Isfield Investments

LocalGlobe is a UK-based venture capital firm that focuses on seed and impact investments. Seeding ambitious UK founders since 1999 inc Citymapper, Improbable, Lovefilm, Moo, Tweetdeck, Transferwise, and Zoopla.

LocalGlobe

Balderton Capital is a Venture Capital Investor that supports technology businesses. They support Founders at every stage of their journey. They provide advice, introduce portfolio leaders to professional service providers, and invite portfolio leaders to workshops and community events where they can meet one another.

Balderton Capital

Target Global is a prominent European technology investment firm with a significant presence in the venture capital landscape, boasting over €3 billion in assets under management.  The firm operates out of key tech hubs including London, Berlin, Tel Aviv, and Abu Dhabi, and has a rich portfolio featuring some of Europe's most successful tech companies such as Revolut, Auto1, Copper, Delivery Hero, Docplanner, and Rapyd. Founding and Growth Target Global was established in 2015 by Shmuel Chafets and Yaron Valler, who brought a wealth of experience from their tenure at Hasso Plattner Ventures. Their professional partnership dates back 15 years to their time at Giza Venture Capital, a trailblazer in Israel's investment ecosystem, where they honed their investment acumen and industry foresight. Investment Philosophy and Impact Target Global stands out in the European tech industry for its diverse team and its ability to identify and capitalize on unique opportunities. The firm's knack for recognizing potential in the early stages of Germany's tech economy led to the emergence of several unicorns in the 2010s. As the European tech industry evolves, Target Global remains at the forefront, seeking out innovative companies like Robovision, Saleor, and Finom. These recent investments reflect the firm's commitment to supporting cutting-edge technology and business models. Fundraising Successes Target Global's fundraising prowess is evident in its six investment funds, which have collectively raised significant capital. The funds range from Early Stage Funds, focusing on nascent startups, to Growth Funds that support more mature companies scaling their operations. The firm's co-investment strategy has led to over €1 billion in capital deployment across a diverse array of partnerships. Backing and Achievements With the backing of investors such as FERI, UBS, Allianz X, Mubadala, and Hermes GPE, Target Global has cemented its reputation as a trusted and successful investment firm. Its portfolio spans over 140 companies at various development stages, with a focus on those targeting trillion-dollar markets. Just a few of the many notable companies in the firm’s portfolio include: - Tarabut, MENA’s leading open banking platform, which was recently featured in Forbes Middle East’s list of Top 50 Fintech Companies. - Flo Health, an AI-driven women’s health product, which is the world’s top health and fitness app by downloads. - Robovision, an easy-to-use AI-driven computer vision platform for users to develop their own deep-learning-based solutions. - Enter, a German company that helps homeowners and businesses reduce their carbon footprint. Target Global's track record includes support for 15 unicorn companies, over 20 exits, and 7 IPOs, showcasing its ability to drive growth and success in the European tech ecosystem. The team, comprised of individuals with founder and operator backgrounds, continues to pursue exceptional opportunities to expand the firm's portfolio and influence. Target Global's journey from its inception to its current status as a key player in European venture capital is marked by strategic investments, a commitment to diversity, and a deep understanding of the tech industry's dynamics. With a clear vision for the future, Target Global is poised to continue its role in shaping the next wave of European tech giants.

Target Global

Socii Capital is a venture capital firm that seeks to invest in companies building software-enabled digital infrastructure. The firm also invests in industries such as digital banking, automation and productivity, smart transportation, financial technology, insurance, security, and transportation, and urban planning.  They partner with bold and mission-driven entrepreneurs to build the software-enabled digital infrastructure of the future fostering generational behavioural changes in society. Socii Capital was founded in 2017 and is based in San Francisco, California, United States.

Socii Capital

Latitude Ventures is the series B+ sister fund to UK-based seed fund LocalGlobe. Latitude invests in emerging break-out companies from LocalGlobe, as well as more widely in the most ambitious founders. Latitude and LocalGlobe have been early investor in iconic companies including Transferwise, Zoopla, Improbable, Robinhood, Citymapper and Secret Escapes, as well as emerging stars including Tessian, TravelPerk, Flow Commerce and Raisin.

