FNO: InsureTech

Ever wondered how AI is transforming the insurance industry? In this episode of the FNO: InsureTech podcast, hosts Rob Beller and Lee Boyd welcome back Robin Roberson for her second appearance—this time as President and Co-founder of Agentech. Robin shares her entrepreneurial journey and dives into how Agentech's cutting-edge AI is shaking up insurance claims. Get ready for insights, surprises, and a jaw-dropping stat about AI's impact that'll make you hit play!  Key Highlights  • Robin's entrepreneurial spark: Yarn belts to WeGoLook to Agentech, a trailblazing journey.  • Agentech's Oklahoma roots: $3 million seed round fueling an AI-driven claims revolution.  • Agentech AI's edge: Digital coworkers outsmarting traditional AI in claims workflows.  • Automation breakthroughs: Damage reports and file reviews streamlined by AI tools.  • Snapsheet partnership: Agentech's tech supercharging adjuster productivity by 4X.  • Insurance's future: Agentech's potential to reshape carriers, TPAs, and beyond.  Notable Quotes  • “Agentech's AI isn't prompt-based; it's like digital coworkers achieving goals autonomously, making adjusters' lives easier.” — Robin Roberson  • “We're not replacing adjusters; we're giving them a team to handle mundane tasks so they can focus on complex decisions.” — Robin Roberson  • “Stealth mode let us refine our tech with design partners, ensuring it was market-ready before we announced it.” — Robin Roberson  • “Our tech has cut claims costs by 67% and boosted productivity 4X—it's a game-changer for insurance.” — Robin Roberson 

In this latest episode of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast, we reconnect with Tony Triola, Head of Ecosystem & Partnerships at Verisk. Joining us for the fourth time, Tony shares pivotal insights on the growth of claims processes and ecosystem integration. Discover how Verisk is redefining the insurance landscape by streamlining integrations and facilitating innovation across the industry. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of Insuretech and data-driven solutions. Key Highlights: Introduction of Verisk's extensive role in global insurance data and analytics. Tony Triola discusses the transformation from claims automation to ecosystem-driven solutions. Insights into Verisk's open ecosystem strategy, promoting connectivity and integration across various technologies. Exploration of how Verisk is standardizing integration processes for startups and established companies alike. Discussion on the significant role of AI in shaping future claims processes and ecosystem connectivity. Quotes: "We have never been closed, but until about a year and a half ago, we didn't prioritize opening." - Tony Triola "It all starts with making sure the process is better, faster, and more efficient." - Tony Triola "If you really think about it, we don't have a solutions problem. We have a connectivity problem." - Tony Triola

In this episode, we meet Amy Cooper, the dynamic CEO and Founder of RISE®, a professional organization championing the next generation of insurance leaders. As RISE celebrates its eighth anniversary, Amy shares the journey from inception to becoming a global community with nearly 7,000 members across 12 countries. Join us as we discuss the vital role of leadership, mentorship, and education in addressing the insurance industry's talent gap and how RISE® is transforming careers with innovative solutions. Key Highlights: —Discover the origins of RISE® and how it supports rising insurance professionals through leadership and mentorship programs designed to bridge the industry's talent gap. —Learn about the innovative mentorship program by RISE® that pairs individuals cross-functionally to enhance professional growth and development. —Hear how RISE® is altering the traditional image of the insurance industry by utilizing social media and interactive events to attract new talent. —Understand the significance of RISE®'s educational initiatives like the Leadership Summit and Awards Gala, which aim to develop leadership skills at every career stage. —Explore the impact of RISE®'s DEI initiatives, including scholarship programs for underrepresented students aspiring to join the insurance sector. Quotes: —"If I can't find a young professionals group, I guess I'll just start one." – Amy Cooper —"We are the next step for students to get an internship, get a job, get connected, network, and grow their skills." – Amy Cooper —"Insurance really opens you up to that—a global economy." – Amy Cooper

