagnetic and atmospheric sensor technology to protect communities and prevent electrical fires, while also monitoring the resiliency and safety of the U.S. electrical grid. Bob shares more about the many ways Ting is taking the relationship with insurers to a new level while also gaining valuable insights. He highlights some real case studies where Ting has helped to save homes, and explains the rewarding impact of their work. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [8:16] Bob joins the show to talk about his background in engineering and how Whisker Labs came to be. [10:00] The unfortunate fire in Bob’s family that served as inspiration to take engineering and apply it to the common issue of electrical fires. [14:00] How the TingFire technology works and monitors the home wiring. [17:06] Closing the loop and delivering the best experience possible to the customer. [18:10] Ting does not replace, but instead compliments fire alarms. [18:54] How Ting uses AI to analyze data and detect issues anywhere. [20:00] Providing documentation and data in great detail. [25:01] Ting’s partnerships with insurers that offer the service for free to customers. [30:51] Ting is currently saving 15 homes from fires per day on average. They've notified homeowners of 8,000 potential fire risks so far. [38:16] Contributing to water losses as well. [44:13] Providing compassion, education and support for the customer. [44:58] Older homes are more likely to have issues, but not as much as one may think. [47:44] Ting has over 100 employees, and is growing at a great speed.
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Ep 248: Co-Founder and President of Chrp Technologies, Chin Ma
02/09/2024
Ep 248: Co-Founder and President of Chrp Technologies, Chin Ma
This episode features Chin Ma, Co-Founder and President at Chrp Technologies, a fascinating technology that allows underwriters insight into the home of the insured and to reduce losses. Chin talks about how Chrp was created and explains how the technology helps to underwrite accurately and get the insured involved in the process, providing help where it’s needed. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [6:40] What is Chrp, and how did they build the technology? [9:32] What was the problem that Chin’s partner and Chrp founder Micah set out to solve? [11:27] Testing their hypothesis. [13:08] Are homes more complicated now? [15:06] How is what Chrp does in underwriting different from what is typically done? [18:00] How Chrp can provide a more comprehensive view using AI. [19:14] Chrp provides homeowners repair insights and connects them to contractors for help. [23:37] The process of getting homeowners involved. [29:20] What Chin means when he says the program should demonstrate a level of “teeth”. [31:29] A new way to look at customized premiums. [32:14] The reports they the underwriters are seeing. [36:14] Chrp’s repair network, working with the best contractors in the country. [38:26] The company’s growth and future.
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Ep 247: CEO and Co-Founder of SnapRefund, Cody Eddings
02/02/2024
Ep 247: CEO and Co-Founder of SnapRefund, Cody Eddings
Rob and Lee are joined by Cody Eddings, CEO and Co-Founder of SnapRefund. Cody first shares the story of founding SnapRefund in Philadelphia and taking the company through accelerators like TechStars. Cody also reflects on the validation of winning the State Farm pitch competition at ITC, and details how SnapRefund’s technology works to streamline and simplify the insurance claims process through automation and digital payments. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [9:29] Cody shares the origin behind SnapRefund. [9:48] The growing startup scene in Philadelphia. [11:02] Cody met his co-founder at a pitch workshop. [12:09] Great life lesson: you get the best out of people when you help them accomplish whatever it is they truly want to accomplish. [12:37] SnapRefund helps insurers send outbound payments with automation and analytics to improve customer retention, and operational efficiency. [18:46] The rising trend of cash apps. [20:01] How SnapRefund’s technology works to connect to clients’ existing bank accounts. [23:43] SnapRefund’s mission to financially empower people and give them greater control over their money. [24:07] Bringing visibility for both the insured and the adjuster. [28:19] The two startups Cody built before SnapRefund. [31:36] Overcoming challenges in the fundraising process. [41:03] The experience of being with Techstars. [45:08] What it meant to win State Farm’s ITC pitch competition.
