Ep 228 - Managing Director at American Family Ventures, Dan Reed
Release Date: 08/13/2023
Verisk Visionaries: Unpacking Property Insights with Brunko & Obert
FNO: InsureTech
In this episode of the FNO: InsureTech podcast, hosts Rob and Lee engage in a lively discussion with Aaron Brunko, President of Verisk Property Estimating Solutions, and David Obert, Chief Product Officer at the same company. The conversation dives into the unique position of the FNO: InsureTech podcast within the industry, despite playful jabs from competing platforms. The episode covers an array of topics, including the importance of embracing AI and innovation in the insurance sector, the evolution of property estimating solutions, and the future of work in an increasingly technological...
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Ep 255: We talk with the InsurTech Coalition
FNO: InsureTech
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...
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Ep 254: Ali Azhar, Chief Business Development Officer at HOVER
FNO: InsureTech
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...
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Ep 253: Founder of CQCS, Gustavo Doria Filho
FNO: InsureTech
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....
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Ep 252: CEO and Co-Founder of REOR20, Danny Chatziprodromou
FNO: InsureTech
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...
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Ep 251: CEO and Founder of LeakSentinel, Bill Loesch
FNO: InsureTech
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...
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Ep 250: CEO of InsTech, Matthew Grant
FNO: InsureTech
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...
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Ep 249: Co-Founder and CEO of Whisker Labs, Bob Marshall
FNO: InsureTech
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. ...
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Ep 248: Co-Founder and President of Chrp Technologies, Chin Ma
FNO: InsureTech
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...
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Ep 247: CEO and Co-Founder of SnapRefund, Cody Eddings
FNO: InsureTech
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...
info_outlineDive 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: LinkedIn
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 HERE.
[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 Tire Agent.
[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?