In this episode of the FNO InsureTech Podcast, hosts Rob Beller and Lee Boyd interview Paul Vacquier, the founder and CEO of Beagle Services. Beagle Services is on a mission to tackle the pervasive problem of non-weather water damage claims by leveraging technology and installation services. Paul shares the innovative approach Beagle takes in working with insurance carriers and agents to deploy automatic water shutoff systems, fostering more effective loss prevention. Tune in to discover how Beagle's solutions are setting new standards in risk management and client engagement. Key Highlights: • Paul Vacquier discusses the significance of non-weather water damage, a leading cause of preventable homeowner insurance claims. • Beagle Services serves as a critical last-mile solution, helping install and deploy water shutoff and sensor technologies. • The podcast explores the evolution of insurance technology and Beagle's role in facilitating technology adoption. • Focus is given to customer touchpoints and how Beagle collaborates with carriers, agencies, and homeowners. • Insight into future trends in the InsureTech space and the pivot from risk mitigation to revenue generation. Quotes: • "Beagle is focused on prevention of non-weather water damage claims. It's the largest loss cause that's preventable for homeowners insurers." – Paul Vacquier • "Who's going to actually do it? Beagle comes in as the last mile resource to help install and deploy." – Paul Vacquier • "We're seeing ever-increasing requirements for smart valve installations to bind coverage or maintain coverage at renewals." – Paul Vacquier • "Risk mitigation is becoming a revenue generator, enabling carriers to write premium in challenging markets." – Paul Vacquier

In this episode, we traverse three continents to bring you insights from Gadi Benjamini, co-founder and CEO of FireDome, and Gabriel Gross, a member of FireDome's advisory board. As FireDome emerges from stealth mode, Gadi and Gabriel discuss groundbreaking technology aimed at combating wildfires—a pivotal issue exacerbated by climate concerns. Through their innovative fire protection systems, FireDome is set to transform wildfire management and potentially reshape the wildfire insurance landscape. Whether you're an industry insider or concerned citizen, this episode offers a riveting exploration of FireDome's impactful solutions. Key Highlights: FireDome's cutting-edge system is designed to protect assets from wildfires with a focus on strategic fire breaks and suppression. The innovative solution involves a launcher that deploys capsules filled with fire retardant to create barriers and respond to spot fires with extreme precision. Gadi Benjamini explains the detailed technology and the multi-layered approach involving cameras and sensors, aiming to support firefighters. Gabriel Gross provides an insurance industry perspective, addressing insurability challenges in wildfire-prone regions and how FireDome may play a key role. The potential global impact of FireDome's technology is discussed, highlighting its relevance to both private properties and larger-scale applications. Quotes: "FireDome is a system aimed at protecting assets from wildfires—a burning issue, pun intended." – Gadi Benjamini "Reducing actual vulnerability is the first major step into making homes or businesses insurable again." – Gabriel Gross "There's no silver bullet; it's a chain of solutions that must work together, spearheaded by the firefighters." – Gadi Benjamini

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Chaz Perera, CEO and Co-founder of Roots Automation, to uncover the transformative role of AI in the insurance industry. Chaz shares his journey from leading major initiatives at AIG to founding his own company aimed at solving one of the industry's longstanding challenges—unstructured data. Through his insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how digital coworkers are reshaping claims and underwriting processes, enhancing efficiency and accuracy. Key Highlights: Chaz Perera discusses the persistent 10% vacancy rate problem in the insurance industry and how Roots Automation addresses it by automating the handling of unstructured data. Insight into the inefficiencies causing over- and underpayment in claims and underwriting, where AI can save substantial costs. The evolution in AI technology, especially large language models, and their application in making unstructured data manageable and actionable. Candid conversation about AI not replacing employees but complementing their work, easing workloads to focus on high-value tasks. Exploration of the challenges and importance of change management when implementing AI solutions in insurance companies. Quotes: "Solving the unstructured data problem across the insurance industry was the genesis of Roots Automation." – Chaz Perera "Digital coworkers are meant to be your favorite colleague, taking off the mundane work from your plate." – Chaz Perera "Core to any change is understanding the motivations of the people that are affected by the change." – Chaz Perera "Progress doesn't happen if there isn't somebody who's backstopping your risk." – Chaz Perera

