In this New Year's kickoff episode of the Iowa Tech Podcast, host Kaylee welcomes back Dan Israel, Managing Director of the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA), to preview their most international cohort yet. Six startups selected from roughly 75 applicants have descended on Des Moines for "day 2 of 100," with founders hailing from Sweden, the UK, Germany, Wales, Canada, and across the U.S. Dan explains how AI has shifted from flashy differentiator to expected infrastructure—what matters now is using it thoughtfully to solve real industry problems in approachable ways. He outlines the mentor-driven program: three intense weeks of "mentor speed matching" (about 75, 30-minute meetings), followed by tailored mentor teams, workshops with industry leaders, and a culminating pitch at April's Global Insurance Symposium. With 79 alumni and a striking 70–75% still operating, Dan credits rigorous, investor-led selection and a uniquely supportive Iowa ecosystem. The GIA's "handprint wall" symbolizes that family ethos—and the organization's 12-year legacy as the original insurance-focused accelerator.

The conversation also highlights how the GIA adapts for companies at different stages—pre-revenue to early traction—crafting a bespoke experience that often sparks smart pivots. A standout example: Lloyd Thileman's body-scanning tech shifted from insurance to agriculture in Iowa, illustrating how open doors (and not requiring companies to relocate) help founders find the right customers, partners, and investors. Dan invites listeners to meet the new cohort at the public welcome reception: Thursday, 5:30–7:30 p.m., at the New Northwestern Bar (321 East Walnut). Expect quick pitches from all six startups and remarks from GIA leaders and partners, with support from the University of Iowa—a perfect "start line" moment to plug into Iowa's insurtech community.