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Ep 246: CEO and Founder of Charlee.AI, Sri Ramaswamy
01/26/2024
Ep 246: CEO and Founder of Charlee.AI, Sri Ramaswamy
It’s all about AI this week as Rob and Lee welcome Sri Ramaswamy, Founder and CEO of Charlee.AI. Sri talks about her journey into artificial intelligence, and how it’s evolved over the course of a decade and growing interest in AI within the industry. She shares more about the capabilities of Charlee, a trained model for insurance, and highlights the significance of using data in the right way to get accurate results. Sri talks more about Charlee’s technology and how it can help identify and prioritize fraudulent claims. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [5:50] Sri, a self-described “data lover” joins from Silicon Valley and talks about her upbringing in India and Australia before coming to the United States. [9:19] How Charlee.AI came to be. [10:54] Sri discusses working for a software company in Boston. [11:18] What unstructured data means in insurance claims. [18:05] The three triangle points in your expenses, reserves, and the actual indemnity. [19:22] More about how Charlee AI’s technology works. [24:33] How Charlee AI both compares and contrasts with Chat GPT. [25:43] The claims language model. [28:55] Charlee has analyzed more than 55 million claims. [30:43] How Charlee works with the claim department. [33:54] Charlee AI helps identify and prioritize problematic claims. [34:57] Claims litigation. [39:57] What is Charlee’s secret sauce for success? [41:24] Who are their customers? [43:00] How Charlee AI helps with claim reserving.
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Ep 245: CEO and Co-Founder of Betterview, David Lyman
01/19/2024
Ep 245: CEO and Co-Founder of Betterview, David Lyman
The cat is out of the bag! Nearmap acquired Betterview, and Rob and Lee have brought Co-Founder and CEO David Lyman on to tell us all about the big news. David talks about the critical pivot that led Betterview to where they are today, and the lessons learned about falling in love with the problem instead of the solution. David shares more behind the details of the acquisition, and what we can expect as the capabilities of both companies come together. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [5:42] David walks us down memory lane on his background in technology, how he met the other David, and how Betterview came to be. [9:49] Reaching out to the folks at Nearmap. [10:46] What exactly does Betterview do? [11:40] A software platform that allows for a combination of automated and manual workflows. [12:30] Giving scores in addition to providing data. [14:58] Betterview’s first customers were RSI customers, David Tobias’s family inspection business. [15:14] Falling in love with the problem, and not the solution. [17:01] Breaking the news to investors about the pivot, and getting immediate support. [19:35] David walks us through what happens after the decision to pivot is made. [21:36] What was the secret sauce that made them stand out from their competitors? [26:14] The reason they’ve gotten more into claims. [27:08] More about the partnership. [31:10] What can we expect in the future with Betterview and Nearmap? [34:35] Does David think the future holds more data consolidation companies? [38:06] Computer vision is a subset of AI. [42:46] How will David celebrate the big win?
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Ep. 244: CEO and Founder of Loveland Innovations, Jim Loveland
01/12/2024
Ep. 244: CEO and Founder of Loveland Innovations, Jim Loveland
Rob and Lee welcome the luminary InsurTech legend, Jim Loveland, CEO and Founder of Loveland Innovations. In this episode, Jim takes us on a journey through the genesis of Loveland, sharing the evolution of both their software and cloud-based technology, and how they have evolved over the years in their solar, roofing and insurance verticals. Jim talks about pivotal moments throughout the way, including when Loveland realized the true potential of drones and new technologies in inspections, the importance of proper AI model training, and what’s next for Loveland in 2024 and beyond. He also shares some sage advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of truly understanding the industry before taking the leap into business. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [7:21] Jim talks about his upbringing in Wyoming and how he inherited the entrepreneurial spirit from his parents. [10:21] How a reconstruction business turned into a software company in 1986. [11:01] Throw back to the days of CompuClaim. [14:15] Landing State Farm Insurance. [17:41] Creating Xactware and transforming from software to analytics in the 1990’s. [21:03] The decision to sell to ISO in 2006. [25:35] Starting Loveland Innovations in December 2015. [28:21] The genesis of Loveland, including both the software and the cloud based technology. [31:35] The pivotal moment in which Loveland realized the potential of drones and new technologies in inspections, beyond just a new way to get up on the roof. [32:35] How Loveland has grown and evolved over the years, including over 1.3 billion square feet of roof inspected, over 3 million images captured, and over 550 predictions made across their AI engine. [40:00] How Loveland’s focus on software has allowed them to adapt to changing technologies. [41:09] A teaser of 2024: automatically creating the estimate based upon AI! [46:58] The importance of proper training of AI models. [48:20] we're in the solar space, the roofing space and the insurance industry. [52:42] What’s next for Jim and Loveland Innovations in 2024? [57:24] The potential benefits and ethical concerns of AI. [1:01:31] Advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs, including truly understanding the industry before you try to tackle it.
