The MFO Group

Founded in 2006, 8th Light is a global team of software, design, and technology professionals. We partner with forward-thinking people and organizations to help them imagine and create elegant, robust, and groundbreaking software solutions to complex problems. With deep expertise and experience in software design, development, data, and DevOps, we work with a wide range of clients who are looking to achieve equally diverse outcomes.  Rooted in a culture of continuous learning and collaboration, we’re employee-owned, and headquartered in Chicago, but our more than 140 team members live and work in locations including London, New York, Los Angeles, and Austin. Whether we’re crafting digital experiences that inform and inspire, energizing and empowering enterprises through technology-driven transformation, or nurturing and guiding internal teams looking to expand their own technological expertise and software-building capabilities, our objective is always the same: to help unlock human potential and spark change.  We believe software is a craft born out of practice. Through our committed practice, we unlock potential that leads to quality solutions and ambitious work. 8th Light is a team of developers, designers, teachers, learners, users, collaborators, and leaders. We’re crafters, so we care about everything we create, building with integrity and in sustainable ways. And we find and nurture talent differently, prioritizing curiosity and creativity over credentials. By exemplifying the values of humanity, education, and ownership in everything we do, our crafters help clients master the challenges in front of them while building great opportunities ahead. 8th Light is a unique software design and development company, one that accelerates personal growth through challenging and influential work, a supportive culture, and transformative outcomes.

8th Light

NOW Insurance Services Inc.

NOW Insurance is a full stack commercial insurance portal. Designed to provide the small business owner with a best in class purchasing experience, NOW utilizes AI technology with industry leading risk selection. NOW differentiates itself from Insurtech Competitors who are either primarily Tech-Centric or Expertise Centric, by providing both and the ability to quickly pivot to rapid changes in the business environment, risk availability, or societal impacts (e.g. Covid-19).  Fast quotes at fair prices and world class customer service are hallmarks of the NOW story.

<div>NOW Insurance provides comprehensive professional and general liability insurance policies specifically designed for individuals and businesses in the healthcare sector. Its primary offerings include professional liability coverage that safeguards against claims of negligence, errors, financial losses, and physical damage, as well as general liability insurance that protects businesses from third-party property damage or bodily injury claims, fire and water damage, etc.&nbsp;</div>

Simplifying the insurance experience for businesses using technology

InsurTech: Commercial Lines

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 NOW Insurance provides comprehensive professional and general liability insurance policies specifically designed for individuals and businesses in the healthcare sector. Its primary offerings include professional liability coverage that safeguards against claims of negligence, errors, financial losses, and physical damage, as well as general liability insurance that protects businesses from third-party property damage or bodily injury claims, fire and water damage, etc.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships&nbsp;
 
 
 NOW Insurance caters to diverse healthcare professionals, such as physicians, physician assistants, pharmacists, home healthcare agencies, and healthcare staffing agencies.
 
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Next Insurance provides digital insurance solutions tailored specifically for small businesses. The company’s product offering includes a range of insurance policies, including general liability, professional liability, commercial auto, and workers’ compensation. The company leverages AI and machine learning to streamline the insurance process, claiming to process policy requests within 10 seconds. It incorporates factors such as risk level, location, and other business-specific factors to provide policy proposals.&nbsp;In March 2021, Next Insurance acquired AP Intego, a digital agency specializing in small business commercial insurance. The acquisition was intended to expand Next Insurance’s reach to more customers in new business classes. In December 2020, the company acquired Juniper Labs, a startup that automates underwriting for sellers insurance to small businesses, to expand its product offering.&nbsp;In October 2024, the company launched standalone&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34864">professional liability coverage</a> for consultants, offering protection against risks such as errors and omissions, personal injury, and property damage. The coverage can be customized with options for extended reporting periods and prior acts coverage.Key customers and partnershipsAs of November 2023, Next Insurance reported around 500,000 active policyholders, spanning a diverse base of small businesses across various industries, from construction and retail to professional services and fitness.In March 2021, Next Insurance partnered with Amazon to offer insurance solutions to Amazon Prime Business members, providing tailored insurance coverage through the platform​​.&nbsp;In September 2023, Next Insurance partnered with Bold Penguin, an integrated digital solution platform that offers commercial insurance. Through this collaboration, independent insurance agents can access Next Insurance's tailored policies for small businesses, expanding the company's distribution channels.In November 2023, Next Insurance partnered with Allstate and Allianz X. The partnership with Allstate provided Next Insurance’s products to Allstate’s customers and collaborated on developing a new product for commercial auto insurance. The collaboration with Allianz X aimed to strengthen Next Insurance’s reinsurance relationship with Allianz X.In March 2024, it partnered with Tensorflight, a property intelligence platform, to leverage Tensorflight’s property data and risk models to enhance Next Insurance’s underwriting process.&nbsp;

Next Insurance

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 Pie Insurance primarily provides workers' compensation to small businesses via an online platform. Pie Insurance uses data and analytics to offer tailored and cost-effective coverage. In addition, Pie Insurance offers commercial auto insurance and a range of supplementary services and products. These include a solution that combines workers' compensation with payroll processing, risk reduction programs, and employer-extended coverages. The company also provides access to an online library of safety training modules and a return-to-work program to facilitate the recovery and reintegration of injured employees.&nbsp;
 
 
 By May 2022, the company had increased its annualized run-rate premium to nearly USD 300 million.
 
