Category: Corporate News

2023 Insurance & Risk Management Innovation Challenge

Our passion for innovation is truly driven by employees, and we’re committed to giving our teams the time, resources and skills they need to develop the next generation of risk and insurance tools.

At the heart of our commitment is our Innovation Challenge – a bi-annual ideas summit that gives employees at all levels an opportunity to produce big ideas that will reshape our business and our industry. Each team is empowered by the knowledge that their ideas can have real impact on our company and our clients.

This year, 28 employees across eight teams participated in the 2023 Insurance & Risk Management Innovation Challenge. Our judges were truly impressed by the level of talent displayed. The presentations focused on new products, services, and technology applications that are highly relevant to our business with the potential to drive growth.

Here is a recap of the ideas presented by the three winning teams and the impact they will have on our clients.

1^st Place: WORKWELL Rx
Team members: Jill Ambrose, RN, Jennifer Conicella, Melissa Csercsevits and Sean Rafferty

This team provided a solution that leverages buying power and relationships across our Property & Casualty and Employee Benefits departments. It incorporates an integrated approach across both programs, specifically with workers’ compensation coverage and pharmacy benefits at the forefront. This solution would provide our clients with more control over their pharmacy benefits, reduce inconsistencies in costs across coverages and geographies, and ultimately improve their bottom line.

2^nd Place: DeepDive – Risk Financing Made Easy
Team members: Michael Helfrich, Nicholas Nocero, Eamonn O’Toole, Tim Svoboda

This team collaborated with The Actuarial Advantage, our trusted actuarial consulting partners, to develop a sophisticated, yet easy-to-use analytical tool that will aid in strategic discussions on risk financing. Combining our industry expertise with automation and relevant data sources, the team was able to create this tool to assist our clients in better understanding loss scenarios, evaluating risk financing options and improving program design.

3^rd Place: Empowering Efficiency & Unifying Data
Team members: Gregory Fanelli, Tamara Malone, Maggie Mauer and Geoffrey Rendina

This team conducted an in-depth analysis of our core data systems and presented a strategic approach to enhance our data infrastructure. They identified opportunities across departments for improved data management under a unified structure to further bolster Conner Strong & Buckelew’s exceptional capabilities in servicing our clients.

Stay tuned for more updates!

BrokerTech Ventures Accelerator Program Demonstrates Success with Startups

Company sees collective valuation of startups approach $1 billion.

Des Moines, IA – October 17, 2023 – BrokerTech Ventures (BTV), a pioneering broker-centric accelerator program in the insurtech industry, is thrilled to announce remarkable results from its latest report showcasing the outstanding achievements of its accelerator startups.

Over the course of four cohorts and 3.5 years, BTV has consistently empowered and propelled emerging insurtech companies to new heights. The recently released data illustrates the notable progress made by BTV’s four accelerator cohorts and the significant impact they have had on the insurance technology sector.

Key highlights from the BTV accelerator program include:

Continued Success — 96 percent, or 46 out of the 48 startups that have participated in the BTV accelerator program, are still operating or have been successfully acquired, affirming the program’s role as a catalyst for sustainable growth within the insurtech industry.
Collective Valuation — The collective valuation of the four cohorts that have passed through the BTV program is now rapidly approaching the milestone of $1 billion. This reflects the incredible potential and market value these startups have achieved.
Funding Milestones — BTV-affiliated startups have collectively raised over $250 million in funding since their participation in the accelerator, a testament to the program’s ability to attract investment and support entrepreneurs in the insurtech space.
Exceptional Growth — On average, startups that have gone through the BTV accelerator program have witnessed their valuations double since their enrollment, showcasing the program’s effectiveness in fostering rapid growth and development within the insurtech sector.
Partner Collaboration — Over 200 proof of concepts (PoCs) or pilots have been initiated with BTV’s partner organizations, demonstrating the program’s successful collaboration with established insurance industry leaders. Additionally, nearly 1,000 external client engagements have been directly attributed to BTV, underscoring the profound impact the program has had on bringing innovative insurtech solutions to market.