In this episode, we have a great conversation with Orna Carni, Managing Partner at FinTLV Ventures, a prominent global VC firm focusing on InsureTech. We discuss FinTLV's role in supporting the Israeli InsureTech ecosystem and dive into the innovative map they've created to showcase local ventures. Orna shares her journey from corporate roles in AIG to venture capital, highlighting the industry's evolution and the impact of AI in InsureTech. Tune in to explore the unique dynamics of Israel as a hub for technological advancement. Key Highlights: • Discover FinTLV's investments in leading InsureTech companies like Hippo and Lemonade. • Learn about the innovative ecosystem map created by FinTLV to navigate Israeli insuretech startups. • An insider's look at the influence of AI in transforming the insurance landscape. • The transition from traditional corporate roles to venture capitalism and the skills required. • A discussion on the significant rise of Israeli innovation and its global impact. Quotes: • "Insurance is not just about coverage; it's an enabler for many industries." – Orna Carni • "We want to turn insurance from a lose-lose to a win-win by focusing on prevention." – Orna Carni • "AI is not a buzzword anymore—it's a crucial part of the InsureTech industry." – Orna Carni

In this kick-off episode of 2025, hosts Rob Beller and Lee Boyd welcome Matheus Riolfi, CEO and Co-founder of Tint. Matheus takes us into the world of embedded insurance, sharing insights about how Tint facilitates the integration of insurance products into consumer and enterprise platforms. Listeners will gain an understanding of this growing field, the impact it has across various industries, and how it could shape the future of insurance distribution. Key Highlights: The role of embedded insurance in offering tailored customer experiences and new product opportunities. Tint's position as an orchestrator within the insurance marketplace, connecting brand partners with insurance carriers. An exploration of niche use cases, such as insurance for decentralized finance platforms. How Tint leverages data from partners like Turo to offer smarter, usage-based insurance pricing. Discussion on the growth and scalability of Tint's modular embedded insurance solutions. Expectations for the future of embedded insurance and its potential transformation of traditional markets. Quotes: "Our vision is that insurance should be a feature and not a standalone product." – Matheus Riolfi "If the data exists, it will do two things for you: a great customer experience and enabling products that couldn't exist before." – Matheus Riolfi "Embedded insurance is really the biggest innovation since insurance was created." – Matheus Riolfi

In this conversation, Rob Beller and Lee interview Jenn Knight, the CTO and co-founder of Agentsync, a technology company focused on streamlining the insurance compliance process. They discuss the company's origins, the role of technology in improving agent onboarding, and the evolving landscape of insurance technology. Jenn shares insights into the challenges faced by agents and carriers, the importance of personal connections in insurance, and the recent growth and fundraising success of Agentsync. Jenn also discusses her journey in fundraising, the importance of maintaining relationships with investors, and the evolving role of AI in the insurance industry. She emphasizes the need for human involvement in insurance processes, even as technology advances. The discussion also touches on the implications of AI for job creation and destruction, and concludes with insights into the future aspirations for Agentsync, focusing on enhancing connectivity and compliance in the insurance space. Key Highlights Jenn Knight discusses the inception of AgentSync and its focus on simplifying regulatory compliance and agent onboarding through technology. Insightful conversations about the evolving role of agents and the company's commitment to enhancing the agent experience. The impact of artificial intelligence on the insurance industry and how AgentSync is integrating AI into its processes. The challenges and opportunities faced in the current fundraising environment and AgentSync's roadmap for continued growth. Jenn shares her thoughts on the future of insurance technology and AgentSync's vision for a more connected industry ecosystem. Quotes "We started with the premise that technology could help streamline [agent onboarding] and make that ready-to-sell experience meaningfully better in this space." – Jenn Knight "Insurance is so, so personal. And there are aspects that you do not want to get wrong or be left out trying to talk to a chatbot about, frankly." – Jenn Knight "Our goal is to use technology on both sides of the fence to help all the parties streamline that workflow and get access to products." – Jenn Knight

