Venture capital

At the Hartford InsurTech Hub's second Demo Day, speakers focused on staying true to their mission to attract talent and investors.

The insurance world was caught by surprise last October when Google’s Capital G investment arm announced a substantial investment in Applied Systems.

Venture-capital investment in the insurtech market remains on a solid pace, with more mature companies emerging as leaders.

Investment focus areas will include analytics, digital health, as well as care delivery and management.

The news comes as Amazon has made overtures into the British insurance market.

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

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

The company has signed on with three companies in 2018, seeking early traction and a strong team., says business development VP.

The insurer set up an innovation lab in 2016 with SVP of Commercial Auto Kim Garland at the helm, but also keeps a sharp eye out for transformation occurring outside company walls by insurtechs.

Life insurer also announces a brand new venture capital investment fund, led by its chief digital office.

Rather than looking to innovate on products, startups in life insurance concentrate on distribution as a way to improve the sector, say Accenture panelists.

Midwestern insurer creates accelerator and venture capital fund intended to build up Milwaukee's startup community.

The life carrier is keen on finding the startups that will define insurance user experience and distribution in the future, says managing director Doug Russell.

The division of XL Catlin, whose insurtech portfolio includes smart-device company Notion, seeks exceptional management teams in its ventures.

The carrier has hired its first chief innovation officer to manage the strategy.

Jonathan Larsen joins the Chinese insurer after 18 years at the banking giant.

Insurer will invest in startups whose mission aligns with its disability-insurance business.

A quarter of carriers have set up investment arms as part of their technology transformation strategy, says KPMG.

ID.me raised $19 million in a Series B round that was led by FTV Capital and included USAA.