“We are immensely proud of the achievements of our startups and of the continued growth of the insurtech sector as a whole,” said Dan Keough, Holmes Murphy Chairman and CEO and BTV Co-CEO. “These outstanding outcomes validate the effectiveness of our accelerator program and underscore the vital role that insurtech startups play in driving innovation within the insurance industry, while also working to identify risks sooner and drive down costs faster for our clients.”

“BTV’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the insurance technology space has solidified its reputation as a leading force in the insurtech ecosystem,” said Mike Victorson, M3 Insurance President and CEO and BTV Co-CEO. “We are proud of our efforts and can’t wait to see how the future continues to unfold.”

As BTV continues to make strides in the insurtech landscape, the program remains dedicated to fostering the next generation of insurtech leaders and driving continued success in the insurance technology sector.

“One of the reasons we signed on as BTV’s first carrier partner in 2020 was because of their approach to bringing together insurtechs, carriers, and brokers to address industry pain points,” said Bob Jenkins, Vice President of Enterprise Distribution at Travelers. “We continue to find value in this relationship as we uncover the power and potential of the innovative capabilities these startups bring to the insurance community.”

Applications for the 2024 BrokerTech Ventures accelerator cohort open on November 1, 2023.

BTV will also once again be front and center fueling the BrokerTech Connect portion of the InsureTech Connect conference in Las Vegas on October 31. To attend BrokerTech Connect, please register here.

About BrokerTech Ventures
Based in the insurance nucleus of Des Moines, Iowa, BrokerTech Ventures (BTV) is the first broker-led convening platform and accelerator program focused on delivering innovation to the insurance broker industry. Founded in 2019, BTV provides a venue for the best minds in insurance and technology to collaborate and bring to market leading-edge ideas and solutions. BTV invests in the research and testing for each of the chosen startups, provides access to veteran industry mentors, and helps scale the technology to market through broker distribution channels. Learn more at www.brokertechventures.com, or follow us on Twitter (@BrokerTechVen), LinkedIn, or Facebook.

About Conner Strong & Buckelew
Conner Strong & Buckelew is among America’s largest insurance, risk management and employee benefits brokerage and consulting firms. The firm is an industry leader in providing high-risk businesses with comprehensive solutions to prevent losses, manage claims, and drive bottom line growth. Its employee benefits practice focuses on providing best-in-class benefits administration, health and wellness programs and strategic advisory services.

Founded in 1959 with offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Massachusetts, Florida, and Delaware, Conner Strong & Buckelew has a team of 500+ professionals, serving clients throughout the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.connerstrong.com or follow us on LinkedIn (@ConnerStrong&Buckelew), Twitter (@connerstrong), Facebook (@connerstrongbuckelew) and Instagram (@connerstrongbuckelew).

Edward Cooney Recognized as a 2023 PropertyCasualty360 Insurance Luminaries Honoree

Conner Strong & Buckelew is pleased to announce Edward Cooney as a 2023 PropertyCasualty360 Insurance Luminaries Honoree in the category of Risk Management Innovation. Honorees in this category must be accomplished in finding fresh and inventive ways to address risks while fostering advanced thinking and driving the industry forward.

Edward Cooney, Partner
Senior Account Executive

Ed was instrumental in the creation of a proprietary cyber insurance program and a full cybersecurity suite for the Joint Insurance Funds (JIFs). The JIFs were facing skyrocketing cyber insurance premiums, limited coverage options and the threat of losing coverage altogether.

By implementing this program, the JIF members have largely avoided the cyber insurance policy cost increases seen throughout the country. It is the first and only of its kind for public entities.

This achievement reflects Conner Strong’s dedication to our clients and our ability to develop customized solutions to meet each client’s unique needs. Congratulations Ed!