Garret Gray, President of CoreLogic Global Insurance Solutions, joins Rob and Lee on the FNO: InsureTech Podcast to share insights into his industry experience, INTRConnect 2025, and the growing role of A.I. in insurance. He highlights CoreLogic's approach to innovation, collaboration, and addressing industry challenges. Key Highlights: INTRConnect 2025: Garret discusses how the event fosters collaboration among insurance stakeholders. A.I. Integration: Insights into CoreLogic's step-by-step adoption of A.I. for smarter solutions. Industry Challenges: Addressing high-risk regions like California and Florida with data-driven strategies. Strategic Growth: The impact of acquisitions on CoreLogic's market position. Emerging Trends: The use of diverse data sets for better risk assessment and innovations in claims management. Quotes: "Our whole theme this year is Beyond All Limits. It's really about pushing the boundaries of what's possible." – Garret Gray "We all only want carriers to be healthy and profitable, just like we want contractors to be healthy and profitable." – Garret Gray

In this episode of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast, we welcome back a favorite guest, Bob Frady, to discuss his latest venture in the real estate sector with PropertyLens. Bob shares his journey from the sale of Hazard Hub to Guidewire, his brief attempt at retirement, and the innovative new service he is developing for homebuyers. Tune in to discover how this new tool empowers buyers with essential data and guidance, ensuring informed decisions in the complex world of real estate. Key Highlights: Bob Frady discusses his transition from Hazard Hub to launching PropertyLens, a data-driven service for real estate buyers. The episode explores the idea of providing homebuyers with detailed property reports, akin to a "Carfax for homes." Bob emphasizes the importance of preparing buyers with the right questions to ask before purchasing a property. Insights into the significant data collection and reporting process behind Property Lens are shared. The episode highlights the potential impact of empowering consumers with data on the real estate and insurance industries. Quotes: "We're here to arm the buyer with information before they put down their hard-earned money." – Bob Frady "Frequency is where you win the game — find the channel where your customers are." – Bob Frady "It's presenting data as an art form, and that's the art form I've lived in for over a dozen years." – Bob Frady

On this episode, host Rob Beller welcomes Sara Phillips from Great American Insurance Group to discuss her pivotal role in new revenue, strategic acquisitions, and partnerships. Sara delves into how the organization maintains a federated model with 36 divisions, each operating with significant autonomy, while integrating innovative insuretech solutions to drive growth. This episode offers unique insights into navigating strategic investments and partnerships within the insurance industry and beyond. Key Highlights Sara Phillips explains her diverse role involving new revenue streams, strategic acquisitions, and partnerships at Great American Insurance Group. Exploration of Great American's federated model, which includes 36 divisions operating with distinct autonomy. Insights into how the insurance marketplace is adapting to changes in valuation swings and strategic conversations. Discussion on the importance of strategic investments in fostering partnerships with InsureTech companies. Anticipation of the role of AI and generative technology in transforming insurance operations in the coming years. Quotes "Insurance companies should be well positioned to assess young companies and the risk there." – Sara Phillips "The next five years is going to be, especially with AI kind of folded into the mix, a really interesting time." – Sara Phillips

Join us on this episode as we speak with Leighton Healey, CEO and founder of KnowHow. Leighton introduces Knowhow's transformative app that revolutionizes employee onboarding and training through innovative A.I. technologies. He explores the role of A.I. in property restoration and the significant impact of online reviews on businesses. Join Leighton and Lee as they dive into engaging insights on how technology redefines workforce competence and customer experiences. Key Highlights: Discover how KnowHow transitions companies from traditional operation manuals to a dynamic app. Understand the role of A.I. and machine learning in enhancing workforce training. Explore the challenges and opportunities in the property restoration industry during COVID-19. Understand the six common reasons behind one-star customer reviews. Learn about the real financial impact of negative reviews on business revenue. Quotes: "KnowHow gives training teams and HR teams superpowers they didn't think possible." – Leighton Healey "A legit one-star review can repel over $212,000 in potential revenue." – Leighton Healey "The number one reason for a one-star review is poor communication." – Leighton Healey

