InsTech - insurance & innovation with Matthew Grant & Robin Merttens

The insurance industry is at an inflection point—legacy processes are still widespread, yet AI and automation are enabling smarter, more efficient workflows. But how do insurers cut through the noise and apply technology in a way that truly transforms their operations? In this episode, Matthew Grant sits down with Nigel Walsh, newly appointed at ServiceNow, to discuss how AI, digital agents and workflow automation are reshaping insurance. With 500 insurers already using ServiceNow, Nigel shares why he joined, what ServiceNow does beyond IT service management, and how its AI-powered workflows are tackling the industry’s “messy middle.” Key Talking Points AI-driven insurance workflows – how ServiceNow is helping insurers streamline underwriting, claims and customer service beyond traditional IT service management. Agentic AI in action – the role of digital agents in automating insurance processes, reducing inefficiencies and enhancing decision-making. The changing face of VC funding – why AI is reshaping startup strategies, reducing team sizes and altering investment dynamics. Bridging the data gap in catastrophe insurance – lessons from California wildfires and the challenge of accurately assessing risk and rebuilding costs. Enhancing claims efficiency with AI – how insurers can leverage automation to improve claims workflows and customer experience. Navigating insurance thought leadership – the challenge of cutting through LinkedIn’s noise and building meaningful industry conversations. AI adoption in 2025 and beyond – the rise of digital workers, the evolution of enterprise AI and the potential for insurers to orchestrate thousands of agents. If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Nigel Walsh on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Explain the evolving role of AI in the insurance industry, including its influence on venture funding and business models. Define the challenges insurers face in catastrophe modeling and data accuracy for risk assessment. Identify the potential applications of AI-driven orchestration platforms in improving enterprise-wide insurance operations. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 345 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

The automotive industry is undergoing a transformation—electrification, changing ownership models and evolving customer expectations are reshaping the market. But how does insurance fit into this shift?  In this episode, Robin Merttens speaks with Nimeshh Patel, CEO of Wrisk, about how the company is helping major automotive brands embed insurance seamlessly into the car-buying journey. With a customer-first digital experience, Wrisk enables instant, hassle-free insurance at the point of sale, eliminating outdated manual processes.  The discussion also covers Wrisk’s international expansion, its Series B fundraising and why the company focuses on collaboration rather than disruption in the insurance ecosystem. Key Talking Points Embedded insurance at the point of sale – how Wrisk makes car insurance frictionless for customers Why  Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) care about insurance – supporting after-sales revenue, finance uptake and customer retention Scaling success with global automotive brands – from BMW to Mercedes-Benz, how Wrisk is powering insurance for top manufacturers The power of quiet ego – why Wrisk has focused on collaboration rather than disruption Expanding beyond the UK – launching a European MGA and the roadmap for international growth The Series B strategy – raising funds to scale technology, data capabilities and global operations The future of automotive insurance – could Wrisk eventually take on risk itself and build OEM-backed captives? If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Robin Merttens on LinkedIn. You can also contact Nimeshh Patel on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Describe how embedded insurance enhances the vehicle purchasing experience by integrating seamless coverage at the point of sale. Explain why collaboration between insurers and OEMs is critical to the success of embedded insurance models. Define the role of a managing general agent (MGA) in enabling scalable, brand-aligned insurance solutions for automotive manufacturers. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 345 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

Agentic AI - the buzzword of 2025. But what is it and how can it help claims? The insurance industry has long struggled with manual, time-consuming claims processes that create bottlenecks and put pressure on adjusters. Now, Agentic AI is emerging as a solution: automating administrative tasks and enabling claims teams to work faster and more efficiently. In this episode, Matthew Grant speaks with Robin Roberson, co-founder of Agentech, about how digital agents are reshaping claims handling. By leveraging Agentic AI, Agentech is reducing processing time from 30 minutes to 30 seconds, enhancing subrogation workflows and helping insurers streamline claims without removing human expertise. Robin, a veteran in InsurTech and former WeGoLook founder, shares her journey from launching startups to pioneering AI-driven claims solutions. She also discusses why mentorship is crucial for new entrepreneurs, how working with design partners ensures AI solves real-world problems and why reducing adjuster burnout is a core focus of Agentech. Key Talking Points: The rise of Agentic AI – how digital agents are reshaping claims handling and automating administrative tasks From 30 minutes to 30 seconds – how AI is streamlining pet insurance claims processing and boosting efficiency AI-powered subrogation – identifying recovery opportunities and reducing claims leakage with automated analysis The role of design partners – why collaboration with insurers is key to building AI solutions that solve real-world problems Improving adjuster productivity – how Agentech’s AI-driven approach is reducing workload and preventing burnout The future of AI in claims – exploring voice-enabled AI, smart routing and automation for catastrophe response Lessons from a serial entrepreneur – Robin’s insights on launching startups, scaling innovation, and finding the right market fit If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Robin Roberson on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Specify how AI-powered subrogation tools help insurers identify recovery opportunities and reduce claims leakage. Define the concept of Agentic AI and how it differs from traditional AI and generative AI in insurance applications. Identify the future trends in AI-driven claims processing, including voice-enabled AI and smart claims routing. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 344 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