Latitude

General Catalyst is a venture capital firm that provides early-stage and growth equity investments. The company provides ongoing momentum that accelerates ideas, careers, and companies toward standout success.

General Catalyst

DST Global is an investment firm that focuses on late-stage ventures in the Internet sector. The firm has invested in several rapidly growing companies. Its offices are in Menlo Park, New York, London, Beijing, and Hong Kong. The firm was founded in 2009 by Yuri Milner, Saurabh Gupta, John Lindfors, Rahul Mehta, and Tom Stafford.

DST Global

Zego

Zego is a motor insurance provider with a vision to provide the lowest price insurance for good drivers.

UK-based Zego provides usage-based insurance (UBI) for shared economy participants. It provides flexible coverage based either on the minutes used or a flat annual amount using driving behavior data collected from smartphone sensors. The company specifically caters to full and part time rideshare, courier, and food delivery riders. Zego also provides business-to-business (B2B) UBI for large fleet operators in the areas of private hire, delivery, and logistics.&nbsp;However, in October 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34512">Zego halted its commercial insurance services</a> due to under performance.

New insurance models are disrupting a centuries-old industry with a focus on personalization and convenience

InsurTech: Personal Lines

Insurtech unicorn Zego launches business van insurance

Zego has teamed up with BP to provide drivers with Zego’s professional insurance as part of bp’s all-inclusive electric vehicle subscription service trial – bp EV Pro

Simplifying the insurance experience for businesses using technology

InsurTech: Commercial Lines

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

UK-based Zego provides usage-based insurance (UBI) for shared economy participants. It provides flexible coverage based either on the minutes used or a flat annual amount using driving behavior data collected from smartphone sensors. The company specifically caters to full and part time rideshare, courier, and food delivery riders. Zego also provides business-to-business (B2B) UBI for large fleet operators in the areas of private hire, delivery, and logistics.In December 2020, Zego received a broking license from the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). This license will support the company’s expansion throughout Europe without any obstacles following the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31, 2020. The company employed over 600 staff as of February 2022.In December 2020, Zego acquired telematics solution provider Drivit for an undisclosed amount. Zego already partners with Drivit for its telematics-based policies, and aspects of Drivit’s platform have already been embedded into Zego’s telematics app “Zego Sense''. The acquisition allows Zego to collect Drivit’s data as a first-party partner.Key customers and partnershipsAs of January 2024, Zego has offered more than 58 million insurance policies and covers more than 500,000 vehicles across 5 countries.In June 2020, Zego partnered with telematics provider ABAX to bundle the latter's offerings with Zego’s UBI products for fleet operators. The partnership was extended in August 2023, marking the fourth year of collaboration. In addition, the company partnered with Ryde (a last mile delivery company) in June 2022, to provide auto insurance to the latter’s network of 15,000+ couriers. The company extended its partnership with ABAX in August 2023, making this the fourth year of their partnership.Funding and financialsIn March 2021, the company raised USD 150 million in Series C funding at a valuation of USD 1.1 billion. The funding round was led by DST Global. The company expects to use the funding to invest in technology and expand its geographical footprint in Europe.In FY2022, Zego reported net revenue of GBP 11.5 million, a slight increase compared to GBP 10.8 million earned in FY2021, while its net loss worsened to GBP 59 million from GBP 36 million over the same period.

