FNO: InsureTech

A podcast that interviews leaders from insuretech and insurance to get up-to-date ideas and perspectives on how technology is disrupting and transforming the industry. We bring stories, trends, and useful insights to our audience from carriers, insuretechs, service providers, and various industry groups.New episodes feature people who are on the forefront of inventing, using, developing, or transforming the insurance world through applied technology.FNO: InsureTech is created and produced by Alacrity Solutions.

FNO: InsureTech is a technology podcast hosted by Alacrity Solutions, with 328 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Alacrity Solutions hosts FNO: InsureTech, a technology show with 328 episodes published.

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  Episode #345

  Ep 315: David Tobias, Chief Product Officer, Nearmap

  Sep 25, 202646 min

  In Episode 315 of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast, hosts Rob Beller and David Prejeant welcome back Dave Tobias, Chief Product Officer at Nearmap , for his third appearance on the show. A familiar voice to longtime listeners, Dave reflects on his journey from insurance inspector to Betterview co-founder to product leader at one of the industry's most influential property intelligence companies. The conversation explores how Nearmap's acquisitions of Betterview and ITEL have expanded the company's capabilities across underwriting, claims, catastrophe response, and property intelligence. Dave shares how these technologies are being combined to create new solutions that help insurers better understand risk, accelerate claims workflows, and improve customer experiences. Rob and David also dive into the future of AI in insurance, the growing role of agentic workflows, and why the biggest challenge facing the industry may no longer be access to data, but getting the right data into the right workflow at the right time. Key Highlights [08:15] Inside the Chief Product Officer Role Dave discusses his transition from General Manager of Insurance to Chief Product Officer and what it means to lead product strategy across insurance, government, and commercial markets. [10:00] Looking Back at the Betterview Acquisition A reflection on Nearmap's acquisition of Betterview and how the original vision of combining imagery, analytics, and underwriting intelligence has played out in the market. [14:00] Why ITEL Changes the Game Dave explains how ITEL's material pricing and laboratory analysis capabilities complement Nearmap and Betterview, creating a unique property intelligence ecosystem. [16:30] Building a Full Stack Insurance Data Platform How combining imagery, measurements, AI insights, and claims intelligence unlocks new opportunities for insurers across underwriting and claims. [18:00] The Real Challenge Isn't Technology Why the biggest constraint isn't product innovation but changing workflows and helping insurers adopt new ways of working. [19:00] Meeting Customers Where They Work The importance of integrations with platforms like Guidewire and Xactimate, allowing insurers to access data without changing their everyday workflows. [22:00] Claims Use Cases in Action Dave walks through Nearmap's claims capabilities, from roof measurements and material matching to post catastrophe analysis and repair validation. [23:00] First in the Air During Catastrophes How Nearmap captured imagery during active wildfire events and provides insurers with real time insights before many response teams arrive on scene. [24:30] Why Nearmap Still Flies Aircraft A look inside Nearmap's proprietary camera technology and why manned aircraft remain critical for capturing high resolution imagery at scale. [28:00] The Balance Between Innovation and Regulation Dave discusses growing regulatory scrutiny around aerial imagery, data quality, and how insurers use property intelligence in underwriting decisions. [32:00] AI Is Not New at Nearmap While many companies are just beginning their AI journeys, Nearmap has been applying computer vision and machine learning to property imagery for more than a decade. [ [34:00] Unlocking 130 Property Intelligence Signals How advances in AI and large language models are helping customers make better use of hundreds of property level data points. [36:00] Using AI to Connect Data and Business Problems Dave explains how AI can map underwriting guidelines and claims workflows to available data, uncovering connections that humans may miss. [38:00] The Rise of Agentic Claims Workflows A look at how AI powered FNOL experiences could automatically combine claims information with real time property intelligence to improve outcomes and reduce friction. [40:00] The Technology Is Finally Catching Up Why Dave believes today's AI advancements feel similar to the early days of the internet and what that means for insurance innovation. [41:30] An FNO Exclusive Dave shares a little known fact about his background and reveals that he is also a licensed private investigator. [44:00] Final Thoughts on the Nearmap Journey Rob and David reflect on Dave's evolution from startup founder to product executive and what Nearmap's expanding platform means for the future of insurance.