In this episode of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast, Rob Beller and Lee Boyd sit down with Caribou Honig, Chairman and Co-Founder of InsureTech Connect. Ever charming and insightful, Caribou shares insights from his experience building a home in Santa Fe, covering the challenges of obtaining homeowners insurance in wildfire-prone areas. The discussion explores the innovations and challenges of the insuretech marketplace, the implications of market dislocation, and the role of innovative insuretech players in addressing gaps. His candid reflections on the sector's growth, the role of technology, and future trends present valuable insights for all listeners involved in insuretech. Key Highlights Caribou discusses the unique challenges of securing homeowners insurance in wildfire-risk areas, including market dislocation and pricing complexities. Insight into New Mexico's proactive water and wildfire management practices. A discussion on the current alternative insurance market offerings and the noticeable pricing diversity. Caribou reflects on the health of the insuretech landscape, emphasizing the importance of niche players and the potential future impact of A.I. The growth and influence of the InsureTech Connect conference in driving industry innovation and connection.

FNO Insuretech listeners: Use promo code ITCVFNO200 for $200 off your ITC Vegas registration. Join us for a fun chat with Bill Harris, the Chief Customer Officer and co-founder of InsureTech Connect, as we dive into the exciting world of the upcoming InsureTech Connect Vegas (ITC Vegas) conference! Bill gives us the scoop on what attendees can look forward to, including cool new features, tailored programs, and those ever-popular networking opportunities. Bill shares how he helps make the massive conference feel cozy and manageable for everyone. From its startup-centric beginnings to now hosting industry giants like Salesforce, the ITC Vegas conference has become the ultimate gathering for insurance innovation. But don't worry, startups are still the stars of the show with their own kiosks, while big tech, consulting firms, and solution providers join the mix. The event strikes a perfect balance between cutting-edge technology and the invaluable human touch of brokers and agents. With more young people and women joining the ranks, it's clear the demographic is evolving. Plus, there are webinars, AI-powered session summaries, and a handy mobile app for networking and planning your schedule. Tune in for insights from Bill Harris and get ready for an exciting ride into ITC Vegas and the future of insuretech! FNO Insuretech listeners: Use promo code ITCVFNO200 for $200 off your ITC Vegas registration. Register at: https://vegas.insuretechconnect.com/register Key Highlights: Introduction to the ITC Vegas conference and its significance in the insurance industry. Overview of the new features and curated programs at this year's event. Details on the State Farm Startup Pitch Competition and its impact on startups. Insights into the unique networking opportunities and thematic experiences like the space theme for 2024. Discussion on the diversity and demographic shifts observed at ITC events over the years. FNO Insuretech listeners: Use promo code ITCVFNO200 for $200 off your ITC Vegas registration. Quotes: "ITC Vegas is the insurance conference to go to—it's where if you're in the insurance world, you go to ITC." – Bill Harris "We've created these neighborhoods in the expo hall to help people find exactly what they're looking for more efficiently." – Bill Harris "Our focus is on making sure attendees have a great experience and find value in every aspect of the conference." – Bill Harris

In this episode, Rob and Lee chat with Max Drucker, CEO and founder of Carpe Data, about the evolution of data usage in the insurance industry. Max shares insights into how Carpe Data harnesses innovative data products to automate decisions and predict insurance outcomes. From exploring the value of alternative data sources to discussing how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing the space, this episode offers a deep dive into the future of data-driven insurance solutions. Key Highlights: Introduction to Carpe Data and its mission in the insurance industry. The company's journey from inception to Carpe Data's current focus areas. How Carpe Data leverages AI and machine learning to process vast amounts of data. The benefits of data automation and prediction for insurance carriers. Real-world applications of Carpe Data's solutions in detecting fraud and improving underwriting. Discussion on the competitive landscape and Carpe Data's unique positioning. Quotes: "Carpe Data is a data company through and through. We make data products specifically for insurance carriers." – Max Drucker "Insurers are the original data scientists, predicting outcomes for literally centuries." – Max Drucker "We're looking to create something that's unique and provides a selection advantage for carriers." – Max Drucker “Predicting outcomes and using this type of information to predict outcomes is what carriers want.” – Max Drucker

