Capital markets

A 13-week program connects MetLife leaders and Techstars mentors with new companies to help refine products.

Once viewed as disruptive competitors and threats to established insurance companies, insurtech startups are increasingly seen as supporting players that can help incumbent insurers enter new markets and offer new services.

Carrier venture arms and Silicon Valley stalwarts alike continue to pour money into startups promising to revolutionize the insurance sector.

Manulife, Sun Life and Industrial Alliance chipped in nearly $300 million to help the MaRS discovery district pay back a government loan.

The company partners with National Guardian Life to sell insurance coupled with connected toothbrushes in 16 states.

The star-studded funding round includes money from funds associated with Jay-Z, Kevin Durant and Robert Downey Jr., indicating insurtech's broadening appeal.

Business value is being generated by many startups – and no insurer is going to walk away from that.

Its venture arm is investing in a number of artificial intelligence companies, most recently machine-learning company HyperScience.

The digital giant's involvement with an Indian insurtech doesn't mean it will be selling policies soon, but does give insurers something to think about.

The $724 million in deal volume so far this year is a significant increase from the same period in 2017, say Willis Towers Watson and CB Insights.