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  Episode #314

  Ep 314: Stan Smith, Founder & CEO, Gradient AI

  Sep 11, 202642 min

  In Episode 314 of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast, hosts Rob Beller and David Prejeant welcome back Stan Smith, Founder & CEO of Gradient AI , for his second appearance on the podcast. It's been more than six years since Stan first joined FNO in Episode 49 back in 2019, when the industry was still talking about machine learning long before AI became today's biggest technology story. Stan shares how Gradient AI evolved from its machine learning roots into one of the insurance industry's most established AI-native companies, helping insurers make better decisions across underwriting, claims, and healthcare. Along the way, he reflects on how AI has changed, what remains misunderstood, and why the industry's biggest challenge may no longer be technology, but adoption. The conversation explores AI-driven decision support, data advantages, human oversight, healthcare expansion, and why speed is quickly becoming one of the most important competitive advantages in insurance. Stan also shares lessons learned from building Gradient AI, how the company leverages one of the industry's largest proprietary data sets, and where he sees AI heading next. Key Highlights [04:00] Welcome Back, Stan Smith Stan returns to the podcast for the first time since his appearance in Episode 49, reflecting on how much has changed in insurance and AI over the last six years. [05:00] The Origins of Machine Learning Stan shares the story of his early experience with machine learning, long before AI became a mainstream business discussion. [06:00] From Machine Learning to Modern AI A look at how AI capabilities have evolved over the last decade and why today's models can solve problems that were previously out of reach. [07:00] Understanding Workers' Compensation Through Data Stan explains how temporal data transformed the ability to understand and predict claim outcomes in workers' comp. [09:00] From Prediction to Action Why AI's biggest breakthrough isn't simply predicting outcomes, but helping users understand what actions to take next. [11:00] How LLMs Changed the Game Stan discusses how large language models helped bridge the gap between technical predictions and real-world business decisions. [13:00] Bringing AI Into Underwriting How AI is helping underwriters better understand risk, explain decisions, and communicate more effectively with brokers and customers. [15:00] Building a Data Advantage The story behind Gradient AI's massive proprietary data assets and why data continues to be a key competitive differentiator. [17:00] Why the Company Is Called Gradient AI Stan shares the surprisingly simple story behind the company name and why it ended up being the perfect fit. [18:00] The Right to Win Stan explains Gradient AI's philosophy of helping customers gain a competitive advantage through better decision-making. [19:00] What Insurance Still Gets Wrong About AI A discussion about industry fears, adoption challenges, and why falling behind may now be a bigger risk than moving too quickly. [20:00] When Speed Becomes a Competitive Edge Why faster decision-making, better risk selection, and quicker market response are becoming critical advantages for insurers. [22:00] Beyond Workflow Automation Stan explains why Gradient AI focuses on improving decisions rather than simply automating tasks. [23:00] The Power of Renewal Analytics How insurers can learn from their existing books of business and use AI to improve future underwriting performance. [24:00] The Data Flywheel Effect Why contributing data creates value for insurers and strengthens predictive performance over time. [26:00] Technology Isn't Enough Stan argues that change management, leadership, and execution often have a bigger impact than the technology itself. [28:00] Expanding From Workers' Comp to Healthcare How customer demand led Gradient AI into healthcare and why the opportunity continues to grow. [31:00] The Future of Healthcare Risk A discussion on self-funded plans, level-funded programs, and the changing economics of healthcare insurance. [33:00] How Accurate Are AI Models? Stan discusses model performance, hallucinations, human oversight, and why AI continues to improve over time. [36:00] The Human in the Loop Why AI works best when combined with human judgment and how underwriters can focus on the decisions that matter most. [37:00] What AI Looks Like Six Months From Now Stan shares his perspective on the accelerating pace of AI innovation and how companies can prepare for what's next. [39:00] Final Thoughts Rob and David reflect on Stan's journey, Gradient AI's growth, and how quickly the AI landscape continues to evolve.