In the latest episode of FNO: InsureTech, we sit down with Sivan Iram, Founder & CEO of Flow, to explore Flow's role in the wholesale insurance brokerage industry. Sivan shares his unique insights into blending advanced technology with human expertise to provide unmatched service. Discover the significance behind Flow's recent rebranding from Capitola, and gain valuable perspectives on AI's role in enhancing broker workflows. Key Highlights: The inspiration and reasoning behind rebranding Capitola to Flow Specialty. How Flow combines human expertise with cutting-edge technology for superior brokerage services. The significance of AI in optimizing broker workflows and decision-making. Insights into Flow's focus on customer-centric service using a balanced approach between technology and human touch. The impact of strong investor partnerships, including Munich Re Ventures, on Flow's growth and credibility. Quotes: "To me, the vision of developing an internal culture and service that puts our stakeholders in a state of flow is paramount." —Sivan Iram "AI is not what you do; it's how you do it. It's a different way to think about digitizing knowledge and making it accessible to brokers." —Sivan Iram "The magic in life, as in business, is balance—combining human expertise with technology to outperform and better serve our clients." —Sivan Iram "We are a wholesale broker, but we operate in a very technological manner under the hood to deliver better service for our clients." —Sivan Iram References: Flow Specialty: flowinsurance.co Munich Re Ventures: munichre.com Lightspeed Venture Partners: lsvp.com  

FNO: InsureTech welcomes back Marc Fredman, Chief Strategy Officer at CCC Intelligent Solutions, for his third appearance on the show. As one of the largest and experienced drivers of data in the insurance industry, we're excited to dive back in and hear what CCC is all about. Marc shares insightful updates on CCC's latest advancements, including the role of AI in claims processing, the concept of Intelligent Experience (IX), and much more. Tune in today for a great discussion. Key Highlights The evolution of CCC Intelligent Solutions and its impact on the PNC insurance economy. Marc's role as Chief Strategy Officer and his vision for the future of customer-centric technology. The integration of AI in claims processing and its transformative potential. Introduction to the concept of Intelligent Experience (IX) and how it fuses customer, employee, and business metrics for optimal outcomes. Practical examples of AI applications in claim prediction, subrogation, and overall system management. Future trends and the inevitable advancement of AI in the insurance industry. Quotes "Technology still has to be able to provide a real bottom line benefit for the people that use it." – Marc Fredman "With intelligent experience and the stuff that's now possible with AI, you don't have to choose among those things." – Marc Fredman "We are at diminishing marginal returns in terms of the old ways of thinking for technology." – Marc Fredman "An intelligent experience is one that just works." – Marc Fredman  

With the 2024 Summer Olympics having come and gone, Rob and Lee discuss their enthusiasm for the Olympics and its events they enjoy in their latest short. They share their national pride and support for international athletes while drawing parallels between the cooperative nature of the Olympics and the insurance industry. They mention some of their favorite sports and express their excitement for future events and admiration for the athletes' dedication and hard work. Key Highlights: The allure and unifying nature of the Olympics. Experiencing the Olympics through personal stories. The cultural impact of watching athletes achieve their best. Comparisons between Olympic and insurance industry competition. Insights into supportive competition among insurance carriers. Quotes: "I've always loved the Olympics. It's fascinating to see people who are the best of the best." – Rob Beller "Everyone wants countries to do well. It's about humanity and support." – Lee Boyd "Insurance is generally a pretty friendly environment." – Rob Beller "The London insurance market was the most friendly, open, welcoming experience." – Lee Boyd References: 2024 Paris Olympics coverage on Peacock History of Munich Olympics tragedy in 1972 23andMe for tracing ancestry  