In this enlightening discussion, Will Ross, CEO and Co-founder of Federato, shares his journey from wildfire modeling to launching an AI-driven RiskOps platform for insurers. The conversation dives into how AI is transforming traditional underwriting by automating workflows and prioritizing risks, cutting response times by up to 89%. Ross discusses Federato's impressive 3x growth and its recent $40 million Series C funding, emphasizing the distinct tech adoption strategies in the US and UK markets. Get ready for insights on the future of underwriting!

Graeme Asquith, UK Managing Director at mea platform, discusses how AI and machine learning are revolutionizing insurance document processing. He highlights the shift towards algorithmic underwriting, emphasizing the necessity of automation for efficiency. Graeme shares insights on extracting data from unstructured documents and the importance of partnerships with industry players like Accenture. He also explores future trends in insurance technology and how swift, accurate AI solutions can redefine underwriting and claims management.

Alex Cardona, CEO and Co-founder of Recorder, shares his insights on revolutionizing broker management in the commercial insurance sector. He discusses how inefficiencies like manual data entry hinder the industry's progress and the transformative role of APIs in facilitating real-time connections between brokers and underwriters. Alex highlights the significance of standardizing risk data and automating data ingestion to enhance underwriting accuracy. Additionally, he touches on building a liquid marketplace and innovative funding strategies that allow for scaling without heavy investments.

Satellite imagery is revolutionising the way insurers assess risk, track disasters and provide coverage. In this episode, Matthew Grant speaks with Berend de Jong, Global Insurance & Finance Lead at Planet Labs, about how high-resolution satellite imagery and geospatial data are reshaping the insurance industry. With a fleet of over 200 satellites capturing daily images of the Earth's surface, Planet Labs enables insurers to enhance flood and wildfire risk modeling, parametric insurance solutions and pre/post-loss assessments. The conversation explores real-world applications, including how instant satellite imaging played a key role in analysing the Los Angeles wildfires and German floods, and how parametric insurance providers like Floodbase leverage satellite data to develop innovative flood coverage solutions. Key Talking Points From consulting to satellites – Berend’s career journey How Planet Labs’ 200+ satellites capture daily Earth imagery The power of high-resolution imaging – down to 30-40 cm Tasking satellites on demand – costs, speed, and accessibility Optical vs. SAR satellites – when to use each technology Los Angeles wildfires case study – tracking fire progression in real time German floods case study – distinguishing between river and rain-driven floods Parametric insurance in action – partnerships with AXA, Swiss Re, and FloodBase Underwriting & claims insights – using satellite data for smarter decisions The future of satellite data – affordability, accessibility, and evolving use cases If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Berend de Jong on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Describe how high-resolution satellite imagery supports risk assessment, underwriting, and claims management in insurance. List the key differences between optical satellites, SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) and passive microwave technology in data collection. Identify the real-world applications of satellite data through case studies, including Los Angeles wildfires and German floods. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 340 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