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Ep. 243: General Partner at Brewer Lane Ventures, Martha Notaras
01/05/2024
Ep. 243: General Partner at Brewer Lane Ventures, Martha Notaras
Rob and Lee are joined by the insightful Martha Notaras, General Partner at Brewer Lane Ventures. Martha goes into detail about her eight predictions for InsurTech in 2024. She talks about leveraging technology to enhance efficiency within the insurance industry and how we can best explore the benefits and challenges posed by AI. Martha discusses cutting-edge innovations surrounding data and sheds light on the profound impact of climate change on the dynamic landscape of the insurance sector. At the end of the episode, Martha talks about what InsurTech 3.0 would look like to her, and what else excites her about the year ahead in our industry. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [7:22] What kind of response does Martha get from the general public regarding her 8 InsurTech Predictions for 2024? [9:13] What’s cooking over at Brewer Lane? [11:31] #1: The Word of the Year is AI. [14:32] InsurTech has been working on AI for years, but Chat GPT put it on everyone’s radar. [17:01] #2: Data Finally Gets the Attention It Deserves. [20:04] Whoever owns the data wins. Does Martha agree? [21:44] #3: Embracing Brokers. [23:04] Where the insurance industry has been neglecting data. [25:25] #4: Technology Innovation, Yes. But Make it Painless and Profitable. [27:03] How the appetite for APIs has grown. [31:57] #5: Embedded Everywhere All At Once. [35:09] An embedded play that Martha thinks is terrific. [39:25] #6: Climate: Extreme Insurance. [41:02] The concept of insuring aggregate attritional loss. [44:00] #7: Quality, Not Quantity. [49:05] #8: InsurTech + Incumbent = Delivering Innovation at Scale. [53:57] Martha’s thoughts are that we are somewhere between InsurTech 2.5 and 3.0. [54:55] Is Direct to Consumer passe?
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Ep. 242: From the Vault: AM Best Interviews FNO: InsureTech
12/29/2023
Ep. 242: From the Vault: AM Best Interviews FNO: InsureTech
We wish our listeners a wonderful and prosperous new year! As Rob and Lee continue their holiday break, we bring you another episode from the FNO: InsureTech audio vault. Hosts Rob and Lee had the pleasure of speaking with AM Best TV's Lee McDonald earlier this year, discussing the founding, growth and development of the FNO: InsureTech podcast. With over 200 episodes and counting, Lee and Rob are excited to continue the journey of sharing insuretech with listeners. Check out the interview in video: https://lnkd.in/gnXP-z97
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Ep. 241: From the Vault: VOOM Insurance Co-founder & CEO, Tomer Kashi
12/22/2023
Ep. 241: From the Vault: VOOM Insurance Co-founder & CEO, Tomer Kashi
The FNO: InsureTech team is enjoying a well-deserved holiday break. Before taking off to spend time with their families, Rob and Lee select some great episodes from the FNO: InsureTech Vault to share with you over the next few weeks. VOOM is a pioneering insuretech company developing advanced insurance products for emerging mobility segments. They offer digital, on-demand insurance for a wide range of vehicles from drones and light planes to motorcycles, e-scooters, and contemporary fleets. Rob and Tomer Kashi, CEO and Co-founder of VOOM Insurance, delve into the journey of VOOM over the past six years in the insuretech space, thoughts on pay-per-mile and usage-based models, the data advantage that VOOM possesses, and much more. Check out VOOM Insurance: https://www.voominsurance.com/
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Ep 240: CEO & Co-founder of Clearcover, Kyle Nakatsuji
12/15/2023
Ep 240: CEO & Co-founder of Clearcover, Kyle Nakatsuji
This week, Rob and Lee welcome back Kyle Nakatsuji, the insightful CEO and Co-founder of Clearcover Insurance. Kicking off with some football banter, Kyle shares some great life lessons drawn from his playing days. Exploring more of the “why” behind Clearcover's approach, Kyle discusses the notable changes the company has undergone in recent years. He provides a deeper understanding of the market dynamics and the significance of maintaining boldness and courage, detailing how calculated risks contribute to building something extraordinary in a challenging environment. Then, before the episode comes to a close, there’s a little bit more football talk, of course! Learn More: blog piece What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [7:30] What will it take for Rob and Lee’s wives to listen to this show? [9:01] Kyle’s backstory playing football in high school and college. [11:48] Kyle kept on playing football despite a torn ACL, even having surgery after the season. [14:25] Some of the lessons Kyle learned from his up-and-down journey in football. [18:58] How the last 18 months have been challenging for entrepreneurs, particularly in the insurance industry. [20:26] How has Clearcover felt this impact? [24:18] Taking bold risks in a challenging market and making adjustments to adapt to changing market conditions. [25:02] Balancing risk and caution. [27:39] Some of the cool things coming out of this time for Kyle and Clearcover, include a partnership with Experian. [29:30] What we can learn from a story about Jeff Bezos requesting the light bulbs get taken out of vending machines. [30:48] Kyle goes more in-depth about his belief that embedded is not a channel, but a strategy. [41:54] AI’s impact on how the industry will change, will still be driven by the behavioral needs of buyers. [45:13] Clearcover’s approach to claims from a customer and cost perspective. [49:11] Why bundling is important. [51:19] Finding the right combination of convenience, value, and affordability in insurance, particularly in a tricky market like California. [54:29] Kyle dishes on Aaron Rodgers!