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  Episode #313

  Ep 313: Alex Schmelkin, Founder & CEO, Sixfold

  Aug 28, 202647 min

  In Episode 313 of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast, hosts Rob Beller and David Prejeant sit down with Alex Schmelkin , Founder and CEO of Sixfold , for a fascinating conversation about AI, underwriting, and one of the fastest-growing areas in insurance technology today. Alex Schmelkin shares how a pre-ChatGPT idea evolved into an AI-native company focused exclusively on helping insurers improve underwriting outcomes through the use of AI-powered underwriting colleagues. The discussion explores the evolution of AI in underwriting, what insurers are learning from AI-assisted decision-making, and why underwriting may be one of the most compelling use cases for generative AI. Along the way, Alex shares his entrepreneurial journey, lessons learned from prior startups, and his vision for how underwriters and AI will work together in the future. Whether you're an underwriter, insurance executive, InsureTech founder, or simply curious about how AI is changing insurance, this episode delivers valuable insights from someone building at the forefront of the industry. Key Highlights [04:00] Meet Sixfold Alex Schmelkin explains how Sixfold is building AI underwriters designed to help insurers make underwriting operations faster, more accurate, and more profitable. [05:00] The Origin Story Why the summer of 2022 became the starting point for Sixfold and how experimenting with large language models eventually led Alex back to underwriting. [08:00] Building an AI Company Before the AI Boom The unique timing of launching an AI startup just before ChatGPT introduced generative AI to the mainstream. [09:00] Why Focus Matters Alex shares why Sixfold resisted the temptation to tackle all of insurance and instead focused exclusively on underwriting. [10:00] Measuring Success How insurers evaluate AI underwriting performance and the metrics that matter most when proving ROI. [13:00] What AI Does Better Than Humans A discussion about where AI excels, where humans still have the advantage, and why underwriting remains a partnership between both. [15:00] The Evolution of Underwriter Attitudes Toward AI How industry conversations have shifted from fear of replacement to collaboration and augmentation. [17:00] Making Underwriting Fun Again Why Alex believes underwriters should spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time making decisions that create value. [19:00] Alex's Journey Into Insurance From e-commerce and banking to InsureTech and underwriting, Alex shares the path that led him into the insurance industry. [23:00] What Makes an Underwriting Portfolio Successful? How Sixfold is helping insurers better understand the risks they write and why some portfolios consistently outperform others. [26:00] From AI Assistant to AI Underwriter How Sixfold's technology evolved from helping underwriters gather information to supporting end-to-end underwriting workflows. [28:00] Where Automated Underwriting Creates Scale A discussion on the types of insurance risks that are particularly well suited for AI-powered underwriting. [30:00] The Future Role of the Human Underwriter Alex shares his vision for how underwriting professionals may evolve as AI becomes more deeply embedded into underwriting operations. [32:00] Building the Underwriting Cockpit of the Future Why the future interface between underwriters and AI may look very different from today's underwriting systems. [35:00] Looking Beyond Underwriting How Sixfold is beginning to explore adjacent opportunities where AI-driven risk analysis can create value. [38:00] The Story Behind the Name Sixfold Alex shares the surprisingly personal inspiration behind the company's name. [40:00] Why Insurance Matters One of the episode's most thought-provoking moments as Alex explains the critical role insurance plays in enabling economic activity around the world. [43:00] Running an AI-Native Company What makes operating an AI-native business different from building traditional software companies and why adaptability is critical in today's AI landscape. [46:00] Final Thoughts Rob and David reflect on the conversation, the future of AI underwriting, and why this is one of the most exciting periods in insurance technology.

