Two weeks ago, Des Moines, Iowa, played host to a groundbreaking event that brought together startups from across the globe, top leaders in the American insurance industry, expert mentors, and a network of local and international partners. The event marked the second round of our Global Accelerator Program, setting a new standard for collaboration and innovation in insurtech.
At the heart of this groundbreaking initiative lies InsurTech Israel, which envisioned and brought to life a unique global accelerator program. The program’s mission is to bridge the gap between innovative startups from all corners of the globe—especially from remote and underserved regions—and the heart of the insurance industry. By offering entrepreneurs the opportunity to showcase their ideas to top executives in the global insurance sector, InsurTech Israel is not only empowering startups but also providing the industry with access to cutting-edge technologies and solutions they might otherwise never encounter.
This visionary initiative, conceived and driven by InsurTech Israel, has turned an ambitious idea into a thriving reality, creating a platform where innovation and industry expertise converge to shape the future of insurance.
12 Countries, Groundbreaking Ideas, and a Week of Inspiration
The accelerator gathered startups from 12 countries, each presenting unique solutions to tackle tomorrow’s challenges in the insurance industry. The selection process was driven by close collaboration with local partners in each country, who carefully chose representatives to showcase their region’s innovation on this global stage.
The Des Moines event offered startups an unparalleled opportunity to engage with key players in the American insurance market—one of the most advanced and complex markets globally.
Roundtable Discussions: Leadership, Innovation, and Insights
One of the event’s highlights was the series of roundtable discussions led by prominent industry figures. Spearheaded by Doug Ommen, Iowa’s Insurance Commissioner, alongside leaders such as Susan Hatten (Holmes Murphy) and Chris Lee (BrokerTech Ventures), these sessions explored critical topics including:
- Digital transformation in the insurance sector
- Addressing climate change and its impact on insurance
- Embedding a culture of innovation within large organizations
These discussions offered startups direct feedback from industry leaders, enabling them to refine their products and services. The roundtables fostered an atmosphere of openness, creativity, and genuine support.
World-Class Mentorship and Hands-On Learning
The accelerator featured a rich program of practical workshops and one-on-one sessions with top-tier mentors from various domains, including insurance, technology, and investments. Among the standout mentors were:
- Thorben Schlätzer – A strategic expert from Germany who led a workshop on building resilient business models.
- Tiffany Tauscheck – A senior executive at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, who focused on community development and professional networking.
- Kristóf Csányi – A strategic advisor from Hungary, specializing in navigating regulatory challenges in international markets.
The mentors shared their extensive experience, provided actionable insights, and offered guidance that directly impacted the startups’ ability to realize their visions.
The Pitch Event: Showcasing Solutions to the American Market
The program’s centerpiece was a pitch event where startups presented their innovative solutions to an audience of hundreds of industry professionals.
The audience included investors, senior executives, and tech leaders from the most prominent U.S. insurance companies, making this one of the year’s most significant opportunities for startups to shine.
The feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
- “The connections made here are unique, and the solutions presented offer a glimpse into a better future for all of us.” – A senior investor.
- “These are not just good ideas; they’re actionable plans deeply rooted in reality.” – An executive from a leading U.S. insurance company.
Participant Feedback: Voices from the Field
The startups were quick to share their excitement and gratitude after an action-packed week:
- EmotionLogic shared:
“This week in Des Moines was incredible. The opportunity to receive direct feedback from industry leaders helped us refine our product and strengthen our market positioning.” - Dumaco Insurtech said:
“It was an extraordinary opportunity to connect with investors and professionals we never thought we’d have access to.” - Kristóf Csányi noted:
“I have never experienced an event that combines so many insights, high-quality people, and business opportunities in one place.”
The Partnerships That Made It Possible
This remarkable event would not have been possible without the support of our local and global partners:
- Holmes Murphy and BrokerTech Ventures, who generously hosted the program and provided the perfect infrastructure for its success.
- Doug Ommen, Iowa’s Insurance Commissioner, whose commitment to fostering innovation in insurance was instrumental.
- GIA and Manchester Story, who helped make Des Moines a global stage for insurance innovation.
Looking Ahead to the Third Round
The success of the second round in Des Moines has already generated significant interest and set high expectations for the next cohort. We extend our deepest gratitude to all participants, mentors, and partners for their incredible contributions and look forward to continuing to build a promising and innovative future for the insurance industry.
Together, we are creating real change.