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Ep 239 - CEO of Pinpoint Predictive, Scott Ham
12/08/2023
Ep 239 - CEO of Pinpoint Predictive, Scott Ham
This week, Rob welcomes on Scott Ham, the visionary CEO of Pinpoint Predictive, a groundbreaking AI-driven deep learning product. Scott provides insights into his career journey and the pivotal moments that led him to spearhead Pinpoint. He sheds light on the remarkable capabilities of Pinpoint's AI-powered platform, showcasing its prowess in solving complex real-world problems by harnessing billions of data points within expansive datasets. Scott also shares some of the glowing testimonials that attest to Pinpoint's transformative impact, illustrating how seamlessly it collaborates with underwriters to revolutionize decision-making processes. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [4:18] Where o’where has Lee been? [9:01] How Scott’s background at Transamerica and McKinsey led him to Pinpoint and influenced his approach. [13:45] Pinpoint uses behavioral data from 250 million US adults to predict insurance losses. [15:04] The importance of preducing claim severity, frequency and loss cost at the beginning of the insurance process to improve solvency and fairness. [18:24] Why underwriters are not threatened by Pinpoint’s technology. [21:16] Pinpoint currently focuses on PNC. [23:09] How the legal community has responded to Pinpoint. [25:07] The importance of addressing fairness and bias in AI models, particularly in the insurance industry. [27:00] Proactively addressing regulatory concerns by conducting audits. [30:04] Using Pinpoint at renewal. [31:51] What is a deep learning platform? [34:47] Using AI to improve insurance risk assessment and loss ratios. [37:03] What response has Pinpoint seen by actuaries? [38:42] How and why Pinpoint is easily deployed and reduces client onboarding time from months to weeks. [43:43] Growing and expanding Pinpoint in a thoughtful manner. [45:29] Pinpoint’s future and that they are made up of a team of technologists and the best insurance executives.
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Ep 238 - Managing Director at IA Capital Group, Andy Lerner
12/02/2023
Ep 238 - Managing Director at IA Capital Group, Andy Lerner
Rob welcomes back Andy Lerner, Managing Director at IA Capital Group, one of the longest running VCs in the InsurTech space. Andy talks about IA Capital Group’s structure, and what positive things he sees in the future state of the Insurtech industry. Andy and Rob also discuss AI in Insurtech, including both its potential impact for good and the limitations. Towards the end of the conversation, Andy and Rob discuss how traditional education has changed, and their predictions in the industry for the next 5-10 years. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [6:22] Andy talks about IA Capital Group and their primary focus on FinTech InsurTech over the past 23 years. [8:49] What kind of companies does IA Capital Group work with? [12:40] Who in the industry has had a challenging year? [14:40] The process of moving to their 10th fund and the reception in the market to their work. [15:00] How IA Capital’s investment process works. [17:09] Insurance companies prioritize long-term relationships over quick decisions, valuing loyalty over speed. [20:11] Investments typically have a 5-6 year holding period. [21:51] The relationship between venture capital and private equity, where they often work together on investments but may have different strategies for selling companies. [25:23] The three major categories: distribution, newer more innovative products, and the service providers to the industry. [33:32] AI in InsurTech and its potential impact. [39:36] and investing in cannabis. [43:57] what effect does it have when a war breaks out in the middle of a business opportunity? [46:50] As a Wharton graduate, Andy shares his thoughts on how the need for education has changed in the industry. [49:37] Where does Andy see the industry 5 years from now?