Join hosts Rob Beller and Lee Boyd as they chat with Miles and Zabrina Thorson, the founders of Odie Pet Insurance. Miles and Zabrina share their inspiring journey of transforming pet insurance with customizable coverage options and innovative technology. They discuss the industry's unique challenges and emphasize the importance of having pet insurance before emergencies happen. Tune in to see how Odie is making pet care better and more accessible! Key Highlights: Understanding the fundamentals of pet insurance and its comparison to other types of insurance. Discussion on the demographics driving the adoption of pet insurance, particularly millennials. Insights into Odie's unique distribution model and its focus on embedding pet insurance in various platforms. The role of technology and data in underwriting and improving the claims process for pet owners. Exploration of the regulatory landscape impacting televet services and pet insurance. A closer look at customizable policies Odie offers to cater to diverse pet owner needs. Quotes: "Pet insurance is really there to cover those unexpected health events, not for routine vet visits.” – Zabrina Thorson “We wanted to empower third-party distribution channels to put this product in front of folks before they face an emergency.” – Miles Thorson  

In this episode of FNO: InsureTech Podcast, we welcome Alex Duta, founder and CEO of Albi, a groundbreaking workflow management tool for damage restoration contractors. Alex dives deep into the inefficiencies plaguing the restoration industry and how Albi leverages technology to streamline processes, reduce administrative burdens, and foster greater transparency between contractors and insurers. Whether you're a restoration contractor, insurance professional, or tech enthusiast, this episode offers valuable insights into revolutionizing property claims management. Key Highlights Introduction to Albi: Alex explains Albi's end-to-end workflow management tool designed for the damage restoration industry. Challenges in the Restoration Industry: Discussion on the inefficiencies contractors face and the need for streamlined processes. Technological Innovations: How Albi integrates with various systems like QuickBooks and Twilio to enhance data collection and transparency. Industry Dynamics: The role of managed repair networks and third-party reviewers in the insurance claims process. Future Visions: Alex's thoughts on the future of technology in the restoration space and improving claim speed and accuracy. Quotes “We're obsessed over the individuals who show up in homeowners' homes throughout the toughest times and make their lives so much easier.” – Alex Duta “If we add this layer of complexity, the contractors will find a way because you can't push on their margins and their time to get paid enough.” – Alex Duta

Jonathan Miko, the CSIO and President of Managed Repair at Alacrity Solutions, is all about connecting with clients on their level. He highlights how their flexibility — thanks to both cutting-edge technology and the human touch — allows them to customize services to fit each client's unique needs. Jonathan dives into the story of Alacrity Solutions' transformation from a one-size-fits-all approach to a more personalized, client-first model, a shift that not only boosts service quality but also strengthens client relationships. Jonathan also shares his own personal journey that led him to his current leadership roles, adding a touch of inspiration to the mix. Key Highlights: The history and evolution of Alacrity's Managed Repair Program. Jonathan Miko's career journey and his transition from law to insurance. Key components and processes of the Managed Repair Program. Insights into how Alacrity ensures high quality and customer satisfaction. The strategic importance of technology and human intervention in MRP. Future trends and the growing significance of managed repair in the insurance industry.  References: Learn more about Alacrity Solutions and their services at alacritysolutions.com "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries Alacrity Solutions' Managed Repair Program Overview

Rob and Lee mix things up in this lighthearted, host-only episode! They chat about homeowners insurance, its exclusion from inflation calculations, and the importance of proper coverage. Lee also shares insights from a recent industry event, sparking a discussion on A.I.'s impact on insurance, including fraud risks and its transformative potential. Time stamps 00:00 Introduction to the FNO: InsureTech Podcast 00:25 The Impact of Inflation on Homeowner Insurance 01:59 Comparing Homeowner and Auto Insurance Costs 03:13 The Importance of Proper Insurance Coverage 04:57 Challenges in Shopping for Auto Insurance 09:43 The Role of Insurance Agents 14:25 Insights from the National Flood Conference 15:20 The Implications of A.I. in Insurance 20:43 Reflections on Technological Advancements 25:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts  

Join Lee as he talks with Adam Bowe, CEO and co-founder of Cake. Learn how Cake is revolutionizing the buying, selling, and valuation of insurance agencies. Adam shares the platform's unique approach, using machine learning for precise valuations, and highlights tools for anonymous listings, secure transactions, and escrow services. Discover the challenges and opportunities in the insuretech space, and how Cake is making the market more accessible for agency owners and buyers alike.  

