

FNO: InsureTech
Alacrity Solutions
A podcast that interviews leaders from insuretech and insurance to get up-to-date ideas and perspectives on how technology is disrupting and transforming the industry. We bring stories, trends, and useful insights to our audience from carriers, insuretechs, service providers, and various industry groups.
New episodes feature people who are on the forefront of inventing, using, developing, or transforming the insurance world through applied technology.
FNO: InsureTech is created and produced by Alacrity Solutions.
New episodes feature people who are on the forefront of inventing, using, developing, or transforming the insurance world through applied technology.
FNO: InsureTech is created and produced by Alacrity Solutions.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 19, 2025 • 50min
Ep 289: Piers Dormeyer, CEO, Eagleview
In this episode, FNO: InsureTech hosts Rob and Lee sit down with Piers Dormeyer, CEO of Eagleview, to discuss the company’s journey from its roots in aerial roof measurement to its current role as a leading data company in geospatial intelligence. Dormeyer details how Eagleview’s early focus on insurance claims transformed through investments in proprietary aerial hardware, integration with Pictometry, and continual improvements in imagery resolution. The conversation explores how Eagleview leverages high-quality data and recent advances in artificial intelligence, including large language models, to streamline claims, enable rapid disaster response, power fraud detection, and support a range of customers beyond insurance. Key highlights Eagleview’s origin: founded by a roofer and a software engineer, developing accurate 3D roof measurements from 2D imagery with insurance as an initial market Emphasis on control and accuracy: operating a national fleet and merging with Pictometry to deliver higher-quality imagery, supporting measurement accuracy now at 99% based on third-party comparisons Shift to data company: delivering granular, extractable property data such as roof material, proximity to water, and additional attributes for application across various workflows AI’s impact: improved imagery enhances model reliability, with large language model-enabled features introduced in Eagleview One to support data extraction and new workflow automation Eagleview Disaster Response Program (DRP): mobilizing rapid image capture following disasters to meet the needs of insurers, government agencies, and infrastructure managers Partnership approach: close collaboration with industry leaders like Cotality and Verisk facilitates efficient integration and data delivery

Sep 12, 2025 • 55min
Ep 288: Cameron MacArthur, Founder & CEO, AI Insurance
In episode 288 of FNO: InsureTech, Cameron MacArthur, Founder and CEO of AI Insurance, returns to share how his company, operating for over seven years, has navigated dramatic changes in insurance through the practical application of artificial intelligence. Drawing on experiences since Y Combinator in 2019, Cameron discusses the platform’s growth to more than 100 specialty and commercial insurance programs, and offers specific examples where AI replaces manual tasks, such as data extraction and invoice processing. The conversation also addresses the shifting insurance landscape, evolving customer expectations, and the leadership challenges of adopting automation while retaining vital insurance expertise. Key Highlights AI Insurance recorded 150% growth in the past year, now supporting more than 100 programs for MGAs, MGUs, captives, and risk retention groups. Cameron describes AI’s effectiveness in automating loss-run data import, handling invoices, and migrating complex data—with internal tests and client experiences indicating accuracy and time savings compared to manual processes. The rise of MGAs and MGUs is reshaping the market, with premium volume in this sector doubling since 2020, while traditional carriers and captives remain static or decline. Modern SaaS and AI solutions have reduced the barriers and costs of launching insurance programs, enabling new entities to go live in weeks rather than months. Cameron details a significant change in client expectations: prospects increasingly seek direct access to AI, APIs, and custom tooling, reflecting greater technical familiarity within insurance operations. Leadership must recognize and address staff concerns as automation alters job scopes, emphasizing the need for communication, retraining, and a continued focus on deep insurance knowledge. Cameron shares personal perspectives on the ongoing complexity of insurance, the rewards of continued learning, and the realities of leading sustainable growth. Special Offer: Use our coupon code ITCFNO200 to get $200 OFF your ITC Vegas pass! See you in Vegas!