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Ep 237 - CEO and Co-Founder of Clearspeed, Alex Martin
11/17/2023
Ep 237 - CEO and Co-Founder of Clearspeed, Alex Martin
This week, we have the pleasure of being joined by Alex Martin, the CEO and Co-Founder of Clearspeed. Alex shares a glimpse into the interesting founding story of Clearspeed and its journey, transitioning from delivering outstanding results in the military sector to expanding into the realm of insurance. Alex explains the intricacies of how Clearspeed operates, emphasizing its role in swiftly establishing trust to expedite clearance processes and enable more informed, scalable decision-making. He sheds light on the significance of the insurance sector, highlighting it as a pivotal focus in every business decision made, and talks about going into a new industry with humility and the desire to always learn more. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [3:30] Alex dials in from the Property Insurance Conference. [4:18] What is Clearspeed? [5:15] How Clearspeed has evolved since starting in 2016 as a mostly military-founded group. [9:46] The magic in Clearspeed’s functions and technology as a voice analytics technology company. [10:14] What are they listening for in the 5-minute phone call? [11:55] Using AI to analyze answers to questions and categorize individuals as low, possible, or high risk for fraud. [16:10] Why did Clearspeed evolve into the insurance industry, and what has that journey been like for Alex? [18:58] The revolution of voice technology and AI in insurance. [22:44] Clearspeed has won multiple awards. What is their philosophy on entering a new market, such as insurance? [24:04] Finding Clearspeed’s first adopters. [27:21] Balancing trust with caution, and having tools that can strengthen our gut intuitions to weed out those who are bad vs. those who are just trying to do the right thing. [37:56] Clearspeed’s multiple arms still includes the military, and branching out to many industries, including the world of sports. [42:41] What keeps Alex motivated and excited about Clearspeed and what the company is doing?
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Ep 236 - SemperVirens General Partner and Co-Founder, InsureTech Connect, Caribou Honig
10/27/2023
Ep 236 - SemperVirens General Partner and Co-Founder, InsureTech Connect, Caribou Honig
Caribou Honig, our most frequent guest and honorary chairman, returns to get us excited about ITC Vegas and the state of InsureTech in general. In our chat, we go down memory lane about how the conference started and how it’s grown throughout the years to now be the Super Bowl of events in the insurance space. Caribou talks about the importance of scalability and sustainability, why you should hug your local regulator, and the importance of finding and focusing on your niche. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [2:12] It’s the Super Bowl of InsureTech - the ITC! [5:18] Why did Caribou choose Santa Fe? [7:50] Launching and selling InsureTech Connect. [9:06] The growth of the conference over time. [10:15] Caribou’s appreciation of the emotional feedback from in person conferences. [10:40] Does Caribou fancy himself an insuretech professional, conference professional, or both? [11:50] This year, the ITC Vegas conference expects over 9,000 people. [13:07] What insuretech is today, and how it has developed over the years. Also, how it is similar to FinTech. [14:55] The importance of finding and focusing on your niche. [17:32] The maturation of the industry. [20:57[ How the M&A market has been over the past several years, and how that has affected InsureTech. [30:44] How the energy has shifted from the customer facing InsureTechs over to the B2B. [32:50] Caribou discusses his interest in regulation. [36:43] Caribou’s advice: hug a regulator when you see them! [36:44] What can we expect for the conference, and what if someone wants to hang with Caribou while there? [38:30] Caribou’s two day jobs right now: launching and growing conferences and working as a general partner at the VC Fund .
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Ep 235 - Co-Founder and CEO of Encircle, Paul Donald
10/06/2023
Ep 235 - Co-Founder and CEO of Encircle, Paul Donald
In this episode, we're diving into the world of technology and innovation with special guest Paul Donald, co-founder and CEO of Encircle. Paul shares his journey from riding the wave at Research In Motion during the Blackberry era to co-founding Encircle, a company with a vision to bring top technology companies together and create a holistic solution. Join us as Paul discusses the fascinating work his company is doing, from driving efficiency to serving customers by harnessing clean data and simplifying the claims process. He talks about the restoration software system itself, what it offers to the marketplace, and how the technology can give simple, clean results that save time and energy. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [6:54] Intro to Encircle, a software platform focused on field documentation. [9:51] How the camera and the phone got together. [11:21] What Encircle offers to the marketplace. [13:02] The positive attributes of Encircle’s visual and tactile-oriented process. [13:06] Driving efficiency through their digital format. [16:56] How Encircle’s technology can remove bias and human errors. [20:17] Involvement in the restoration field and what Paul learned after spending 4 months in the field. [22:33] How does Encircle eliminate or streamline some of the many technologies that are out there? [23:07] How fragmented the property claims industry is, particularly from a technology standpoint. [26:28] Encircle’s partnerships with data scientists. [28:48] Trusting data integrity. [32:12] The software provides educational and remote coaching opportunities. [32:36] How are the videos stored? [38:55] What does Encircle do to stand out? Paul talks about their exciting partnerships. [41:12] Research In Motion. [43:10] Where can we find Paul and the Encircle team this year?
