Share
The Leadership in Insurance Podcast - Insurtech & Innovation
Why the Insurance Industry Desperately Needs Startups : An Interview with Nico Stainfeld, FinTech Partner at Foundation Capital
Hello and welcome to the latest episode of the Leadership in Insurance Podcast where this week we are lucky enough to be joined by Nico Stainfeld, Partner at Foundation Capital.
Nico is an early-stage investment expert from the team at Foundation Capital, who since 1995 have been leading the way in fintech, enterprise, and consumer investments. Their tag line 'building companies is in our bones' summarises just that and these values are clear throughout this conversation.
We discuss a whole host of topics (and could have spoken for much longer!) but here are some of the highlights...
- Total early-stage focus - the value of honing in & the rarity of 'staying in your lane'
- Foundations 1+1+3 approach
- How many firms actually make it past their first fund?
- 'The Emperor Has No Tech' as Nico puts it - Why the Insurance Industry Desperately Needs Startups
- If they are not going to spend the money, then they need to bring on board the start-ups
- There is no bad risk, only bad premium
- Do we need more of a sense of urgency?
- 2023 insurtech landscape - Profitability is not for losers anymore!
- Technology was meant to transform the insurance industry but it hasn’t - why?
- Embedded solutions and buying behaviour - is there trust?
- Next-generation risk needs next-generation data
- You're not still doing insurtech investing, are you?
- Insurtech locals vs. tourists?
- What's next for insurtech?
Thank you Nico for your time, it was great to speak to you!
This Podcast was brought to you by FinPro, an executive recruitment business that works in the Insurance and Insurtech space.
Our host in FinPro Director, Alex Bond
Please like and subscribe if you enjoyed this podcast
More episodes
View all episodes
Dynamic Risks, Dynamic Solutions,: A Conversation with Rachel Olney from EarthDaily Analytics.
32:25|🎙️ New Episode Alert: The Leadership in Insurance Podcast 🎙️This week, we’re excited to welcome Rachel Olney, GM of the Insurance Line of Business at EarthDaily Analytics, to the show! 🚀From founder to innovator, Rachel has navigated two acquisitions and now leads groundbreaking work in geospatial analytics for the insurance industry. 🌍💡In this episode, Rachel shares:🌐 The transformative power of geospatial data in risk modeling.💡 How dynamic risk insights are reshaping insurance strategies.🤝 The importance of building strong, mission-driven teams.🎯 Her candid experiences navigating leadership and industry challenges.Whether you’re a fan of innovation, a tech enthusiast, or simply curious about how cutting-edge data is driving real-world change, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!👉 Drop your thoughts in the comments and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!#LeadershipInInsurance #Podcast #GeospatialAnalytics #InsuranceInnovation #RiskManagementTransforming Legal Tech: A Conversation with Jacqueline Schafer, CEO of Clearbrief.ai
24:24|🎙 New Episode of the Leadership in Insurance Podcast – Out Now!This week, I had the privilege of speaking with Jacqueline Schafer, founder of Clearbrief.ai, about how AI is revolutionizing legal writing and risk management.Jacqueline shared her inspiring journey from litigator and in-house counsel to tech founder, creating a tool that’s transforming how legal teams work.In this episode, we discuss:✅ The inspiration behind Clearbrief.ai and its role in modernizing legal writing.✅ The challenges of launching a startup during the pandemic.✅ Why Clearbrief.ai is trusted by teams like Microsoft’s to reduce risks and boost efficiency.✅ The impact of integrating AI with tools like Microsoft Word.✅ Clearbrief.ai’s global expansion and the importance of partnerships like LexisNexis.Clearbrief.ai’s integration with Microsoft Word has been a game-changer, bringing the power of AI into a tool that legal professionals use every day. This thoughtful approach to usability has been instrumental in its rapid adoption by law firms and corporate legal teams.Jacqueline also gives us a glimpse of what’s next for Clearbrief.ai: ongoing innovation, expanded functionality, and a commitment to helping legal teams work smarter, not harder.If you’re curious about how AI is transforming the legal sector—or you’re just looking for inspiration from a leader who’s driving change—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.🎧 Listen now and join the conversation about the future of legal innovation!#LeadershipInInsurance #AI #LegalTech #ClearbriefAI #Innovation #PodcastFrom Capitol Hill to Catalyzing Innovation: Joan Woodward on Insurance, and Driving Societal Impact