Aug 22, 2025 • 48min
Ep 287: Kyle Geoghan, Co-Founder & CEO, Indemn
In this episode of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast, we welcome Kyle Geoghan, Co-Founder and CEO of Indemn, for a deep discussion on the real-world impact of generative AI in insurance. Kyle shares his trajectory from early days in a family insurance agency, through his experience at CoverWallet, to launching Indemn in 2021. The episode details how Indemn began by building an MGA for event insurance with Markel—where nearly 95% of its direct-to-consumer operations rely on AI agents—and how the firm is now focusing primarily on its core SaaS platform. Listeners gain a data-driven understanding of how Indemn’s technology automates quoting, underwriting, broker support, and especially broker portal workflows, as well as Kyle’s evidence-based view of industry adoption. Key Highlights Kyle traces his roots to his family’s Long Island insurance agency, starting at age 12 and later moving to digital innovation at CoverWallet before co-founding Indemn. Indemn was launched in 2021 as a generative AI company for insurance. It initially operated as an MGA selling Markel-backed event and wedding insurance, introducing an AI agent model—at EventGuard, approximately 95% of customer interactions are handled by AI agents. As part of a strategic pivot, Indemn is selling the EventGuard MGA subsidiary to devote greater resources to SaaS technology enablement for carriers, MGAs, and broker networks. Indemn’s platform supports AI-driven quoting, stepwise underwriting, certificate generation, and status updates. Broker portal assistance is a core use case, enabling agents to receive accurate, real-time answers to underwriting and product questions, reducing repetitive workload by 30–40% for underwriters and CSRs. Adoption patterns show most consumer users are comfortable with AI workflows, while a majority of brokers also warm to this model over time—particularly when embedded in broker portals with feedback mechanisms for user trust. Kyle notes that, historically, insurance industry adoption has been cautious; however, he identifies late 2022 and 2025 as crucial milestones, with 2025 predicted as a year of significant scaling in generative AI deployment across the sector.

Aug 8, 2025 • 47min
Ep 286: Spencer McInvaille, Envista Forensics
In this episode, FNO: InsureTech hosts a conversation with Spencer McInvaille, Director of Digital Forensics at Envista Forensics, to examine the expanding role of digital evidence in insurance investigations. The discussion explores practical methods for extracting and interpreting data from everyday devices—such as cell phones and vehicles—to assist with claims validation. Listeners gain a measured perspective on how location information, privacy considerations, rapid advancements in technology, and evolving threats like AI-manipulated imagery intersect in contemporary claims handling. Key Highlights Comprehensive overview of digital forensics as applied in the insurance space, with emphasis on how cell phones, computers, and vehicle data are leveraged to answer critical questions in claims and litigation. Practical applications of digital location data: Spencer explains how investigators may use cell phone and carrier records to determine an individual’s whereabouts during an alleged loss and support or refute policyholder narratives. Data privacy, security, and generational perspectives are addressed together—touching on device security practices, informed consent, differences in comfort levels across age groups, and the realities of data retention and access. Discussion of connected vehicle data and the volume of information modern vehicles and rentals may store; Spencer references an “Inside Edition” segment that illustrated data retrieval capabilities, noting this as a demonstration of industry techniques rather than proprietary information. Examination of artificial intelligence in the investigative process—Spencer discusses both the use of AI to manage large digital datasets and the growing need to detect manipulated images or synthetic media; only general capabilities are described, with no specific product endorsements or recommendations. Guidance for insurance practitioners and the public on applying basic device security measures, understanding personal data tradeoffs, and responding swiftly to preserve evidence following an incident.