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Ep 234 - Co-Founder and CEO at Rhino, Benjamin Lantos
09/22/2023
Ep 234 - Co-Founder and CEO at Rhino, Benjamin Lantos
In this episode, we welcome Benjamin Lantos, the CEO and co-founder of Rhino, joining us from sunny Santa Monica to discuss how they're revolutionizing the world of property management, renting, and deposits. Rhino’s innovative approach challenges the status quo, exploring how to modernize the entire renting experience for all parties involved. They've harnessed the power of insurance products to address the security deposit dilemma, providing risk mitigation for property managers and renters alike. By seamlessly integrating its technology into various platforms, Rhino is taking the financial burden off management companies and renters, ultimately creating a more flexible and customer-centric landscape for both landlords and property managers. Tune in to learn how Rhino is disrupting the market and reshaping the future of property technology. Learn More: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [1:38] Be honest…how many of you have a game room? [6:42] What is Rhino and what do they do? [7:19] Fun fact: there's almost $45 billion trapped in security deposits across the country. [8:30] How did they come up with the idea for Rhino? [12:01] What is the process for a renter interested in using Rhino? [15:41] More about the most common arrangement that a renter opts for, the deposit insurance program. [19:24] What does Rhino do with all the data they have been collecting over the past 7 years? [20:39] How Rhino works to democratize renting. [24:21] What differentiates Rhino from others in the space? [24:39] Is Rhino an MGA? [26:01] Rhino also offers renters insurance. [27:33] How does the rising price in rentals affect Rhino? [32:02] Developing an ongoing relationship with their customer and building brand loyalty. [33:12] How Benjamin made his way to co-founding Rhino by way of financial background. [37:19] Benjamin identifies Rhino as a property technology company, working to enable a seamless move-in experience for owners and renters. [38:41] What does it mean to be the Chief Risk Officer? [40:40] How does Rhino’s claims area work? [45:37] Accounting for what Ben calls the “moral hazards” of claims.
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Ep 233 - Chief Growth Officer at Coterie Insurance, Bobbie Collies
09/15/2023
Ep 233 - Chief Growth Officer at Coterie Insurance, Bobbie Collies
We sit down with the insurance powerhouse, Bobbie Collies, the Chief Growth Officer at Coterie Insurance where the grasp of her role, her business, and her clients shines through. Bobbie takes us on a journey through Coterie's model, offering insurance agents lightning-fast quotes through automated self-service capabilities, a technology that's continually getting smarter. She unveils exciting plans for 2024 and proudly wears her title of an "insurance nerd." With two decades in and around underwriting, she reflects on how technology has transformed the industry and shares her current perspective on the ever-evolving landscape of disruption in the insurance world. Learn More: Bobbie Collies: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [6:28] Why is there so much insurance based out of Wisconsin? [8:40] Bobbie gives her elevator pitch on Coterie and their mission. [10:02] Of all the many companies that offer insurance to small businesses and startups, why should they choose Coterie? [10:58] What will automated self service capabilities look like, and what is My Digital Agency? [12:32] Who is a good insurer for Coterie? [13:42] Who is the distribution channel? [18:42] Bobbie proves that she is an insurance nerd, through and through. [21:11] Bobbie talks about her role overseeing the underwriting side as well. [24:47] The push and pull between tech and insurance. [28:19] For Coterie at the present moment, the demand is greater than the supply. [30:54] Going to the target market. [31:19] Coterie’s recent deal with . [33:33] What seems to be the number one concern from carriers? [34:26] What has changed in underwriting? [36:03] Is there really disruption in the industry, or is it just meaningful change?