Learn more about the Insurance Luminaries 2023 Risk Management Innovation honorees here.

Ranked #1 Healthiest Employer in Greater Philadelphia Among Companies with 150 to 499 Employees

Conner Strong & Buckelew, one of America’s largest and most respected insurance brokerage, employee benefits, and risk management consulting firms, has been named the #1 healthiest employer in Greater Philadelphia among companies with 150 to 499 employees by Healthiest Employers. This accolade honors the company’s continued commitment to fostering all facets of employee mental and physical health.

Conner Strong & Buckelew boasts an impressive annual physical and biometric screening program with over 90% participation among employees and their spouses/domestic partners under the medical plan. Through the BenePoint platform, employees can earn significant incentive credits to reduce medical and prescription contributions upon completion of the screening. This approach not only helps employees proactively manage their health but also aids in preventing and detecting health issues early. Furthermore, the company extends support to employees dealing with serious medical matters or impending surgeries through services like Guardian Nurses and Goldfinch Health.

Learn more about the 2023 Healthiest Employers of Greater Philadelphia winners here.

U.S. Insurance Awards Finalist

Conner Strong & Buckelew is pleased to announce we have been selected as a finalist in Business Insurance’s 2023 U.S. Insurance Awards for the category of Broker Team of the Year.

We are honored to be named a finalist. This significant achievement reflects our dedication to our clients and our commitment to providing innovative risk management solutions. The award highlights our subject matter expertise, as well as our ability to develop customized solutions to meet each clients’ unique needs.

This recognition is a testament to the hard work our entire organization does in service to our clients. We would like to acknowledge the team that was nominated for their innovative and contemporary work on employee benefit captive programs:

Click to enlarge

Congratulations to the team for leveraging their knowledge and relationships in the industry to help our clients achieve their business objectives and reduce their overall cost of risk!

Learn more about the finalists for the 2023 U.S. Insurance Awards program here.

BrokerTech Ventures Welcomes Industry-Leading Insurance Wholesaler

Jencap Joins BTV Platform and Mission

Des Moines, IA – April 20, 2023 – BrokerTech Ventures (BTV), the industry’s first broker-led convening platform and accelerator program, today announced the addition of its newest industry-leading insurance wholesaler partner, Jencap Group.

“We could not be more pleased to announce the addition of Jencap to our wholesaler community network. We view our carrier and wholesale partners as integral in terms of our overall strategy in building out BrokerTech Ventures — and specifically, our Innovation Tower,” said Dan Keough, Holmes Murphy chairman and CEO and co-CEO of BTV. “Insurance companies are individually spending multi-millions of dollars each year in innovation, and we believe that BTV can be the convening platform to provide access into the unknowns, idea-sharing, investing, and distribution for the benefit of all.”

The addition of these renowned insurance brands brings the BTV industry portfolio to 13 of the most sizable and innovative brokerage firms in North America and 16 of the most notable and respected insurance companies and wholesalers with both domestic and international presence.

“Jencap is committed to employing innovative technology solutions that improve our speed to market, operational efficiencies, data analytics, and the overall platform experience of our partners,” said John LaCava, Jencap’s Chief Operational Officer. “We look forward to collaborating with BTV members and insurtech companies to maintain our position in the marketplace as industry leaders.”

In addition to its expansive broker and carrier partner portfolio, BTV now also represents 60 insurtech startups from around the world, inclusive of those in the U.S., Israeli, and Latin American accelerator programs, with investments and commercial engagements with many.

For more information on BTV, please visit www.brokertechventures.com.

About Jencap Group
Jencap is one of the largest wholesalers in the U.S. with notable industry-leading expertise in wholesale brokerage, binding authority, and program management. Its specialized divisions and affiliate organizations provide niche underwriting prowess, broad market access, and nationwide influence. Headquartered in New York, Jencap leverages its collective power to exceed the expectations of more than 20,000 independent agency partners. For more information, visit: www.JencapGroup.com.