 
 In 2023, Pie Insurance transitioned from a managing general agent to a full-stack insurance carrier after it acquired American Insurance Company.&nbsp;
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships&nbsp;
 
 
 Pie Insurance primarily serves small businesses across various sectors, including construction, healthcare, and retail. The company provides its insurance products directly and through partnerships with local, regional, and national insurance agencies. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/31431">
 July 2024
 </a>
 , the company partnered with Ford to launch a usage-based offering as part of the &quot;Ford Pro Insure&quot; program, a commercial auto insurance solution designed for Ford Pro vehicle fleets.
 
 
 
 As of September 2022, the company had partnered with over 2,800 agencies nationwide. As of May 2024, Pie Insurance has expanded its coverage to 38 states and the District of Columbia.
 
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Pie Insurance

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 Embroker offers a range of insurance products, including directors and officers insurance, employment practices liability, cyber, professional liability, and more. Its digital platform allows businesses to obtain quotes, manage policies, and handle claims online. The company uses predictive, data-driven underwriting models to automate underwriting and improve the accuracy of risk assessment. It claims that its algorithmic-based risk management reduces premiums for businesses by up to 20%.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships&nbsp;
 
 
 Embroker specifically catered to funded startups, tech companies, law firms, and consultants and served over 40,000 customers as of May 2024.&nbsp;
 
 
 In July 2023, the company announced strategic partnerships with Dashlane, a security-first password management provider, and Cowbell, a cyber insurance provider for SMEs. Embroker aimed to enhance customer security using Dashlane&rsquo;s cyber protection services and expand its cyber liability offering by providing Cowbell Cyber Insurance to existing and prospective customers.&nbsp;
 
 
 In November 2023, the company entered into a strategic partnership with Ascend, a provider of financial operations automation software for insurers. Through this partnership, Embroker aimed to leverage Ascend&rsquo;s technological capabilities to improve operational efficiency and optimize its risk management process.
 
 
 
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Embroker

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 Foresight Commercial Insurance (Foresight) focuses on providing workers' compensation insurance specifically designed for safety-critical industries, such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and landscaping. The company&rsquo;s approach leverages data-informed underwriting and safety engagement tools to offer tailored insurance solutions​. Foresight claims to differentiate itself through its proprietary safety technology platform, Safesite, which aims to reduce workplace incidents by promoting a culture of safety and proactive risk management. Through this, the company claims to have reduced claims frequency by 17% on average as of August 2023.&nbsp;
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships&nbsp;
 
 
 Foresight serves a range of mid-sized businesses, particularly those in high-risk industries.&nbsp;
 
 
 In July 2023, Foresight partnered with CLARA Analytics, a leading AI platform for claims optimization, to implement CLARA's Triage module. This integration allowed Foresight to proactively manage claims, accelerate claim cycles, and collaborate effectively with third-party administrators (TPAs) in the event of workplace injuries.
 
 
 In November 2023, the company entered into a strategic partnership with QBE North America, allowing Foresight to write policies on QBE's paper, thus extending its reach and capacity and allowing the company to expand into new product lines. 
 
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Foresight Commercial Insurance

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 INSHUR is a digital insurance provider offering vehicle insurance coverage for on-demand drivers such as Uber and delivery drivers across the US, UK, and the Netherlands. It also provides insurance for TLC (Taxi &amp; Limousine Commission) in the US and private-hire drivers. The company's platform allows drivers to quote, purchase, and renew their policies entirely online through INSHUR's website or mobile app, eliminating the need for paperwork or lengthy phone calls. The company's proprietary data modeling technology enables dynamic real-time pricing and personalized insurance solutions for on-demand drivers. INSHUR's insurance offerings are tailored specifically for the on-demand economy, providing flexible coverage options that adapt to drivers' lifestyles and driving habits.&nbsp;
 
 
 In April 2023, INSHUR acquired American Business Insurance Services (ABI) for an undisclosed amount as part of its growth strategy to expand and scale its operations in the US. The acquisition resulted in INSHUR gaining immediate access to over 50,000 commercial vehicles across all 50 states.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships&nbsp;
 
 
 In 2017, INSHUR entered a capacity agreement with Munich Re and introduced INSHUR 2.0, which is a completely digital insurance product for mobile devices, enabling users to obtain quotes and purchase insurance seamlessly.
 
 
 INSHUR established strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Uber, expanding its on-demand insurance offerings to support livery drivers in key markets like Arizona, following successful deployments in New York City.
 
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INSHUR

Startups that offer insurance covering financial losses from claims of injury or damage caused by the business’s actions or products, including general, product, and professional liability.

Startups offering auto insurance and usage-based insurance products specifically tailored for businesses, including fleet operators.

Startups that provide coverage to protect physical property, including business buildings, inventory, and contents.

Startups that provide coverage for medical expenses and lost wages incurred by employees injured or falling ill while on the job.

Startups offering insurance covering lost income and additional expenses incurred when a business is unable to operate due to covered perils such as fire, natural disasters, or other disruptions.

Companies in the turnkey and value chain infrastructure segments operate under a B2B SaaS

Infrastructure segments provide AI/ML-based products for carriers to use

NOW Insurance Services Inc.

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