Justin Smith-Lorenzetti, Founder and Managing Director, Intact Private Capital, shares his journey from leading innovation initiatives within Intact Insurance to helping build a global investment platform managing more than $1.6 billion in assets. Drawing on lessons from investments across insurtech, mobility, AI, and financial services, he explains how Intact approaches startup and LP investing. Justin also offers practical advice for founders and investors, arguing that focus and conviction matter more than ever in today's AI-driven world.

In this episode, you'll learn:

[02:08] How Justin accidentally became a venture capitalist

[06:55] How Intact Private Capital invests from idea to IPO

[09:11] The evolution of insurtech over the last decade

[11:26] Why Coterie and Shepherd stood out as investments

[16:56] What Justin looks for in founders across every stage

[20:23] Why founders choose investors—not the other way around

[23:15] How Intact makes high-conviction investment decisions

[25:17] What Justin looks for as an LP investing in venture funds

[29:57] His advice for founders building in the AI era

[32:17] What venture capital can do better

The nonprofit organization Justin is passionate about: The Barry F. Lorenzetti Foundation

Justin Smith-Lorenzetti is the Founder and Managing Director at Intact Private Capital, where he oversees venture, growth, and fund investments across insurance, financial services, mobility, and emerging technology. Since helping launch Intact's venture investing activities more than a decade ago, he has backed companies ranging from Turo to leading insurtech startups. Justin is widely recognized as one of Canada's most active investors in the insurance technology ecosystem and serves on the boards of multiple venture-backed companies.

Intact Private Capital is the private investment arm of Intact Financial Corporation, one of North America's leading property and casualty insurance companies. The firm manages approximately $1.6 billion across venture capital, growth equity, and fund investment strategies. Leveraging Intact's deep industry expertise and global network, the team invests in companies across insurance, financial services, mobility, AI, and adjacent sectors, supporting founders from the earliest stages through IPO.

Subscribe to our podcast and stay tuned for our next episode.