Jul 25, 2025 • 51min
Ep 285: Amrish Singh, CEO & Co-founder, Liberate
Rob Beller and Lee Boyd are joined by Amrish Singh, CEO and Co-founder of Liberate, for a detailed look at how Liberate’s AI-powered agent, Nicole, is redefining intake and service for insurance carriers and agencies. Nicole automates not just first notice of loss (FNOL), but also handles ongoing service requests—including endorsements, ID cards, and claim status—across phone, SMS, and email channels. Amrish walks through the platform’s insurance-focused approach, its blend of technical and domain expertise, and the impact of standardized, always-on service that parallels human performance. Key Highlights: Nicole, Liberate Innovations’ AI agent, manages FNOL intake and a range of service tasks (such as endorsements and ID card delivery) across voice, SMS, email, and chatbot, providing support around the clock. The platform natively integrates with core systems including Guidewire and others, emulating a human staff member’s ability to read from and write data to existing insurance technology—without requiring a “rip and replace.” Nicole delivers service consistency organization-wide: every customer receives the same empathetic, informed interaction, at parity with human agents (currently performing at the 72nd/73rd percentile compared to people), and can handle unlimited simultaneous requests—crucial during catastrophe-level surges. Liberate requires that Nicole always disclose to customers that she is a virtual agent or AI, supporting responsible transparency—Amrish notes about 18–22% of customers initially want to speak to a human, but comfort increases with experience. Human supervisors use Liberate’s “AI Supervisor” tool to review and rate every Nicole conversation, from claims intake to service calls, providing feedback for systematic, measurable quality improvements. Automation is limited to non-licensed activities and data gathering; Nicole surfaces relevant data for functions like SIU but does not make claims or fraud determinations—those remain strictly with human professionals. The future vision: insurance operations where a small human team coordinates with scalable AI agents to support efficient, standardized, and compliant service, enabling carriers to reduce costs and refocus on promise and trust.

Jul 11, 2025 • 44min
Ep 284: Charlie Wendland, Chief Claims Officer of Branch
Scaling claims operations while harnessing AI, automation, and real adjuster insights is not easy but Branch is doing just that. Returning for a second time to FNO: InsureTech, Chief Claims Officer Charlie Wendland provides an in-depth update on how Branch’s claims team has intentionally built and evolved a fully in-house claims process focused on solving genuine adjuster pain points rather than chasing flashy tech trends. This episode explores how Branch leverages voice powered AI for FNOL, sophisticated fraud detection techniques, and large language model driven letter generation to streamline workflows. By involving adjusters closely in pilot programs, Branch ensures technology adoption is practical, meaningful, and impactful, pushing the boundaries of what a modern claims team can achieve. Key Highlights: Branch is a fully licensed insurance carrier operating as a reciprocal exchange. It bundles auto, home, and renters’ policies with an emphasis on speed and simplicity. The claims operation was built in-house and scaled through intentional, metrics driven process design prioritizing results without dramatically increasing headcount. First Notice of Loss (FNOL) is largely handled via Liberate’s voice powered AI. Fewer than 30% of FNOL submissions route to a human, and that number continues to decline as users opt into self-service. Fraud detection measures include checks for duplicate images and photos pulled from the internet. These filters help fast-track genuine claims and reduce investigation lag. Branch uses large language models via its “Letter Gen” tool (developed with Kyber) to automatically draft state specific coverage letters, which are then reviewed by adjusters saving time without sacrificing accuracy. Adjusters are included in pilot testing for every new tech rollout. Their feedback directly shapes how tools are adopted and refined creating a smoother, more meaningful change management process. Quotes: “We built our claims operation from the ground up, focusing on efficiency metrics at every step so we could scale without just adding bodies.” — Charlie Wendland “Fraud detection isn’t just about flags it’s about giving our adjusters confidence that clear claims can move faster through the system.” — Charlie Wendland “We’re not using technology to replace humans we’re using it to relieve them of rote tasks so they can focus on what matters complex problem-solving and real customer care.” — Charlie Wendland

Jun 20, 2025 • 56min
Ep 283: Robin Roberson, President & Co-founder, Agentech
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

Jun 6, 2025 • 53min
Ep 282: Tony Triola, Head of Ecosystem & Partnerships, Verisk
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

May 2, 2025 • 48min
Ep 281: Amy Cooper, CEO & Founder of RISE®
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

Apr 11, 2025 • 59min
Ep 280: Paul Vacquier, Founder & CEO of Beagle Services
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