The NFX Podcast Hippo: From Idea to SPAC with CEO Assaf Wand & Pete Flint
Apr 27, 2021
50:43
In this episode, Pete Flint, Assaf Wand, and Kristen O'Brien discuss the insurance industry's challenges and innovations. They delve into Wand's learning journey and tactics for idea formation in regulated industries. They also explore Hippo's family-oriented culture, their growth during COVID-19, and the decision to go public via SPAC. The conversation concludes with a look at Hippo's future and their use of data and smart devices to prevent insurance claims.
Insurtech is also a space that has become increasingly crowded and more high-profile in recent years.
Hippo Insurance uses technology to help homeowners maintain their properties, creating a new standard of care and protection for homeowners. Hippo announced its intention to go public via SPAC in early March of this year that will now give Hippo a valuation of $5B, making it one of the largest insurtechs in the US.
Co-Founder & CEO Assaf Wand sits down with NFX Partner Pete Flint to share his Founder story, product mindset, strategy behind the SPAC, and personal frameworks for taking Hippo from idea to IPO.
(0:00) Introduction with Kristen O'Brien and Pete Flint (2:03) Challenges and Innovations in the Insurance Industry (10:17) Assaf Wand's Learning Journey in the Insurance Industry (14:08) Tactics and Frameworks for Idea Formation, Validation, and Hiring in a Regulated Industry (24:30) Building a Family-oriented Culture at Hippo (28:32) Navigating Challenges and Growth in the Era of COVID-19 (34:11) Going Public via SPAC: The Rationale Behind Hippo's Decision (43:14) What's in Store for Hippo: Protecting the Joy of Homeownership (48:34) The Core Offering of Hippo: Using Data and Smart Home Devices to Prevent Insurance Claims (49:42) Wrapping up the Conversation with Assaf Wand and Outro