Founded in 1959 with offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Massachusetts, Florida, and Delaware, Conner Strong & Buckelew has a team of 450+ professionals, serving clients throughout the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.connerstrong.com or follow us on LinkedIn (@ConnerStrong&Buckelew), Twitter (@connerstrong), Facebook (@connerstrongbuckelew) and Instagram (@connerstrongbuckelew).

BrokerTech Ventures and InsureTech Connect Announce 3rd Year of Collaboration

BrokerTech Ventures to fuel BrokerTech Connect during ITC Vegas 2023 Conference

Des Moines, IA – August 8, 2023 – BrokerTech Ventures (BTV), the industry’s first broker-led group and accelerator program chartered by 12 super-regional independent brokerage firms, announced the 3rd year of a strategic collaboration with InsureTech Connect (ITC), the world’s largest gathering of insurance innovation (insurtech) conference and convening platform. BTV will once again fuel ITC’s BrokerTech Connect, an insurtech series during the conference for the broker-centric community, on Tuesday, October 31, at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“We are extremely excited about this third year of collaboration between BTV and InsureTech Connect,” said Dan Keough, Holmes Murphy Chairman and CEO and BTV Co-CEO. “The ITC platform brings together the greatest minds around insurtech trends, technologies, and applications. Our desire to engage in and fuel BrokerTech Connect comes from BTV’s industry position as the convener of broker-centric innovation, ideation, and communication for the global insurance ecosystem. We represent the brokerage community and the voice of the client, and we believe there is significant value in the community the ITC team has been building since 2016.”

BTV and ITC partnered not only in 2020, as they collaborated around the Agency Connect Virtual Conference, which attracted 2,000+ brokers, agents, and broker tech attendees from across the globe, but also in 2021 and 2022, as BTV led out ITC’s BrokerTech Connect.

“We’re excited to partner with BrokerTech Ventures once again for BrokerTech Connect at ITC Vegas 2023,” said Bill Harris, Chief Revenue Officer and Event Director. “BTV is the leader in this space and, as distribution solutions continue to be top of mind for every carrier, brokers and agencies continue to use the BrokerTech Connect kickoff session and expanded expo hall hub as a way to meet innovators, share new strategies, and discover new solutions.”

The BTV 2023 Accelerator program and 4th cohort class recently rounded out its session during which time BTV provided funding, a curriculum, and an intentional network exposure to the 12 startups from around the world who were selected.

BTV also recently announced the launch of the BrokerTech Fund, the first venture capital fund focused on early-stage insurtech companies developing broker-centric technology solutions. Limited Partners of the $34 million Fund include Holmes Murphy, M3 Insurance, Baldwin Risk Partners, UNICO Group, IMA Financial Group, and Christensen Group.

“BTV now represents a combined 26 premiere insurance brands, as well as multi-billions of dollars of collective distribution, which is just outstanding,” said Susan Hatten, BTV COO. “Our goal with BrokerTech Connect will be to bring this knowledge to the table and include broker-centric thought leaders, industry expertise, entertainment, and a BTV exhibition on the ITC floor featuring the insurtech companies that were a part of our 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Accelerator cohort classes.”

“As BTV continues to grow the depth and breadth of our industry relationships within the insurtech space, building an alliance with InsureTech Connect made sense,” said Keough. “We bring the broker-centric insights to collaborate around BrokerTech Connect, and we are thrilled to work with the ITC team to create an even greater experience by leveraging our BTV brand and community.”

For more information on BrokerTech Connect or to register to attend, please visit https://vegas.insuretechconnect.com/brokertech-connect/.