How is generative AI changing the way insurers work—and think? In this episode, Matthew Grant sits down with Bob Pick, EVP Chief Information Officer at Tokio Marine North American Services and Group Deputy Chief Information Technology Officer for Tokio Marine Group, to explore the real-world impact of generative AI in the insurance industry. From streamlining underwriting decisions to detecting fraud and automating operational processes, Bob explains how Tokio Marine is using AI to address both everyday challenges and complex, global demands. Balancing innovation with responsibility, the conversation sheds light on what AI can—and can’t—do for insurers today. If you’ve ever wondered how generative AI works in practice, or what it means for the future of insurance, this episode offers clear and thought-provoking insights. Key Talking Points: The evolution of generative AI – from revolutionary tech to practical applications Classic AI vs. generative AI – understanding the difference Advisory tools like Microsoft Copilot – where they fit into the workflow Case studies from Tokio Marine – submission analysis and claims fraud detection Development tools – automating back-end processes with generative AI Risk management – balancing innovation with safeguarding data and compliance Tools of the trade – Microsoft Copilot, Grok, and other favourites Looking ahead – evolution or revolution in the next 1-3 years If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Bob Pick on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Describe how generative AI is transforming key processes in the insurance industry, such as underwriting and fraud detection. List the practical applications of generative AI discussed in the episode, including submission analysis, backend automation and global translation. Specify the differences between classic AI and generative AI, and their respective roles in insurance. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 339 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.  

How is technology redefining supply chain insurance and resilience in a changing world? Parsyl is combining innovation, data and ambition to transform the way essential supply chains are insured. Robin Merttens speaks with Alex Haar, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer at Parsyl, about the company’s impressive growth, their $20M Series C funding and the advanced technologies powering their solutions. From leveraging AI and IoT to expanding into non-perishable cargo, Parsyl is building a future where insurers and businesses can better predict, price and mitigate risks across global supply chains. Key Talking Points: From tech startup to global supply chain insurer – Parsyl’s journey $20M Series C funding led by Lightsmith Group – what it means for Parsyl Essential supply chains – focusing on food, life sciences, and renewable technologies The role of AI – predictive models and generative AI powering underwriting IoT in action – real-time data for monitoring and managing risks Data partnerships – leveraging Lineage and other innovative sources The underwriter’s role – blending expertise with cutting-edge tools Preparing for the future – expanding in the U.S. and launching new products Resilience to climate change – Parsyl’s mission to protect critical supply chains If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Alex Haar on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Explain how generative AI enhances efficiency in submission processing and underwriting workflows. Define the role of predictive models in improving underwriting accuracy and claims outcomes. Identify the cultural and organisational factors critical to successfully implementing data-driven insurance solutions. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 338 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.

In this episode, Matthew Grant sits down with Adrian Coupland from Earnix to explore the findings of its latest industry report, An Industry at a Crossroads. They discuss how insurers are adapting to modern challenges, from navigating compliance to leveraging real-time analytics. With a focus on modernisation and competition, Adrian shares insights into how technology and data are reshaping the insurance landscape, empowering businesses to move faster and make smarter decisions. This conversation offers a glimpse into how insurers can stay ahead in a complex, evolving market while addressing regulatory pressures and increasing customer expectations. Key Talking Points: From legacy systems to agile ecosystems – modernizing insurance. Insights from Earnix’s Industry at a Crossroads report. Real-time data and analytics – leveraging external and internal insights. The compliance conundrum – challenges and opportunities for innovation. Streamlining underwriting and pricing rule changes with Earnix. Proof of value – how Earnix helps insurers test and adopt technology. Staying competitive – advice for insurers planning for 2025 and beyond. Embracing AI and data-driven decision-making – the path forward. If you like what you’re hearing, please leave us a review on whichever platform you use or contact Matthew Grant on LinkedIn. You can also contact Adrian Coupland on LinkedIn to start a conversation! Sign up to the InsTech newsletter for a fresh view on the world every Wednesday morning. Continuing Professional Development This InsTech Podcast Episode is accredited by the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). By listening, you can claim up to 0.5 hours towards your CPD scheme. By the end of this podcast, you should be able to meet the following Learning Objectives: Measure the significance of reducing underwriting rule change timelines on operational efficiency. Explain the regulatory and compliance factors shaping the adoption of AI and machine learning in insurance. Define the differences between legacy monolithic systems and agile ecosystems in insurance operations. If your organisation is a member of InsTech and you would like to receive a quarterly summary of the CPD hours you have earned, visit the Episode 337 page of the InsTech website or email cpd@instech.co to let us know you have listened to this podcast. To help us measure the impact of the learning, we would be grateful if you would take a minute to complete a quick feedback survey.