Co-hosts Rob and Lee chat with Scott Kannry, CEO and co-founder of Axio, exploring how Axio helps businesses manage cyber risk. Scott shares Axio's origin story, their unique approach to cyber insurance, and collaboration with Lloyd's of London. Tune in to learn about the evolving field of cyber insurance and the importance of mitigating cyber risks today.

Listen as Jared Kaplan, CEO and co-founder of Indigo, discusses the challenges and innovations in medical malpractice insurance, sharing his journey from building tech startups to using transforming insurance with artificial intelligence and data analytics. Jared explores Indigo's approach to differentiating risk, offering lower premiums to deserving doctors, and ultimately aiming to impact the healthcare industry positively. Kaplan also shares a lighthearted glimpse into his off-work hobbies when he's not running the business.

In this episode of the FNO InsureTech Podcast, hosts Lee Boyd and Rob Beller catch up with Ty Harris, CEO and co-founder of Openly, for his second appearance on the show. The conversation dives into the challenges and opportunities within the insuretech sector, focusing on Openly's growth, remote work success, and strategies for navigating the current market. Harris shares insights on Openly's tech-enabled approach to home insurance, targeting the mass affluent market through independent agents and leveraging advanced data modeling and efficient expense management. The discussion also explores Openly's focus on customer and agent satisfaction, the potential for entering the auto insurance market, and broader industry trends, including the impact of AI. Harris's unique background, from academia to poker and ballroom dancing, adds depth to his perspective on leading an innovative insurance startup.  

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 landscape. Insightful anecdotes and predictions about the impact of AI on the insurance industry are shared, highlighting how it could streamline processes, improve decision-making, and impact the overall efficiency of claims management. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of ethical considerations in AI development and the imperative to stay ahead of rapid technological advancements for sustained industry relevance.  

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 Rachel 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: www.fnoinsuretech.com InsurTech Coalition  Branch  Lemonade  Boost Insurance  Indigo    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.   

This week, Rob and Lee welcome Ali Azar, 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: www.fnoinsuretech.com HOVER  Ali on LinkedIn      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.   

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com CQCS Gustavo on LinkedIn     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. 

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com REOR20 Danny on LinkedIn   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?  

Rob and Lee welcome Bill Loesch, Co-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: www.fnoinsuretech.com InsTech  LeakSentinel  Bill Loesch LinkedIn    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. 

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com InsTech  Matthew LinkedIn  Podcasts    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.  

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com Whisker Labs  Bob Marshall LinkedIn    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.   

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com Chrp  Chin Ma LinkedIn    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.   

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com SnapRefund  Cody Eddings LinkedIn    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.   

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com Charlee.AI Sri Ramaswamy LinkedIn   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.  

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com Betterview  Nearmap  David Lyman LinkedIn  Episode with Patrick Quigley    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?  

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com Jim Loveland LinkedIn  Loveland Innovations    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.   

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com Brewer Lane Ventures Martha: LinkedIn What to Expect: 8 InsurTech Predictions for 2024   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?  

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

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/

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com Clearcover  Kyle: LinkedIn  Episode 210 with Kyle  The Farmer from Merna  Insurance on the Side 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!  

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com Pinpoint Predictive  Scott Ham    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.   

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com IA Capital Group  Andrew Lerner LinkedIn    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] Frontier Risk 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?   

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com Clearspeed Alex Martin Linkedin   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?  

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com Caribou Honig LinkedIn ITC Vegas    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 SemperVirens.   

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com EnCircle Paul Donald LinkedIn   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?

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com Rhino  Benjamin Lantos LinkedIn     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.  

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: www.fnoinsuretech.com Bobbie Collies: LinkedIn  Coterie  Ep 183 with David McFarland  And I Quote podcast    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 ZestyAI.  [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?