33:20|🎙 New Episode of the Leadership in Insurance Podcast – Live Now!This week, I had the privilege of sitting down with Joan Kois Woodward, EVP of Public Policy at Travelers and Founding President of the Travelers Institute.Joan is a true trailblazer with an incredible career spanning Capitol Hill, Goldman Sachs, and now, leading one of the most dynamic and impactful “do tanks” in the insurance industry.In this episode, Joan shares her deep expertise and passion for driving innovation, education, and societal impact through insurance. We cover:✅ How the Travelers Institute tackles critical global challenges like cybersecurity, distracted driving, and workforce risks, and why these issues matter to businesses and individuals alike.✅ The role of insurance as a catalyst for innovation—from enabling advancements in self-driving cars to climate resilience and cyber defense.✅ Her commitment to diversity and inclusion in the industry, including the launch of SheGolfs, a groundbreaking initiative empowering women to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated spaces.✅ Why insurance is essential for society, acting as the backbone for businesses and individuals to recover, thrive, and innovate in an ever-changing world.Joan’s perspective is a must-hear for anyone interested in leadership, public policy, innovation, or the transformative role of insurance.Whether you’re leading a business, navigating risk, or simply curious about how insurance impacts nearly every aspect of our lives, this episode is packed with invaluable insights.🎧 Tune in now to hear why Joan believes that education and collaboration are the keys to shaping a better future for our industry and society.#LeadershipInInsurance #Podcast #TravelersInstitute #InnovationInInsurance #Cybersecurity #DiversityInLeadership #BusinessLeadershipFueling Innovation: A Conversation with Dan Israel, Managing Director of the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA)
28:43|🔥 New Episode Alert: Leadership in Insurance Podcast 🔥🚀 This week, I had the pleasure of hosting Dan Israel, Managing Director of the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA), on the podcast. 🌟 As a leader in one of the first accelerators dedicated to insurance innovation, Dan has spent over a decade connecting startups with mentors, investors, and the resources they need to succeed. 💡 Under his leadership, the GIA has built a globally recognized program that helps early-stage companies solve foundational business challenges and accelerate their growth. 🌍✨In our conversation, Dan shared fascinating insights into:💡 The critical role mentorship plays in guiding startups through the complex insurance landscape.🎯 How the GIA’s rigorous selection process identifies founders with game-changing ideas.📈 The trends and themes shaping the future of insurance—from AI-driven solutions to new models of customer care.Dan’s passion for innovation and his commitment to nurturing the next generation of insurance leaders is truly inspiring. 🙌 Whether you’re a startup founder, an investor, or just curious about how the industry is evolving, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. 🔥🎧 Don’t miss this deep dive into the future of insurtech! Listen now: #LeadershipInInsurance #Insurtech #Podcast #Innovation #MentorshipRevolutionizing Insurance: A Conversation with Juan García, the Co-Founder of Tuio
31:13|🎙️ New Episode Out Now! 🎙️This week on The Leadership in Insurance Podcast, Alex Bond is joined by Juan Garcia, Co-Founder of Tuio, to discuss how this cutting-edge insurtech is simplifying insurance for a new generation of customers. If you’re curious about how technology is revolutionizing the industry, this episode is a must-watch (or listen!).By combining advanced data insights with AI-powered customer interactions, Tuio delivers:🔹 Smarter, personalized pricing that factors in not just assets, but also customer behavior.🔹 A claims process that’s fast, efficient, and digital-first, managed entirely in-house for better customer experiences.🔹 Clear, jargon-free policies designed for digital-native customers who demand value for money.📌 Key highlights from the episode:✅ Customer-first innovation: Why Tuio is focused on serving a digitally savvy generation often overlooked by traditional insurers.✅ AI at work: How their virtual assistant “Leia” handles 60% of customer queries autonomously, with higher satisfaction scores than human agents.✅ Granular pricing: How Tuio uses unique data sources, like Spain’s cadastre, to tailor policies and improve risk prediction.✅ Claims reimagined: Why managing claims in-house isn’t just a choice but a commitment to better customer outcomes and lower loss ratios.✅ Future growth: Juan shares Tuio’s vision for expanding into Southern Europe by 2025-26.This conversation is packed with actionable insights on how insurtechs like Tuio are bridging the gap between what customers want and what insurance delivers—and it’s a fascinating look into the future of the industry.📢 Don’t forget to like, share, and comment! What excites you most about Tuio’s approach to insurance?#Insurtech #LeadershipPodcast #InsuranceInnovation #CustomerExperience #AI #Redefining Fertility Care Through Innovation, A Conversation with Ines Cheaib, COO at Gaia
23:41|What if the biggest hurdle to starting a family – the financial cost – could be eased by a breakthrough insurance model? In this eye-opening episode, The Leadership in Insurance Podcast welcomes Ines Cheaib, the COO at Gaia, a company reshaping fertility care with a purpose-driven, outcome-based insurance solution. 🌱✨Gaia is on a mission to make family-building more affordable, accessible, and transparent. With an innovative model that prioritizes outcomes over traditional payment structures, Gaia is tackling the financial barriers that prevent so many families from accessing fertility treatments.Ines shares some invaluable insights:💫How Gaia uses predictive data models to build personalized plans for each family, reducing the burden of costs over time,💫Why entering the insurance industry without any preconceptions became Gaia’s biggest advantage in building a groundbreaking solution,💫The power of partnerships with insurers – and how strong collaboration has helped Gaia quickly expand from the UK to the U.S.,💫And why Gaia is redefining what “insurance” means, focusing on what truly matters: helping people achieve their dreams of becoming parents.💡 This episode is filled with fresh ideas on innovation, resilience, and a new perspective on the intersection of insurance and family tech.Don’t miss this conversation if you’re curious about the future of insurtech, healthcare innovation, or simply want to hear an inspiring story of a company making a meaningful impact. Tune in Monday to hear how Gaia is changing the game and bringing hope to countless families around the world. 💙👶#LeadershipInInsurance #Podcast #Gaia #Innovation #FertilityCare #FamilyTech #Insurance #IVFBreaking Boundaries in Insurtech, A Conversation with Romaney O’Malley, Group CFO of bolttech