About InsureTech Connect
Founded in 2016, ITC Vegas from InsureTech Connect (ITC) is the world’s largest gathering of insurance innovation, offering unparalleled access to the largest and most comprehensive gathering of tech entrepreneurs, investors, and insurance industry executives from across the globe. From its inception, ITC Vegas has focused on providing exceptional experiences and an unmatched platform for connections, idea sharing, and solutions, that amplify new technology, thought leaders, and innovators. Over the last eight years, 30,000 people from 65+ countries have attended ITC Vegas, and ITC continues to expand worldwide with the introduction of ITC Asia in 2022, followed by the launch of ITC LATAM and ITC DIA Europe in 2023. Learn more at vegas.insuretechconnect.com.

BrokerTech Ventures Hires Emily Schultz as Managing Director

Operations Expert and Veteran to Lead BTV’s Five Towers of Operation and Execute on Company’s Strategic Direction

Des Moines, IA – August 17, 2023 – BrokerTech Ventures (BTV), the industry’s first broker-led convening platform and accelerator program, is pleased to announce the hiring of Emily Schultz as its new Managing Director.

In this role, Schultz will be responsible for setting and executing on the strategic direction of BTV to help advance innovation within the broker technology industry. Schultz will also be responsible for leading BTV’s five distinct towers of operation — early-stage investments, innovation, capital, media & communications, and the accelerator — alongside BTV’s managing partners.

“We are beyond thrilled Emily has joined our BTV family,” said Dan Keough, Holmes Murphy Chairman & CEO and BTV Co-CEO. “Emily comes to us with deep and diversified experience in not only operations, but also in the startup and entrepreneurial space. Her understanding of our business and her strong awareness of the benefits of innovation in the industry make her the perfect fit for this role.”

Schultz comes to BTV with a plethora of experience. Most recently, Schultz was the Sr. Director of Publishing Operations and a member of the Executive Leadership Team for Business Publications Corporation (BPC), an Iowa-based media company that publishes the Des Moines Business Record and dsm magazine, along with owning and operating WriteBrain media. Prior to that, Schultz was the Project Lead for Visionary, a technology company that provides companies large and small with web design, web development, and digital marketing solutions.

“I’m thrilled to be joining the BTV team and have a front row seat to the exciting innovations that are happening throughout the insurance industry,” said Schultz. “I’ve had the pleasure of watching the BTV team in action, and I’m happy to be part of their ongoing journey of innovation.”

In the four years since BTV’s inception, it has grown to include 12 of the most sizable and innovative brokerage firms in North America, and 14 of the most notable and respected insurance companies and wholesalers with both domestic and international presence. In addition, BTV also represents 60 insurtech startups from around the world, inclusive of those in the U.S., Israeli, and Latin American accelerator programs, with investments and commercial engagements with many.

“We’re excited about the exceptional team we’re building at BTV,” said Susan Hatten, Holmes Murphy Chief Marketing Officer and BTV Chief Operating Officer. “Emily’s ability to guide critical decisions, strategy, and tactics for the greater BTV company coupled with John Jackovin’s exceptional work in the accelerator space is setting us up to be a key innovation ecosystem that will help shape the future of insurance.”

For more information on BTV, please visit www.brokertechventures.com.

About BrokerTech Ventures

Based in the insurance nucleus of Des Moines, Iowa, BrokerTech Ventures (BTV) is the first broker-led convening platform and accelerator program focused on delivering innovation to the insurance broker industry. Founded in 2019, BTV provides a venue for the best minds in insurance and technology to collaborate and bring to market leading-edge ideas and solutions. BTV invests in the research and testing for each of the chosen startups, provides access to veteran industry mentors, and helps scale the technology to market through broker distribution channels. Learn more at www.brokertechventures.com, or follow us on Twitter (@BrokerTechVen), LinkedIn, or Facebook.

Conner Strong & Buckelew’s Matt Walsh Honored as Rising Leader in the Insurance Brokerage Industry with Business Insurance 2023 Break Out Award

One of the youngest partners in firm’s history honored for industry leadership and professional accomplishments.