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  Episode #311

  Ep 311: Wayne Slavin, CEO & Co-Founder, Sure

  Jul 31, 202644 min

  In Episode 311 of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast, hosts Lee Boyd and David Prejeant sit down with Wayne Slavin, CEO and Co-founder of Sure, for a conversation that spans embedded insurance, AI, digital distribution, and the future of insurance innovation. What begins with a story about turbulence on a flight quickly evolves into a fascinating discussion about how insurance can become a seamless part of everyday consumer experiences. Founded in 2015, Sure has built an AI-enabled platform that helps some of the world's largest carriers and consumer brands launch and operate fully digital insurance programs. Today, companies like Toyota, Zillow, and Mastercard leverage the platform to integrate insurance directly into their customer experiences. Wayne shares his journey from Silicon Valley product development and e-commerce innovation into insurance, explaining how his early experience building consumer technology shaped his belief that insurance should be as easy to access as any other digital transaction. The conversation also explores Wayne's long-standing interest in AI, dating back more than 16 years, his perspective on where AI creates the most value in insurance, and why the industry's biggest challenge may not be technology at all, but change management. Whether you're interested in embedded insurance, digital transformation, AI, or simply hearing the founder story behind one of InsureTech's most recognized platforms, this episode delivers valuable insights and bold predictions about where the industry is headed next. Key Highlights [06:00] Meet Wayne Slavin and Sure Wayne introduces Sure and explains how the company helps carriers and consumer brands launch fully digital insurance programs through a single end-to-end platform. [08:00] The Visa of Insurance Wayne explains Sure's role as a technology platform, connecting carriers, brands, and consumers without acting as the insurer itself. [10:00] Why Insurance Needs an End-to-End Ecosystem A discussion on the fragmented nature of insurance technology and why Sure chose to build a unified platform rather than another point solution. [12:00] The Turbulent Flight That Started It All Wayne shares the origin story behind Sure and how a turbulent flight sparked the idea of making insurance available at the exact moment consumers need it. [17:00] Making Insurance Invisible Why Wayne believes insurance should become a natural part of other consumer transactions rather than a separate buying experience. [18:00] Embedded Insurance and the Next Distribution Frontier How brands can integrate insurance directly into customer journeys and why Sure focuses on meeting consumers where they already are. [20:00] AI Before It Was Cool Wayne reflects on researching human-in-the-loop AI at Columbia more than 16 years ago and why today's AI revolution is a moment he has anticipated for years. [22:00] Where AI Delivers Real Value A practical discussion on why AI is creating the biggest gains in speed to market, customer service, claims support, and operational efficiency. [24:00] Going Live in Days, Not Months How Sure is leveraging AI and automation to dramatically reduce implementation timelines and operational complexity. [26:00] Learning the Insurance Business Wayne shares how curiosity, study, and starting with simple insurance products helped him navigate an industry he originally knew nothing about. [30:00] AI Adoption Is a Leadership Challenge Why some insurers are embracing AI while others remain hesitant, and how leadership mindset often determines success. [32:00] The Real Bottleneck: Change Management Wayne argues that technology is no longer the limiting factor. The bigger challenge is changing inherited processes and organizational behavior. [34:00] The Future of Direct-to-Consumer Insurance A discussion on changing consumer expectations, digital buying experiences, and why convenience matters more than ever. [39:00] From South Africa to Silicon Valley Wayne reflects on his personal journey, his family's move to the United States, and how those experiences helped shape his entrepreneurial path. [40:00] What's Next for Sure Wayne shares his vision for the future, including making it even easier for large brands to launch insurance businesses with minimal friction. [42:00] Final Thoughts Lee and David reflect on Wayne's unique founder story, deep technology background, and the future opportunities ahead for Sure and embedded insurance.