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Ep 232 - Founder and CEO of Roof Marketplace, Will Bazeley
09/08/2023
Ep 232 - Founder and CEO of Roof Marketplace, Will Bazeley
Get ready to address the YES this week with guest Will Bazeley, the Founder and CEO of Roof Marketplace, a technology company that’s changing the way insurance is done when it comes to roofing and roof estimates. In the conversation, Will talks about the ways carriers are using Roof Marketplace, and how they are working to solve a big problem to bring some order to an otherwise potentially crazy area. Will talks about the emerging tech in the roofing industry, and how Roof Marketplace is providing a solution to make the customer experience easier, all while helping roofers get their job done easier and more efficiently. Learn More: Will Bazeley: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [7:03] Will joins the show and talks about the path that led him to Roof Marketplace. [8:00] Is Roof Marketplace a venture backed organization? [8:32] Roof Marketplace was part of first entrance of companies, and a lot of good came out of it. [9:15] The decision to rebuild Roof Marketplace’s whole platform from scratch. [9:39] So, what exactly does Roof Marketplace do? [12:07] Why 94% of the insurance carriers that use Roof Marketplace give it a thumbs up. [16:33] Annually, carriers spend about $20 billion on roof related claims. [21:14] How much the average roof costs in America. [24:22] Will talks about their (trademarked) motto “address the yes”! [26:30] The work stream for a carrier and how the technology fits in. [27:52] Will talks about where the revenue for Roof Marketplace comes from. [31:08] Making sure Roof Marketplace has the right roofers and partnering with leading industry partners to make sure they are getting the highest quality professionals. [35:09] Who makes the decision on which roofer is going to be used? [45:03] How the service helps homeowners get things done easier and in less time. [44:26] Will talks about how Roof Marketplace is less a contractor network and more a technology and InsureTech platform. [46:53] Does Roof Marketplace effect Loss Adjustment Expense?
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Ep 231 – Homee CEO & Co-founder, Doug Schaedler
09/01/2023
Ep 231 – Homee CEO & Co-founder, Doug Schaedler
In the latest episode of FNO: InsureTech, host Lee sits down with Doug Schaedler, CEO and Co-Founder of Homee. As a leader in the industry, Doug Schaedler brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise that is sure to benefit all listeners. Tune in to learn more about Homee's unique approach to insurance, their services and network; and how they're shaping the way property claims are completed. This episode promises to offer another unique perspective and view into the world of insuretech.
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Ep 230 - Senior Director at Simon Kucher, Michael Nadel
08/25/2023
Ep 230 - Senior Director at Simon Kucher, Michael Nadel
This week, Lee welcomes Michael Nadel, Senior Director at Simon Kucher and Partners, where he works on the insurance vertical and guides carriers of all sizes through the intricate landscape of insurance. In this episode, Michael talks about some of the hot topics in the insurance world now, including the evolving role of AI in sales and how we can keep that human element alive, along with the strategies insurers employ to tackle the challenges posed by climate change while ensuring profitability. Michael also talks about the importance of listening to your customer base to make sure you are providing the right type of value. Learn More: Michael Nadel: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [5:02] Michael joins the show and talks about his role at Simon Kucher and what they provide for their clients. [7:01] The two primary levels at which Simon Kucher helps Insurtech. [7:53] Michael talks about the importance of listening to your customers and making sure that what you are offering adds value. [11:35] Are the big carriers still focusing on innovation? [13:15] Michael covers some hot topics in the insurance industry, starting with how we keep things personalized while AI rapidly evolves. [18:02] The use of chatbots in the insurance industry. [20:18] How AI will change the insurance landscape. [29:33] The current conversation around climate change and insurance. [33:53] The impact of personalized marketing on the insurance industry. Does a birthday card from our carrier really make a difference? [37:41] How does a personal carrier compare to a commercial carrier?
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Ep 229 - CIO of Alacrity Solutions, Adam Menszer
08/18/2023
Ep 229 - CIO of Alacrity Solutions, Adam Menszer
Join us as Rob and Lee sit down with Adam Menszer, the newly promoted CIO of Alacrity Solutions. Adam brings his expertise to the table, shedding light on his multifaceted role and delving into the exciting realm of InsureTech. With a keen eye for innovation, he offers insights into his journey, spanning back to his Alacrity days from 2005. Adam shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of technology and security, how he and his team navigate the intricacies of buying InsureTech and the conversations he is hearing around the power of AI. At the end of the episode, stay tuned to hear Adam’s answers on the pressing questions around both his engagement and the best time for a celebratory crawfish boil. Learn More: Adam Menszer: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [5:42] Adam joins the show and talks a bit about his upbringing. [9:00] How the industry has evolved and the major changes Adam has seen. [10:02] How does Adam keep up with all the emerging technology? [12:59] What does a typical day of Adam’s look like? [15:31] Why does the IT department seem to be thrown under the bus? [18:01] Some of the challenges Adam’s team faces at Alacrity of acquiring so many new businesses. [19:47] The overhead associated with maintaining the security responsibilities. [22:20] User behavior is a huge thing, and how they make security a priority for users. [28:15] What does Adam look for in InsureTech companies he works with? [32:04] Building the Alacrity mobile app. [39:04] What are some of the conversations Adam is hearing around AI? [42:43] Blending a culture together from people with different backgrounds, both personally and professionally. [43:57] What’s up with Adam’s 7 year engagement?