CAMDEN, NJ (March 24, 2023) – Conner Strong & Buckelew, a leading insurance brokerage and employee benefits consulting firm, is proud to announce that Matt Walsh has been named a 2023 Business Insurance Break Out Award winner. Walsh, one of the youngest partners in the firm’s history, is one of only 40 national winners and one of 10 Northeast regional winners. Business Insurance’s annual Break Out Award program recognizes United States-based professionals with less than 15 years of experience who are on track to be the next leaders in the risk management and property/casualty insurance field.

Walsh is a Partner and Senior Account Executive for National Accounts as well as Co-Chair of the firm’s Real Estate and Hospitality Practice Group. Since joining Conner Strong & Buckelew nearly 12 years ago, Walsh has risen the ranks, starting as an Account Analyst before assuming several progressive leadership roles. Thanks to his combination of technical industry expertise, excellent understanding of his clients’ businesses, strong market relationships, creativity, proactive management and responsiveness, his clients view Walsh as an extension of their management team – the gold standard for insurance brokers.

“Matt is a solutions-oriented problem solver who exceeds our clients’ expectations and is a strong role model for his colleagues,” said Michael Tiagwad, President & Chief Executive Officer of Conner Strong & Buckelew. “This is the second year in a row that a young Conner Strong & Buckelew leader has been recognized with this prestigious award – a true testament to the value our team consistently provides to our clients and the strength of our training program. I join the entire team at Conner Strong & Buckelew in congratulating Matt on this achievement.”

There are countless examples of Walsh leading his team to provide unprecedented value to clients. One recent instance was during the pandemic. With several clients facing potentially devastating COVID-19-related losses, Walsh’s team brought empathetic creative thinking to the table, aptly negotiating mid-term adjustments, waivers of premiums and audits and program extensions with deferred premium payments, to name a few. These and other creative solutions helped his clients weather the most challenging headwinds they had ever faced.

“In Matt’s world, timely and accurate responses can make or break successful real estate transactions because insurance is a critical component to close on financing. Matt thinks like a client and a business owner and organizes his team and client service plan accordingly,” said Jim McGlynn, Senior Partner, National Accounts, New York Region Practice Leader and Walsh’s executive mentor.

Walsh has been with Conner Strong & Buckelew for the entirety of his professional career. This milestone is increasingly commonplace at the firm, which prides itself on fostering talent from within and an industry-high employee retention rate.

Founded in 1959 with offices in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Delaware, Florida, and Georgia, Conner Strong & Buckelew has a team of more than 450 professionals, serving clients throughout the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.connerstrong.com or follow us on LinkedIn (@ConnerStrong&Buckelew), Twitter (@connerstrong), Facebook (@connerstrongbuckelew) and Instagram (@connerstrongbuckelew).

About Business Insurance’s Break Out Awards
Business Insurance’s Break Out Awards program honors 40 top professionals on track to be the next leaders in the risk management and property/casualty insurance field. Break Out winners from across the United States are recognized for their leadership and professional skills and can be working in any area of the industry – risk managers, brokers, insurers, reinsurers, MGAs, MGUs, wholesalers, captive managers, TPAs, lawyers and other providers serving the commercial insurance sector.

About Business Insurance:
Business Insurance is a singular, authoritative news and information source for executives focused upon risk management, risk transfer and risk financing. With information for risk managers, insurers, brokers and other providers of insurance products and services, Business Insurance delivers in-depth analysis on new and emerging risks, case studies of successful programs, market intelligence on trends, and guidance on how to capitalize on opportunities and overcome challenges. Business Insurance covers core risk management and insurance areas such as property/casualty insurance, captive insurance and other alternative risk transfer vehicles, and enterprise risk management.