UK-based Zego provides usage-based insurance (UBI) for shared economy participants. It provides flexible coverage based either on the minutes used or a flat annual amount using driving behavior data collected from smartphone sensors. The company specifically caters to full and part time rideshare, courier, and food delivery riders. Zego also provides business-to-business (B2B) UBI for large fleet operators in the areas of private hire, delivery, and logistics.&nbsp;However, in October 2024,&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34512">Zego halted its commercial insurance services</a> due to under performance.In December 2020, Zego received a broking license from the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). This license will support the company’s expansion throughout Europe without any obstacles following the end of the Brexit transition period on December 31, 2020. The company employed over 600 staff as of February 2022.In December 2020, Zego acquired telematics solution provider Drivit for an undisclosed amount. Zego already partners with Drivit for its telematics-based policies, and aspects of Drivit’s platform have already been embedded into Zego’s telematics app “Zego Sense''. The acquisition allows Zego to collect Drivit’s data as a first-party partner.Key customers and partnershipsAs of January 2024, Zego has offered more than 58 million insurance policies and covers more than 500,000 vehicles across 5 countries.In June 2020, Zego partnered with telematics provider ABAX to bundle the latter's offerings with Zego’s UBI products for fleet operators. The partnership was extended in August 2023, marking the fourth year of collaboration. In addition, the company partnered with Ryde (a last mile delivery company) in June 2022, to provide auto insurance to the latter’s network of 15,000+ couriers. The company extended its partnership with ABAX in August 2023, making this the fourth year of their partnership.In FY2022, Zego reported net revenue of GBP 11.5 million, a slight increase compared to GBP 10.8 million earned in FY2021, while its net loss worsened to GBP 59 million from GBP 36 million over the same period.

<div>
 
 Root Insurance is a full-stack insurance provider focusing on usage-based automobile insurance. The company offers a mobile app that collects data on driving speeds, braking patterns, and driving times using smartphone sensors, and applies artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive models to offer a personalized premium to the customer. The company claimed that the latest model utilizes double the proprietary data, demonstrating 17% greater predictive capabilities than the previous model. Moreover, the app incentivizes safe driving by providing greater insight into one&rsquo;s driving patterns and issuing additional discounts for improved driving behavior. Root allows customers to file claims directly through the mobile app. As of January 2024, Root held a carrier license in 48 states and offered automobile insurance in 31 states.
 
 In July 2019, Root launched its renters&rsquo; insurance product and expanded to homeowners insurance in May 2020. The homeowners&rsquo; insurance is provided through a partnership with Homesite Insurance, a Boston-based property and casualty insurer that will underwrite any homeowners insurance policies issued by Root. As of January 2024, the company&rsquo;s renters&rsquo; insurance product was available in 18 states.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 Root had 259,522 policies in force as of September 2023.
 
 
 Root entered into a partnership with Carvana in July 2022, to offer usage-based auto insurance policies on the latter&rsquo;s used-car online platform.
 
 
 In addition, it had also collaborated with other players in the insurance space to optimize and digitize its insurance services.In January 2021, Root partnered with Tractable, a UK-based provider of AI-based solutions, to leverage its AI Subro solution to optimize Root&rsquo;s end-to-end claims process, starting with subrogation, where two insurance carriers negotiate the division of expenses when multiple parties are involved in a claim. It also partnered with CCC Intelligence Solutions in February 2023, to use its first-party casualty solution to streamline and digitize first- and third-party casualty claims through a single digital workflow.
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 In October 2020, Root sold 26.8 million shares in its initial public offering (IPO), raising USD 724.4 million in the process at a valuation of USD 6.8 billion. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/8089">
 January 2022
 </a>
 , Root received a five-year term loan of USD 300 million from BlackRock Financial Management (BlackRock) to extend its debt maturity and improve its liquidity position.
 
 
 For the full year of 2022, Root reported total revenue of USD 310.8 million (down 10.0% YoY), while its net losses improved to USD 297.7 million from a loss of USD 521.1 million in 2021. Its gross loss ratio improved to 82.1% from 86.0% in 2021.
 
</div>

Root Insurance

<div>
 
 Hippo is a digital homeowner insurance provider. The company offers its homeowner policies online, with each policy accompanied by a complementary smart home monitoring system that will help identify risks proactively. It provides coverage using a combination of machine learning, satellite imagery, and other public records and actively reviews for any changes to the property overtime.
 
 
 Hippo also provides home insurance to buyers of newly built homes that is directly integrated to the digital mortgage and title process through its Builders business. Further, it launched 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16051">
 Hippo Builder Insurance Agency (HBIA)
 </a>
 in January 2023, to allow builders of all sizes to partner with HBIA to send leads of homeowners in return for a fee.
 
