The Hartford InsurTech Hub hosted its Demo Day on April 26, showcasing the 10 startup companies that made up its second cohort.
The startups celebrated their transformations and pitched their completed ventures at the conclusion of a program that started in January. The three-month program, organized by Startupbootcamp, says its goal is to improve and attract global technology talent in the city of Hartford by leveraging the region’s history in insurance.
“We are reimagining what Hartford can be and we are leading with our strength for the next generation of insurtech,” CTNext’s Glendowlyn L.H. Thames said in a speech. CTNext is an entrepreneurial training program that works with Connecticut startups across industries.
Erin Hatzikostas, founder and CEO of b Authentic Inc, told the companies that it is important to attach their authentic self to their ideas and in their workspaces to find success. “Make it part of your strategy,” she says. “Call it whatever you want, but be real and focus on it, that’s how you’re going to attract the talent.”
Demo Day’s motto this year was “Amplify,” specifically in how technology can boost life, health, and property and casualty insurance companies’ focuses on improving customer engagement. Three of the startups have working pilots with one of the accelerator’s partners. These include Aetna, Capgemini, Cigna, Clyde & Co., Deloitte, The Hartford, Travelers, USAA, White Mountains and CTNext. (See below for information on the startup companies)
Insurtechs from as far away as South Africa and Australia are coming to Connecticut for 2019 program.
“The insurance industry is continuously evolving and technology is having a huge impact. Insurtech of the past has been about enhancing retail-based offerings with improved customer engagement. Insurtech of today is focused on business model innovation and reconfiguring value chains—something we are committed to developing in Hartford.” Sabine VanderLinden, CEO of Startupbootcamp InsurTech, added during the presentation.