Business Insurance provides in-depth coverage of specific industries such as health care, construction, transportation and energy. You will also read about the latest trends in specialty risks such as cyber liability, political risk, reputational risk and emerging risks such as green energy and fracking. We also cover workers compensation. We explore the technology and processes that facilitate the management of risk and the delivery of insurance products and services. Business Insurance covers the operational and strategic concerns of brokers, insurers, reinsurers and consultants for the industry. Delivered in a multi-media mix, including a monthly print magazine, and daily online and mobile news, Business Insurance helps readers do their jobs better.

BrokerTech Ventures Announces 2023 Cohort Class for Accelerator

Startups from across the U.S. and U.K. gain access to intentional engagement and distribution offerings through BrokerTech Ventures’ collective 27 agency and insurance company partners.

Des Moines, IA – March 28, 2023 – BrokerTech Ventures (BTV), the industry’s first broker-led convening platform and accelerator program, has selected the following 12 insurtech startups to take part in its highly intentional accelerator curriculum.

1Fort, New York, NY
Adapt API, San Francisco, CA
Boon Health, Bingham Farms, MI
Comulate, San Francisco, CA
Frame Fertility, San Francisco, CA
GOAT Risk Solutions, Buckinghamshire, UK
Insight Risk Holdings, Weston, CT
Irys Insurtech, Tampa, FL
Pagedip, Boulder, CO
ReFocus AI, San Diego, CA
Sertis, Reno, NV
Transharpe Solutions, Charlotte, NC

“In this, our fourth year of the BTV Accelerator, I am thrilled with the diversity of technologies that will move through the accelerator, as well as the diversity in geographies represented,” said Dan Keough, Holmes Murphy chairman and CEO and BTV co-founder. “We truly have some of the highest-caliber, early-stage and growth insurtech companies on our roster, and they touch nearly every angle of insurance risk management — from P&C commercial to cyber to health/benefits-tech solutions.”

The accelerator cohort kicks off April 4, 2023. During the program, the startups will advance their technologies, accelerate their progress through a select mentor network, receive $50,000 in seed funding, and gain immediate access to BTV’s multi-billion-dollar distribution platform to deploy the technologies.

“This class is really exciting for a number of reasons,” said John Jackovin, executive director of the BTV Accelerator. “The startups include some who had reapplied after not making it in years past. We also have more female founders than ever before, which is tremendous to see! And, of course, the products and technologies continue to improve. We are fortunate to be able to engage at this early stage to provide a tremendous value to the community.”

Collectively, BTV represents 13 of the largest independently owned insurance brokerages and 14 of the largest insurance companies in North America, with a combined multi-billion dollars in annual distribution capacity.

“The true value in our BTV Accelerator and business model is in the engagement with our trifecta ecosystem of BTV agencies, insurance companies, and capital resources,” said Keough. “Many of the startups who go through the accelerator have an engagement with our partners that lasts well beyond the accelerator as we work to deploy their technologies to collectively help our clients and the insurance industry identify risks sooner to drive down costs faster.”

In addition to activities in the United States, BTV co-founded the first broker-centric accelerator in Tel Aviv, Israel — the Israeli Insurtech Accelerator — along with InsurTech Israel. BTV has also teamed up with insurance leaders in Latin America to launch and fuel The LATAM Insurtech Accelerator (LATAMIA).

For more information on BTV, please visit www.brokertechventures.com.

About BrokerTech Ventures

About Conner Strong & Buckelew
Conner Strong & Buckelew is among America’s largest insurance brokerage, risk management and employee benefits brokerage and consulting firms. The firm is an industry leader in providing high-risk businesses with comprehensive solutions to prevent losses, manage claims, and drive bottom-line growth. Its employee benefits practice focuses on providing best-in-class benefits administration, health and wellness programs and strategic advisory services.

The company provides insurance and risk services to a wide-range of industries including but not limited to construction, education, healthcare, hospitality & gaming, life science & technology, public entity and real estate. Additionally, Conner Strong & Buckelew and its affiliates offer a number of innovative and specialty solutions which include captive strategies, construction wrap-ups, executive risk, safety and risk control, and private client services.