FNO: InsureTech

Doug Schaedler, CEO and Co-Founder of Homee, discusses the company's unique approach to insurance, their contractor network, and their pivot into the industry. He also explores Homee's culture and hiring practices, as well as the evolution and expansion of the business.

This week, Lee welcomes Michael Nadel, Senior Director at Simon Kucher and Partners, where he works on the insurance vertical and guides carriers of all sizes through the intricate landscape of insurance. In this episode, Michael talks about some of the hot topics in the insurance world now, including the evolving role of AI in sales and how we can keep that human element alive, along with the strategies insurers employ to tackle the challenges posed by climate change while ensuring profitability. Michael also talks about the importance of listening to your customer base to make sure you are providing the right type of value.   Learn More: www.fnoinsuretech.com Michael Nadel: LinkedIn Simon Kucher   What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [5:02] Michael joins the show and talks about his role at Simon Kucher and what they provide for their clients. [7:01] The two primary levels at which Simon Kucher helps Insurtech. [7:53] Michael talks about the importance of listening to your customers and making sure that what you are offering adds value. [11:35] Are the big carriers still focusing on innovation? [13:15] Michael covers some hot topics in the insurance industry, starting with how we keep things personalized while AI rapidly evolves. [18:02] The use of chatbots in the insurance industry. [20:18] How AI will change the insurance landscape. [29:33] The current conversation around climate change and insurance. [33:53] The impact of personalized marketing on the insurance industry. Does a birthday card from our carrier really make a difference? [37:41] How does a personal carrier compare to a commercial carrier?  

Join us as Rob and Lee sit down with Adam Menszer, the newly promoted CIO of Alacrity Solutions. Adam brings his expertise to the table, shedding light on his multifaceted role and delving into the exciting realm of InsureTech. With a keen eye for innovation, he offers insights into his journey, spanning back to his Alacrity days from 2005. Adam shares his thoughts on the evolving landscape of technology and security, how he and his team navigate the intricacies of buying InsureTech and the conversations he is hearing around the power of AI. At the end of the episode, stay tuned to hear Adam’s answers on the pressing questions around both his engagement and the best time for a celebratory crawfish boil.    Learn More: www.fnoinsuretech.com Adam Menszer: LinkedIn  Alacrity Solutions   What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [5:42] Adam joins the show and talks a bit about his upbringing.  [9:00] How the industry has evolved and the major changes Adam has seen.  [10:02] How does Adam keep up with all the emerging technology?  [12:59] What does a typical day of Adam’s look like?  [15:31] Why does the IT department seem to be thrown under the bus?  [18:01] Some of the challenges Adam’s team faces at Alacrity of acquiring so many new businesses.  [19:47] The overhead associated with maintaining the security responsibilities.  [22:20] User behavior is a huge thing, and how they make security a priority for users.  [28:15] What does Adam look for in InsureTech companies he works with?  [32:04] Building the Alacrity mobile app.  [39:04] What are some of the conversations Adam is hearing around AI?  [42:43] Blending a culture together from people with different backgrounds, both personally and professionally.  [43:57] What’s up with Adam’s 7 year engagement?   

Dive into the world of insurance innovation with Dan Reed, Managing Director of American Family Ventures, as he returns as our guest. Dan shares a big announcement: the closing of AFVs fourth fund, showcasing their growth, their approach to raising capital, how it’s different from previous funds, and how they're expanding their team and network.   Dan and the crew talk about future predictions and innovations in insurtech and the role of technologies like ChatGPT. Dan also details the Venture Follows program and its impact, and offers those hard hitting questions we all want to know — like why do left-handers seem to have more fun?   Learn More: www.fnoinsuretech.com Dan Reed: LinkedIn American Family Ventures   What You’ll Hear In This Episode: [7:15] Dan comes out of the bullpen to join the show. [9:43] Not to brag, but Dan’s previous episode with us was the only podcast his mother has ever listened to. Check it out HERE. [10:49] Dan shares his big announcement. He is proud to share that they have closed their fourth fund. [11:36] How did the process of raising capital go? [12:34] Having a larger fund allows them to expand the team and the network. [12:50] Was the reception different for fund four than it was for fund three? [14:40] The strategic engagement model that is at the heart of investing. [13:58] How American Family Ventures was able to build out their team and capabilities during the process of investing. [17:53] What does the platform look like for investors? [19:45] Is there a focus they’ve gone after for all funds? [21:50] What is on the edge of insurtech and what is Dan finding interesting right now in space? [29:32] Dan talks about his “second bridge” theory. [35:17] How do we drive efficiency in the insurance process? [36:22] Why does ChatGPT matter to insurtech? [38:02] Dan talks about a few portfolio companies including Tire Agent. [48:42] A non-mathematical way of understanding the power laws of investment. [51:55] Dan details the Venture Fellows program. [53:26] Dan and the crew discuss Branch Insurance. [1:00:12] Has the VC marketplace shrunk around InsureTech? Is it smaller and less sexy than it was before?  