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Ep 228 - Managing Director at American Family Ventures, Dan Reed
08/13/2023
Ep 228 - Managing Director at American Family Ventures, Dan Reed
Dive into the world of insurance innovation with Dan Reed, Managing Director of American Family Ventures, as he returns as our guest. Dan shares a big announcement: the closing of AFVs fourth fund, showcasing their growth, their approach to raising capital, how it’s different from previous funds, and how they're expanding their team and network. Dan and the crew talk about future predictions and innovations in insurtech and the role of technologies like ChatGPT. Dan also details the Venture Follows program and its impact, and offers those hard hitting questions we all want to know — like why do left-handers seem to have more fun? Learn More: Dan Reed: What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [7:15] Dan comes out of the bullpen to join the show. [9:43] Not to brag, but Dan’s previous episode with us was the only podcast his mother has ever listened to. Check it out . [10:49] Dan shares his big announcement. He is proud to share that they have closed their fourth fund. [11:36] How did the process of raising capital go? [12:34] Having a larger fund allows them to expand the team and the network. [12:50] Was the reception different for fund four than it was for fund three? [14:40] The strategic engagement model that is at the heart of investing. [13:58] How American Family Ventures was able to build out their team and capabilities during the process of investing. [17:53] What does the platform look like for investors? [19:45] Is there a focus they’ve gone after for all funds? [21:50] What is on the edge of insurtech and what is Dan finding interesting right now in space? [29:32] Dan talks about his “second bridge” theory. [35:17] How do we drive efficiency in the insurance process? [36:22] Why does ChatGPT matter to insurtech? [38:02] Dan talks about a few portfolio companies including . [48:42] A non-mathematical way of understanding the power laws of investment. [51:55] Dan details the Venture Fellows program. [53:26] Dan and the crew discuss Branch Insurance. [1:00:12] Has the VC marketplace shrunk around InsureTech? Is it smaller and less sexy than it was before?
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Ep 227- VP of Insurance Claims at Auto Club Enterprises, Claudia Rodriguez
08/04/2023
Ep 227- VP of Insurance Claims at Auto Club Enterprises, Claudia Rodriguez
Join hosts Lee and Rob this week as they embark on an inspiring journey with Claudia Rodriguez, Vice President of Insurance Claims at Auto Club Enterprises, on her actual last day of work before she retires. Claudia shares the importance of straightforward communication in the workplace, and reflects on her trailblazing role as the first woman to occupy this position. Tune in to hear her insights on the evolution of the insurance industry and her thoughts on the crucial topic of social inflation's impact and significance in today's world. Prepare to be inspired by Claudia's remarkable climb from a receptionist in a small claims office to leading a multi-state, multi-billion dollar claims organization. Learn More: Claudia Rodriguez: Auto Club Enterprises What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [5:48] Claudia joins the show, on her last day of work after 35 and a half years of work! [6:47] She may have dreamt of being a water girl for the Cowboys, and roots for the Bruins, but her first job at Auto Club Enterprises was a claims receptionist. [8:54] Breaking through two barriers: the first homegrown Auto Club person to become VP of claims and the first woman to occupy the position. [12:00] The beauty of having a straightforward yet pleasant style at work. [13:01] How Claudia grew to do the job she did one step at a time. [15:01] Leaving was never in her plans, it was just a matter of doing the best she could for the Auto Club every day. [16:03] Claudia discusses Strike Force and the importance of leaders listening to their people and understanding what’s happening on the front lines. [19:32] Know your process and your capabilities, and listen to the customer. [20:34] How has the business changed in 1987 and how have customer expectations changed? [22:48] The issue of social inflation and why it matters to the insurance industry. [31:00] The need for more analytics in the industry. [39:22] It’s important to slow down and take time to understand which problem it is that you're trying to solve. [39:48] The more informed you are, the better you can help others.
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Ep 226 – Accelerant Chief Consultant, Heather Wentworth
07/21/2023
Ep 226 – Accelerant Chief Consultant, Heather Wentworth
Catch the latest episode of FNO: InsureTech where hosts Rob and Lee chat with Heather Wentworth, Chief Consultant at Accelerant. Discover how Accelerant's expert team, innovative technology, and dynamic analytics are revolutionizing specialty underwriting for profitable growth. Heather also shares insights from her previous role as Chief Data Officer. Enjoyed the show? We welcome your guest suggestions at . Join us for a deep dive into the future of insuretech!
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