InsurTech Weekly Newsletter | Volume 16

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TODAY’S TOP PICK🎯

Still Tracking Calls Made and Emails Sent? That’s Not Sales Performance.

Buyer-led teams are ditching vanity dashboards. See what metrics actually move deals and why execution clarity is the new competitive edge.

Read: The Metrics That Matter in 2025

LEADING VOICES📣

INDUSTRY INSIGHTS📰

Digital Transformation Reshapes Life Brokerage With Client-Focused Tools And Automation

Life brokerage is rapidly evolving, with digital innovation no longer a luxury but a necessity for agencies seeking to meet rising consumer expectations for convenience and speed. Adopting technologies such as instant underwriting, integrated digital platforms, AI-driven personalization, and robust cybersecurity yields tangible benefits—higher placement ratios, faster sales cycles, and stronger client retention—while still enabling the trusted relationships central to independent distribution.

However, the challenge lies in choosing solutions tailored for brokerage-specific workflows rather than generic carrier or call center tools. Platforms like InstaBrain demonstrate that with agent-centric design, seamless automation, and collaborative features, agencies can strike a balance between efficiency and the personal touch. Agencies embracing strategic, partnership-driven digital adoption and continuous adaptation are poised to lead in an increasingly competitive, client-focused marketplace.

Kuderer Advances Insurance Reforms on Credit Scores, Restitution, and Consumer Protection

Washington State Insurance Commissioner Patty Kuderer is advancing key reforms despite legislative delays. Notably, the study of credit scores in insurance underwriting will proceed through a budget proviso, reflecting sustained legislative interest in evaluating whether credit-based scoring creates inequities among policyholders.

Efforts to expand the commissioner's power to order restitution stalled, primarily due to concerns over excessive fines and regulatory scope. However, Kuderer remains committed to reintroducing this measure, emphasizing that direct restitution streamlines compensation for consumers and reduces legal barriers. Additional initiatives include studies on disaster preparedness grants and responses to potential federal insurance funding cuts, underscoring the significance of legislative action for consumer protection and market stability.

Kayna Expands Globally With Embedded Insurance Solutions For Small Businesses

Kayna, a Cork-based InsurTech, is rapidly advancing into the US and UK markets with its embedded insurance model, specifically targeting significant coverage gaps among small businesses in sectors such as construction, hospitality, and legal services. By enabling SMEs to access customized insurance through the software platforms they already use, Kayna positions itself as a critical player in a market where 40% of US SMEs remain uninsured—a clear indication of untapped demand.

Backed by $1 million in funding and a strategic partnership with Willis Towers Watson, Kayna is not only creating 13 new jobs but also leveraging Ireland’s reputation as a FinTech innovation hub. With embedded insurance projected to represent 15% of the global market and reach a value of $1.5 trillion within a decade, Kayna’s growth strategy signals both foresight and an ability to capitalize on emerging industry dynamics.

Kota Secures $14.5 Million To Simplify Insurance Benefits Infrastructure Across Europe

Kota’s recent $14.5 million Series A funding, led by major investors like Eurazeo and EQT Ventures, propels its total capital raised beyond $22 million, underscoring strong confidence in its mission to modernize the insurance benefits infrastructure. With new authorization from the Central Bank of Ireland, Kota is now positioned to operate as an insurance intermediary across the UK and EEA, significantly expanding its regulatory footprint and signaling its ambition to be a leading infrastructure provider for embedded insurance solutions.

By building an integrated digital platform that streamlines connections between employers, HR and payroll systems, and insurers, Kota tackles long-standing inefficiencies in benefits administration. Focusing on cost reduction, increased transparency, and enhanced user experience, especially for small and mid-sized enterprises, Kota is set to address a persistent gap in employee benefits management. The company’s dedication to expanding carrier integrations and core product capabilities marks a pivotal step toward transforming the fragmented European benefits landscape.

EDITOR’S INSIGHT💭

Shortening Insurtech Deal Cycles in a Volatile Market: Lessons from Recent Market Swings

Every insurtech sales leader knows that volatility isn’t just a Wall Street headline—it’s the backdrop to every deal, every budget conversation, and every risk assessment. In this environment, the old playbook of waiting out uncertainty is obsolete. The most effective teams are rewriting the rules, not just reacting to market swings but using them as leverage.

What’s emerging is a new discipline: value-based selling that speaks directly to the risk calculus of today’s insurance buyers. When budgets are under scrutiny and decision cycles slow, the teams that win are those who quantify outcomes—cost savings, transparency, and employee experience—backed by real data. Consider the traction of dynamic benefit plans like Surest, where employers have seen average savings of 10% on health insurance costs. These aren’t just statistics; they’re proof points that cut through hesitation.

But it’s not just about numbers. The best sales teams are using predictive analytics and precision underwriting to address buyer concerns before they become objections. They’re tailoring solutions—like ICHRAs—to the unique needs of each client, demonstrating flexibility and a deep understanding of operational realities. This consultative approach builds trust, accelerates decisions, and creates lasting partnerships.

In a market where every week brings new uncertainty, the insurtech teams that thrive are those who lead with insight, not just product. They’re not waiting for stability—they’re creating momentum. For sales leaders, the imperative is clear: adapt your approach, leverage data, and make value tangible. That’s how you shorten deal cycles and build resilience, no matter what the market throws your way.

YOUR FEEDBACK MATTERS🗳️