Join hosts Lee and Rob this week as they embark on an inspiring journey with Claudia Rodriguez, Vice President of Insurance Claims at Auto Club Enterprises, on her actual last day of work before she retires. Claudia shares the importance of straightforward communication in the workplace, and reflects on her trailblazing role as the first woman to occupy this position. Tune in to hear her insights on the evolution of the insurance industry and her thoughts on the crucial topic of social inflation's impact and significance in today's world. Prepare to be inspired by Claudia's remarkable climb from a receptionist in a small claims office to leading a multi-state, multi-billion dollar claims organization.   Learn More:  www.fnoinsuretech.com Claudia Rodriguez: LinkedIn  Auto Club Enterprises    What You’ll Hear In This Episode:   [5:48] Claudia joins the show, on her last day of work after 35 and a half years of work!    [6:47] She may have dreamt of being a water girl for the Cowboys, and roots for the Bruins, but her first job at Auto Club Enterprises was a claims receptionist.    [8:54] Breaking through two barriers: the first homegrown Auto Club person to become VP of claims and the first woman to occupy the position.    [12:00] The beauty of having a straightforward yet pleasant style at work.    [13:01] How Claudia grew to do the job she did one step at a time.    [15:01] Leaving was never in her plans, it was just a matter of doing the best she could for the Auto Club every day.    [16:03] Claudia discusses Strike Force and the importance of leaders listening to their people and understanding what’s happening on the front lines.    [19:32] Know your process and your capabilities, and listen to the customer.    [20:34] How has the business changed in 1987 and how have customer expectations changed?    [22:48] The issue of social inflation and why it matters to the insurance industry.    [31:00] The need for more analytics in the industry.   [39:22] It’s important to slow down and take time to understand which problem it is that you're trying to solve.   [39:48] The more informed you are, the better you can help others.   

Catch the latest episode of FNO: InsureTech where hosts Rob and Lee chat with Heather Wentworth, Chief Consultant at Accelerant. Discover how Accelerant's expert team, innovative technology, and dynamic analytics are revolutionizing specialty underwriting for profitable growth. Heather also shares insights from her previous role as Chief Data Officer. Enjoyed the show? We welcome your guest suggestions at almoss@alacritysolutions.com. Join us for a deep dive into the future of insuretech!

Host Rob interviews Tomer Kashi, CEO and Co-founder of VOOM Insurance, discussing VOOM's journey in insuretech over the past six years, pay-per-mile and usage-based models, the data advantage VOOM possesses, and more.

On the most recent episode of FNO: InsureTech, hosts Rob and Lee engage in an insightful dialogue with Matthew Mosher, the President & CEO of AM Best Rating Services. As a leading global credit rating agency and data analytics provider in the insurance sector, AM Best's services evaluate the creditworthiness of over 16,000 insurance companies around the globe. Their independent and interactive credit ratings offer a comprehensive view of an insurance company's ability to meet its financial obligations, including claim payouts and debt repayments. Dive into this episode as Rob and Lee delve into the workings of AM Best, the significance of their ratings, their unique methodologies, an interesting conversation on climate change, and other intriguing topics. Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation. Like what you hear on FNO: InsureTech? Know someone who would be a great guest for the podcast? Let us know: Email us at almoss@alacritysolutions.com.

In the latest episode of FNO: InsureTech, hosts  Rob and Lee had the pleasure of speaking with AM Best TV's Lee McDonald on the founding, growth and development of the FNO: InsureTech podcast. With over 200 episodes and counting, we're excited to continue the journey of sharing insuretech with listeners. Check out the interview in video: https://lnkd.in/gnXP-z97 Like what you hear on FNO: InsureTech? Know someone who would be a great guest for the podcast? Let us know: Email us at almoss@alacritysolutions.com.

Check out the latest episode of FNO: InsureTech, fresh from the Vault, featuring Bruce Lucas, Founder & CEO of Slide Insurance – a trailblazing Tampa-based company. Join Lee and Rob as they delve into the world of Slide, a company that combines technology and insurance expertise to hyper-personalize, optimize, and streamline the home insurance process since 2021. Discover how Slide makes it effortless for modern homeowners to find the perfect coverage tailored to their unique needs and budgets. Listen in as Bruce shares his insights on big data, his extensive experience in the insurance industry, and how technology drives better outcomes for consumers and businesses alike. Don't miss this captivating conversation with Bruce, Rob, and Lee.