 
 The company also offers an on-demand homecare and maintenance app (Hippo Homecare) which it launched in 2019 following the acquisition of Sheltr, a home maintenance platform, during the same year. It also launched &ldquo;Book a Pro'' feature within its mobile app in Q4 2022, which allows homeowners based in Texas to connect to home improvement professionals as well as message its Hippo&rsquo;s own home care experts to get advice. Hippo also plans to roll-out this feature to other states in the future.
 
 
 In June 2020, Hippo entered into an agreement to acquire long-time insurance partner Spinnaker Insurance Company, which is a property and casualty insurer registered in all 50 states, for an undisclosed amount. The acquisition was expected to help the company expand its geographical reach. The company&rsquo;s homeowner offering was available in 40 states as of January 2023.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 Hippo had 332,000 customers as of September 2022, and it claimed nearly 75% of its new customers were Gen B.
 
 
 The company partnered with property and casualty risk intelligence company, 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17629">
 Opterrix in April 2023
 </a>
 , to leverage its real-time data on severe weather events to identify at-risk policyholders and improve its claims management capabilities.
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 In November 2020, Hippo raised USD 350 million from Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance company. The company expects to use this funding to support its national expansion plans and also evaluate acquisition opportunities to grow inorganically.
 
 
 For FY2022, the company recorded total generated premiums of USD 811.1 million, which was up 33.8% YoY. Its gross loss ratio improved 62 percentage points to 76% during the year, while its net loss improved 10.2% YoY to USD 333.4 million.
 
</div>

Hippo Insurance

Clearcover is a fully digital automobile insurance provider that offers insurance coverage and claims filing using online channels along with other value-added services such as roadside assistance. The company leverages AI and machine learning models to provide personalized pricing to its customers and validate claims. The company states that it can handle 96% of all claims virtually. Clearcover also launched a <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27767">GenAI-powered claims intake tool</a> to navigate a conversation-driven experience after First Notice of Loss (FNOL) to collect information about an accident. The tool available through its mobile app includes a claims assistant and a real-time customer question resolution feature. It plans to incorporate the tool into its agent portal and website in the future.Clearcover also uses an application programming interface (API) to offer embedded car insurance. This powers <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/21232">Choice, </a>an end-to-end embedded auto insurance solution that allows brands to provide auto insurance policy options from various carriers to their customers.As of January 2024, Clearcover offered its policies in 19 states in the US.&nbsp;For FY2022, the company generated total direct premiums written of USD 140.7 million (up 79% YoY) and recorded USD 61.4 million in net premiums earned. Its net losses amounted to USD 38.7 million for the year, while its loss ratio and combined loss ratios stood at 115% and 158%, respectively.Key customers and partnershipsClearcover partnered with claims management solution vendor Snapsheet (May 2020) to fully digitize its own claims function from First Notification of Losses (FNOLs) to disbursements. It also partnered with ServiceUp (<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32888">April 2024</a>), a technology company specializing in automotive repairs, to improve the car repair experience for insurance claims.Moreover, it collaborated with Experian to offer car insurance on the latter’s insurance comparison site (<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/18045">April 2023</a>). This was part of Clearcover’s strategy to expand its distribution channels.

Clearcover

<div>
 
 Kin offers digital homeowners insurance with personalized policies featuring premiums determined based on an assessment of the property that includes more than 10,000 data points from sources such as property records, government records, and satellite imagery.&nbsp;
 
 
 The company launched its insurance carrier, the Kin Interinsurance Network, in 2019, which operates as a reciprocal exchange (a form of insurance where underwriting profits are shared with customers). As of May 2024, it had a presence in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Virginia, and Texas.
 
 
 In December 2021, Kin acquired an inactive insurance carrier with licenses in 43 states. This acquisition was part of Kin's plan to expand its operations to most US states.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 As of February 2024, it served over 115,000 policyholders.
 
