Insurtechs.io

Welcome to another insightful episode of Insurance VC, PE, and M&A with Jeff, where we delve into the complexities of insurance lending with Scott Stars, a key figure at Oak Street Funding. Scott discusses his transition from a successful career at HSBC to his current leadership role in the specialized world of insurance loans. This episode offers valuable insights into Oak Street’s unique approach to financing and their focus on supporting the growth of captive agencies, aggregators, and independent insurance models.Scott sheds light on Oak Street’s loan products, from working capital to acquisitions, and explains the criteria they use to assess loan approvals. He shares strategies for driving organic growth in the insurance sector and emphasizes the importance of aligning financial services with the evolving needs of insurance businesses. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of how lending can fuel the expansion of the insurance industry.Wrapping up the conversation, Scott talks about Oak Street’s ambitious goals for achieving record origination rates by 2025. He encourages the audience to connect with him on LinkedIn to continue the dialogue and explore opportunities in the insurance lending space.-----------------------------Thank you to our sponsor Traq AI! To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechsFollow insurtechs.io :https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechshttps://x.com/Insurtechs_iohttps://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechsListen to the Pod :Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYhPandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614Jeff Shi :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/Scott Stars :https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-stars-0646806/-----------------------------Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

Welcome to another insightful episode of Insurance VC, PE, and M&A. Today, host Jeff sits down with Grant Griffin, Vice President of Investment Banking at Sherman Company, to delve into his transition from retail insurance to leading M&A efforts in the insurance sector. Grant shares his expertise in navigating the intricacies of insurance mergers and acquisitions, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the complex and varied deal-making process.In this episode, Grant discusses the vital role that understanding the insurance ecosystem plays in successful M&A transactions, as well as the influence of macroeconomic factors like interest rates on the industry. He provides key insights into business transactions, touching on earnouts, market trends, and the growing intersection of insurtech and fintech in the digitization of insurance.As the conversation progresses, Grant offers his perspectives on Sherman Company's M&A strategy, the involvement of international buyers, and his predictions for the insurance M&A market in the coming years. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with valuable takeaways for professionals in the insurance and investment banking industries.-----------------------------Thank you to our sponsor Traq AI! To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechsFollow Insurtechs.io :https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechshttps://x.com/Insurtechs_iohttps://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechsListen to the Pod :Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYhPandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614Jeff Shi :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/Grant Griffin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/grant-griffin/-----------------------------Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

In this episode of Founders Journey, host Jeff Shi sits down with Tony Lew, co-founder of insurtech New York, to discuss his journey from software engineering to building one of the most influential insurtech communities. Tony shares how he and his partner David Gritz started insurtech New York, their challenges in pivoting through the COVID-19 pandemic, and their success in fostering industry connections. The conversation also dives into insurtech New York’s venture arm, their investment strategy, and the trends shaping the future of insurtech. If you’re interested in how insurtech startups can scale, attract funding, and build strong industry relationships, this episode is a must-listen.-----------------------------Thank you to our sponsor Traq AI! To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechsFollow Insurtechs.io :https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechshttps://x.com/Insurtechs_iohttps://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechsListen to the Pod :Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYhPandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614Jeff Shi :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/Tony Lew :https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonylew/-----------------------------Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

Welcome to this exciting episode of Founders Journey, where host Jeff interviews Wade Millward, a pioneering entrepreneur in the insurance industry. Wade recounts how he and Jeff first connected at an insurtech event in New Mexico three years ago, bonding over their shared passion for innovation. Wade's story starts as a third-generation insurance professional, navigating early struggles before finding his true calling in entrepreneurship.Wade dives deep into his journey of founding a unique insurance franchise concept. He shares the highs and lows of building software, managing investor relationships, and how persistence fueled his success. Wade emphasizes the importance of action and staying committed, even when faced with the tough decision of losing his team and partner. His ability to adapt and remain focused on his goals has been key to his growing success.Today, Wade’s company services over 100 franchisors and 5,000 franchisees, with plans to double its revenue in the coming year. He also highlights the thriving entrepreneurial community in Utah and the crucial role of partnerships and support networks that have helped his business thrive. Wade’s inspiring story offers valuable lessons on resilience and innovation for aspiring entrepreneurs.-----------------------------Thank you to our sponsor Traq AI! To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechsFollow Insurtechs.io :https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechshttps://x.com/Insurtechs_iohttps://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechsListen to the Pod :Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYhPandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614Jeff Shi :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/Wade Millward :https://www.linkedin.com/in/whmillward/-----------------------------Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

In this episode of Post-ITC Reflection, we sit down with Laurissa Berk, Director of Global and Experiential Education at the University of Connecticut. Laurissa shares insights into how UConn is bridging the gap between academia and industry, particularly within the insurtech space. She discusses the university’s approach to fostering talent pipelines, the significance of ITC Vegas for students, and the importance of industry events in shaping future careers. Laurissa also highlights UConn’s competitive selection process for student participation and how these experiences are helping students secure real job opportunities. Tune in to hear how the next generation is making its mark in the insurtech industry!-----------------------------Follow Insurtechs.io :https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechshttps://x.com/Insurtechs_iohttps://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechsListen to the Pod :Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYhPandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614Jeff Shi:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/Laurissa Berk :https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurissab/