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  Episode #310

  Ep 310: Kat Gordienko, Co-founder & CEO, Builty

  Jul 17, 202639 min

  In Episode 310 of the FNO: InsureTech Podcast, co-host David Prejeant sits down with Kat Gordienko , Co-founder and CEO of Builty , to explore one of the most overlooked and underutilized data sources in insurance: building permits. What began as a personal home improvement project during the pandemic ultimately sparked the creation of a company focused on transforming fragmented permit records into actionable intelligence for insurers. Kat shares her journey from analyzing streaming data at Netflix to tackling the complex world of permit data, where information is scattered across more than 20,000 jurisdictions, filled with inconsistencies, abbreviations, and unstructured records. She explains how Builty uses AI and proprietary data models to normalize this information and turn it into meaningful risk insights for underwriting, claims, and property intelligence. The conversation explores how permit data can reveal information that traditional property data sources often miss, including electrical upgrades, plumbing improvements, fire protection systems, and commercial property modifications. Kat also discusses how Builty is working with insurers, leveraging NVIDIA's Inception program, and uncovering new ways permit data can help carriers better understand future risks before they appear in claims history. Along the way, David and Kat dive into some of the most unusual building permits ever filed, including catios, residential helipads, falconries, and fur storage facilities, proving that permit data can be both insightful and entertaining. Key Highlights [07:00] Meet Kat Gordienko and Builty Kat shares her background in data analytics at Netflix and explains how building an ADU project during the pandemic led her to discover the untapped value hidden inside building permit records. [09:00] The Discovery That Started It All After completing a major property improvement project, Kat realized her insurance coverage had not automatically reflected the changes, revealing a gap that ultimately inspired Builty. [11:00] Why Permit Data Is So Difficult A deep dive into the challenges of working with permit records across thousands of jurisdictions, each with different formats, terminology, and standards. [12:00] Teaching AI to Understand Permits Kat explains why off the shelf AI models struggle with permit data and how Builty built specialized systems capable of understanding permit specific language and context. [14:00] Learning Insurance from Scratch How Kat and her co-founder immersed themselves in the insurance ecosystem through carrier conversations, customer feedback, and industry accelerator programs. [15:00] Turning Data Into Risk Scores Why clean data is only the starting point and how Builty transforms permit records into practical risk scores for insurers. [16:00] Unexpected Commercial Insurance Applications How insurers are using permit data to uncover insights about commercial properties, fire protection systems, and other hidden characteristics. [17:00] The Fire Protection Data Gap Why information about sprinklers, fire doors, and other mitigation systems is often difficult to find and how permit records help close that gap. [18:00] Looking Beyond Aerial Imagery While aerial imagery can assess roofs and exterior conditions, permit data reveals what's happening inside a property's electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. [19:00] Building AI Before the AI Boom Kat discusses Builty's early investment in custom language models and how recent advances in AI have accelerated their ability to process permit data at scale. [22:00] The Wildest Permits Ever Filed From catios and private helipads to falconries and fur storage facilities, Kat shares some of the most memorable permits her team has uncovered. [24:00] What Underwriters Might Be Missing How permit data can reveal commercial kitchens, specialty structures, and other risk factors that may not appear in underwriting applications. [26:00] Accelerating With NVIDIA Kat explains how participation in NVIDIA's Inception program is helping Builty improve speed, efficiency, and scalability across its AI models. [28:00] Expanding Across Insurance A look at Builty's growing carrier relationships and the potential applications of permit intelligence across underwriting, claims, and reinsurance. [29:00] Predicting Tomorrow's Risks Today Kat shares research exploring whether homes located near data centers experience increased HVAC replacement rates, highlighting the predictive potential of permit data. [ [32:00] The Future of Property Intelligence Why Kat believes permit data should become a standard component of insurance and real estate decision making, helping identify risks before losses occur. [35:00] Advice for InsurTech Founders Kat shares lessons learned from building Builty, including the importance of finding one meaningful problem, proving value quickly, and earning trust inside the insurance industry. [36:00] Go Narrow, Then Go Deep The story of Builty's evolution from an ADU marketplace concept into a permit intelligence platform, and why narrowing the focus ultimately created a bigger opportunity.

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