34:59|We’re excited to share our latest episode on The Leadership in Insurance Podcast, featuring Romaney O’Malley, a trailblazer in the insurance and insurtech space and a key leader at bolttech. Join us as we explore bolttech’s groundbreaking work in connecting insurers, distributors, and customers worldwide through seamless, tech-driven solutions.In this insightful episode, Romaney dives into:💫bolttech’s Game-Changing Vision: Discover how bolttech is redefining insurance access and distribution through a connected global platform, bridging the gap between traditional and digital solutions for a more accessible insurance experience.💫The Future of Embedded Insurance: Romaney unpacks what embedded insurance means for consumers and why it’s a crucial part of bolttech's strategy moving forward.💫Leadership in a High-Growth Insurtech: Hear Romaney’s approach to managing growth, inspiring teams, and staying innovative in a rapidly changing industry. She shares the mindset shifts and skillsets she believes are essential for leaders looking to thrive in tech-driven environments.💫Industry Trends to Watch: From digital transformation to the power of data, Romaney offers her take on the trends that will shape the future of insurtech and create new opportunities for industry players.If you’re interested in the forces reshaping insurance and the leadership guiding it, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Tune in for a deep dive into bolttech's journey and Romaney’s expert insights on the future of the industry. 🎧 #LeadershipInInsurance #Insurtech #bolttech #InsuranceInnovation #IndustryInsights #FutureofInsuranceTransforming Insurance with Bitcoin: A Conversation with Zac Townsend, CEO of Meanwhile
29:49|In this episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Zachary Townsend, CEO of Meanwhile, who’s leading a game-changing initiative by using Bitcoin to tackle underinsurance in high-inflation countries. Zac and his team are rethinking life insurance from the ground up, and our conversation was packed with fascinating insights into how they’re doing it.Here’s what you’ll learn:🔹 Bitcoin in Life Insurance: How Meanwhile exclusively transacts in Bitcoin to provide stability in economies with high inflation.🔹 Licensed in Bermuda: Why Bermuda’s regulatory landscape is key to their innovation, and how they’re navigating the complexities of the jurisdiction.🔹 Managing Bitcoin Volatility: The strategies Meanwhile uses to handle Bitcoin’s price swings while maintaining trust and security for policyholders.🔹 Tech-First, Full-Stack Approach: How Meanwhile integrates technology at every level to scale their model and aim for 1 billion policyholders globally.🔹 Blockchain and Investors: How blockchain technology and a diverse group of investors are propelling Meanwhile's growth and vision for the future of insurance.This episode is a must-listen for anyone in fintech, insurtech, or blockchain, and for those curious about how digital currencies are reshaping the traditional insurance model.#Insurtech #Bitcoin #Blockchain #LifeInsurance #Fintech #InsuranceInnovation #LeadershipInInsuranceAI, Profitability, and the Future of Insurance: A Conversation with Robin Gilthorpe, CEO of Earnix
30:51|🎧 Just Dropped! New Podcast Episode with Robin Gilthorpe, CEO of Earnix 🚀This week, we’re diving deep into the future of insurance with Robin Guildford, CEO of Earnix, on the Leadership in Insurance Podcast!In this jam-packed episode, Robin shares how Ernix is transforming the industry with AI-driven software that helps insurers:🔹 Stay profitable while adapting to fast-changing markets🔹 Personalize customer interactions like never before🔹 Seamlessly integrate legacy systems with cutting-edge platforms🔹 Unlock new growth in SME, pet insurance, and commercial linesEarnix is the premier provider of mission-critical, cloud-based intelligent solutions across pricing, underwriting, rating, and product personalization. These fully integrated solutions provide ultra-fast ROI and are designed to transform how global insurers and banks are run by unlocking value across all facets of the business. Earnix has been innovating for insurers and banks since 2001, with customers in over 35 countries across six continents and offices in the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Israel.We also get into the growing importance of data science and how to strike the perfect balance between technology and human insight. If you’re ready to stay ahead of the curve, you can’t miss this one!💥 Tune in now for actionable insights and game-changing strategies.#LeadershipInInsurance #Insurtech #AIinInsurance #FutureOfInsurance #Innovation #Podcast #DataScience #CustomerPersonalization