 
 The company has partnered with Kangaroo, a smart home tech provider, to offer its customers free home security solutions. Additionally, it has collaborated with Cape Analytics, a property analytics provider that utilizes geospatial imagery for property intelligence, and Snapsheet, a claims management platform provider, to automate their internal processes.
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 Kin Insurance was set to go public through a merger with Omnichannel Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) in a transaction that valued the company at over USD 1 billion. However, this was terminated in January 2022, citing unfavorable market conditions.&nbsp;&nbsp;
 
 
 In February 2024, the company received USD 15 million 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26317">
 investment
 </a>
 from Activate Capital, with the funds earmarked to accelerate growth by expanding into new markets and developing new products.
 
 
 Kin Insurance recorded gross written premium (GWP) of USD 344.1 million in 2023 (up 50.7% YoY), and generated operating income of USD 5.0 million compared to an operating loss of USD 11.6 million in the prior year.
 
 
 
</div>

Kin Insurance

Ladder is a startup that provides personalized term life insurance online, with coverage ranging from USD 100,000 to USD 8 million. The company uses multiple publicly available data points to determine a customer’s eligibility and in most cases does not require a medical checkup. Ladder provides a home visit medical test for free if required. Ladder’s dynamic approach to life insurance allows policyholders to increase or decrease insurance coverage based on changing life circumstances. Ladder also provides an application programming interface (API) which allows onboarded partners such as other insurance companies, investment firms, and lenders to issue policies from Ladder digitally. The company is licensed to operate in all 50 states. More than 80% of its customers represented first time insurance buyers.Key customers and partnershipsThe company sells its own life insurance policies in California through its carrier, Ladder Life Insurance Company. In New York policies are underwritten by Allianz Life Insurance, and in all other states by Fidelity Security Life Insurance, Amica Life Insurance Company, Lincoln Financial and USA LIfe Insurance.Ladder had collaborated with many financial service institutions to extend its product offering. It partnered with <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25889">Envestnet | MoneyGuide</a>, AmeriSave Mortgage, and Halo Investing, to deliver its digital life insurance to customers through the advisors of the latter.Funding and financialsIn October 2021, the company raised USD 100 million in Series D funding co-led by Thomvest Ventures and OMERS Growth Equity, at a valuation of USD 900 million. The new funds will be directed towards further developing its products and expanding its workforce. As of the same date, the company also reported that its revenue grew by over 4x year-over-year (YoY).

Ladder

Startups in the automobile insurance space, predominantly providing usage-based insurance using telematics devices and/or smartphone sensors.

Startups that offer homeowners and renters insurance using artificial intelligence (AI) and smart home devices to issue policies and validate claims.

Startups that provide life insurance through digital channels personalized to an individual’s circumstances and replacing traditional practices, such as medical tests, with data-driven underwriting.

Companies that offer personal line covers for travel and pets through digital channels and use technologies such as flight tracking and online claims processing.

Providers of comparison websites and tools for carriers, agents, and consumers to compare and purchase policies.

Companies that provide personalized health insurance to consumers via digital channels and use technology such as wearable medical devices to monitor health and improve user experience and underwriting.

Companies that offer digital-only insurance for personal belongings (bicycles, mobile phones, laptops, and cameras), providing protection against theft, loss, or damage, with financial reimbursement or replacement.

IoTs used to proactively mitigate risks and offer usage-based insurance

Used for underwriting and claims; infrastructure providers offer AI/ML products to traditional insurers

Uses personal data to underwrite and price personalized policies such as usage-based insurance for vehicles

Limited number of life insurers use genetic/epigenetics to underwrite life insurance

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 
 Zego, a UBI provider in the UK specialized in automobile insurance, has decided to discontinue its fleet insurance product. The company now intends to focus on sustainable growth by shifting attention to private car insurance.
 Despite achieving growth, Zego revealed that the fleet insurance division was not performing up to their expectations, according to a recent filing. 
 In 2023, there was a decrease in Zego's written premiums to GBP 122 million (~USD 160 million), which was a 11% year-on-year drop from the previous year. However, the company managed to improve its financial standing by reducing its pretax losses to GBP 36 million (~USD 47 million) in 2023, a significant decrease from GBP 65 million (~USD 85 million) reported in 2022.
 
</div>

Zego

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