Welcome to this episode of Founders Journey, where Jeff dives into an inspiring conversation with Beau Bratton, a pioneering entrepreneur in CRM solutions. From his Santa Barbara roots to building a game-changing CRM tool in the insurance industry, Beau’s journey is one of resilience, innovation, and adaptability. He shares how his early telemarketing roles paved the way for Speed to Contact, later known as Ricochet 360, and the hurdles he overcame, including intellectual property challenges, to expand into diverse sectors like solar and mortgage.As they discuss Ricochet 360’s future, Beau highlights AI advancements, a new mobile app, and his ventures into AI-driven HR automation with Jarvee. His vision extends beyond CRM, with projects like a patented device designed to prevent hot-car tragedies. Alongside business, Beau talks about his experiences with real estate and cryptocurrency investments, reflecting on how relocating to Sarasota, Florida, and navigating hurricane impacts have shaped his journey.The episode concludes with Beau’s insights on AI’s growing influence in society, the interplay of global forces on technology, and the significant role of Chinese companies in shaping the tech landscape. Beau’s story offers an inspiring look into how innovation, adaptability, and forward-thinking define success in today’s evolving business world.-----------------------------Thank you to our sponsor Traq AI! To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechsFollow insurtechs.io :https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechshttps://x.com/Insurtechs_iohttps://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechsListen to the Pod :Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYhPandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614Jeff Shi :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/Beau Bratton :https://www.linkedin.com/in/beaubratton/-----------------------------Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

In this episode of Post-ITC Reflection, we sit down with Jon Spaugy to unpack his experience at ITC Vegas. Jon, a seasoned industry professional and event organizer, shares his first-time experience attending the conference as a registered participant. He reflects on the sheer scale of the event, key takeaways on networking, and how ITC fosters connections beyond just the convention floor. Jon also discusses how his own event, Agent Brokers United, is evolving, and what lessons he’s taking from ITC to improve his own show. From innovative exhibitor booths to the growing presence of independent agents and insurtech creators, this conversation covers everything you need to know about the future of industry events and how to make the most of them. ----------------------------- Thank you to our sponsor Traq AI! To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechs Follow Insurtechs.io : https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/ https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechs https://x.com/Insurtechs_io https://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/ https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/ https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechs Listen to the Pod : Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYh Pandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614 Jeff Shi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/Jon Spaugy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-spaugy-857056a/

In this episode of Industry Voice, host Jeff welcomes Nick Hoadley, founder of Insurance Search and host of the Insurance Coffeehouse Podcast. Nick shares his journey from law to insurance broking, and how his experiences led him to build a successful executive search firm specializing in the insurance and Insurtech industries. He dives into the evolution of his podcast, which now boasts over 25,000 listeners, and discusses the key differences between the UK and US Insurtech landscapes. The conversation also explores the growing insurance markets in Bermuda and Cayman, the impact of talent migration, and the rising competition from emerging global insurance hubs. Whether you're an industry professional looking to advance your career or an Insurtech founder seeking top talent, this episode is packed with valuable insights.-----------------------------Thank you to our sponsor Traq AI! To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechsFollow Insurtechs.io :https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/

https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechs

https://x.com/Insurtechs_io

https://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/

https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/

https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechsListen to the Pod :Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYhPandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614Jeff Shi :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/Nick Hoadly :https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-hoadley

In this episode of Industry Voice, host Jeff Shi sits down with the powerhouse behind some of the biggest events in Insurtech, Thien Palmer. Known for her ability to create high-impact experiences, T has been shaping the industry's conference landscape for years—often behind the scenes. From orchestrating the first offsite event at ITC to leading major activations for Insurtech Insights, she’s been the connecting thread behind countless industry gatherings. Thien shares her journey into the Insurtech space, how she built her two companies—Jet The Agency and T Palmer Agency—and her approach to curating events that aren’t just networking opportunities but transformative experiences. She also dives into the rise of niche conferences, the future of fintech and insurance events, and her latest collaboration with David Gritz: the highly anticipated Future of Founders conference. Whether you're an Insurtech founder, a conference enthusiast, or someone curious about the evolution of industry networking, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!-----------------------------Thank you to our sponsor Traq AI! To schedule a demo with Traq AI today -- https://app.Traq.ai/Try-Traq/InsurTechsFollow Insurtechs.io:https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechshttps://x.com/Insurtechs_iohttps://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechsListen to the Pod:Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYhPandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614Jeff Shi:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/Thien Palmer:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thien-nga-palmer-7a9b217b/-----------------------------Disclaimer: Some of the links in this video description are affiliate links. This means that if you click on one of the links and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Your support helps us create more content, and we truly appreciate it! Thank you for watching!

In this special episode of the Post-ITC Reflection series, Jeff Shi is joined by Alexis Vaughn for an engaging discussion about her journey in the insurance industry, her experiences at ITC Vegas, and the impact she's making through Offcourse Consulting. Alexis shares how she transitioned from being an insurance agent to a corporate broker, then into the InsurTech space, eventually founding Offcourse, which supports InsurTech startups, brokers, and carriers. She also dives into her work with Lloyd’s Lab, Insurtech Atlanta, and the UConn Fintech program, where she’s helping to bridge the talent gap and bring more diversity into the industry. Alexis and Jeff discuss the evolving role of InsurTech, how reinsurance is shaping the future, and why content creation should play a bigger role at industry events. With insights on entrepreneurship, distribution strategies, and community building, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about innovation in insurance!-----------------------------Follow Insurtechs.io :https://www.linkedin.com/company/insurtechs/

https://www.youtube.com/@insurtechs

https://x.com/Insurtechs_io

https://www.instagram.com/insurtechs/https://www.facebook.com/Insurtechs/

https://www.tiktok.com/@insurtechsListen to the Pod :Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/insurtechs-io/id1775588982Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/2jAGcKCT2v6rdWea3nvrYhPandora - https://www.pandora.com/podcast/insurtechsio/PC:1001094614Jeff Shi :https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffshiva/Alexis Vaughn :https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexis-cierra-vaughn-77573862/