Unlock global growth
They say the road to success is not a straight line. We say, some routes are more direct than others.
If your start-up’s mission is about increasing operational efficiency, reducing downtime or giving a real-time view of what's happening on the ground, let’s talk.
Howden Ventures gives you everything you need to accelerate your growth journey, on a global scale.
We’re keen to seed fund, incubate and accelerate start-ups working on:
- Industrial IoT and sensors
- Industrial automation
- Predictive maintenance
- Machine learning
- Control systems
We love:
- Founders obsessed with solving client problems through data
- Smart technology that provides the clearest possible picture of risk - to clients and insurers alike
Howden Ventures is different because we help you gain momentum, fast. Removing all barriers to entry, we'll solve many of your biggest challenges in one fell swoop.
Are you experiencing these problems?
Lack of capital to get your idea off the ground
Failing to get the required buy-in from insurers
Issues with regulation and licensing
Struggles motivating brokers to recommend your product
Clients not always seeing the value of a 'nice to have' product
Howden Ventures is a start-up incubator with a difference
VC funding from an engaged, useful partner
Instant distribution relationships
Underwriting authority from seven leading global insurers
Faster times to market and sustainable revenue
Large scale regulatory sandbox
Demonstrable success of building and scaling risk tech
Current portfolio
Meet the companies already in the Howden Ventures portfolio.
CetoAi
CetoAI is an innovative software company that provides powerful predictive analytics to the maritime industry. Combining high frequency data, engineering expertise and artificial intelligence, they reduce machinery breakdowns, cut carbon emissions and manage operational risk.
Rosetta Risk Management (RRM)
RRM is a SaaS platform that aggregates construction risk performance data for insurers, brokers, contractors, developers and lenders. It digitally collates data on project performance such as time, budget, regulatory reporting and carbon emissions.
It then develops underwriting algorithms to create services that help manage risks - which increases the insurability of Modern Methods of Construction.
Our investment criteria
- Pre-seed or seed stage of funding
- B2B start-ups targeting asset intensive businesses who buy specialty insurance, for example in energy, construction, transportation, logistics and climate risk industries
- Strong founding team with domain expertise or data insights that solve client problems
- Using data and technology to monitor, assess and manage risks
- Based in the UK, USA or EEA territories
We are not currently looking to work with start-ups focused on cyber or credit risks, or long tail liability.
Meet the Team
Tom Hoad
Tom Hoad
Head of Howden Ventures
Tom has nearly 20 years’ experience in insurance. He started his career advising multinational banks and infrastructure funds on the insurance and risk management aspects of Project Finance and M&A, all while completing his Master's in Insurance and Risk Management at Bayes Business School, which he achieved with Distinction.
Since 2011 Tom has designed and launched dozens of new insurance products to market that span technology, climate, intangibles and parametric solutions, in addition to playing a key role in various start-up investments. Tom also formed and initially chaired the Lloyd’s Product Innovation Facility, now the Lloyd’s Launchpad, and is committed to the development of innovation at Lloyd’s.
Luke Hakes
Luke Hakes
Partner
Luke holds, BSc MSc, and PhD. After starting his career as a scientist, he moved into management and technology consulting in the insurance and investment banking space. In 2009 Luke joined Octopus Group, helping to start and subsequently grow Octopus Ventures, expanding it from a team of four and £15m in Assets Under Management, to over 90 people overseeing £1.5bn AUM.
Over 13 years, Luke participated in investments in over 100 companies and was personally involved in a number of very successful acquisitions and IPOs. Luke now co-leads Howden Ventures, investing in and building the next generation of augmented underwriting companies.
Acacia Taylor
Acacia Taylor
Senior Associate
Acacia holds a Master’s in Finance from the London Business School. After beginning her career as a data analyst and actuary in the reinsurance industry, she moved into investment banking, specialising in insurance M&A. At Howden Ventures, she plays a pivotal role in evaluating the commercial viability of early-stage startups.
As a Senior Associate, Acacia applies her expertise in risk management, financial modelling and industry dynamics to lead investment due diligence and support capital allocation. Acacia works closely with founders to assess the financial and operational feasibility of potential investments, evaluate market positioning, and help them execute their go-to-market strategies.
Ed Kneale
Ed Kneale
Senior Associate
Ed is a Senior Associate at Howden Ventures, with over 10 years of experience in underwriting and product development at AIG, followed by commercial roles at a Series A startup. As our go-to problem solver, he works across both our investment and insurance functions, from shaping origination strategies to helping our investments navigate their path to market.
Charlie Coker
Charlie Coker
Analyst
Charlie holds an MSc in Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment from University College London. With experience as a Junior Credit and Political Risk Underwriter at a Lloyd’s Syndicate, and at a VC fund, Charlie brings a unique combination of insurance expertise and venture capital insight.
At Howden Ventures he is responsible for researching emerging trends in tech and insurance, while sourcing and securing deal flow to help identify the next big opportunity in the specialty market.
Ben Murphy
Ben Murphy
Associate
After developing broad insurance expertise through a rotational insurance graduate scheme, Ben gained extensive experience as a Property Class Underwriter at a leading Lloyd’s of London Syndicate.
Now, as an Associate at Howden Ventures, he acts as the primary point of contact for the Howden Ventures Broking Committee and oversees all matters related to the Incubation Binder, ensuring everything runs smoothly across capacity management and underwriting operations. Ben holds an MSc in Psychology of Economic Life from the London School of Economics, where he graduated as valedictorian.
Georgianna Lucy
Georgianna Lucy
Analyst
After eight years of experience as a PA, first in a law firm before transitioning into insurance, Georgianna focuses on ensuring the team has the right processes in place, and that all operations run smoothly and efficiently.
In her role, she manages schedules and oversees various tasks, making sure gaps are spotted and issues are solved before they slow things down.
Tanya Pellegrini
Tanya Pellegrini
Analyst
With a degree in Media and Communication from the University of Leicester, Tanya worked as a journalist and TV reporter, before specialising in Digital PR and brand marketing.
At Howden Ventures, she collaborates with internal and external teams to build and execute a communication strategy that supports the team’s efforts. She also ensures portfolio companies are equipped with the right tools to communicate effectively and drive sales and growth.
Not sure about the 'insurance route'?
How the incubator works
There are four things every insurance company needs.
- Capital – without capital, the insurer has no ‘capacity’ to pay claims
- Regulatory approval – all insurance companies must be licenced to issue policies
- Customers – the revenue model depends on people and businesses paying premiums
- Data – the insurer needs data to price premiums competitively and profitably.
The insurance industry has always relied on data. But the rapid expansion of real-time analytics, AI, and alternative data sources is reshaping risk assessment and underwriting.
This has led to an increase in what is known as the MGA model, where an insurer looks to deploy its capacity via third party MGAs or managing general agents. This helps insurers access customers in specialist niches without needing to scale teams in-house.
The MGA itself decides which clients to insure, and on what terms (subject to agreed limits, of course).
The MGAs that thrive are those with superior data models and insight into their niche. They can serve clients better, saving them money on premiums and reducing the amount of claims. Those with the best technology can carve out a huge competitive advantage.
By following the MGA model, your business can offer insurance products alongside your SaaS risk management tools.
Why would I want to do that?
As well as the opportunity to differentiate in a crowded market, you will generate revenue faster than traditional SaaS models. With stronger margins and high customer lifetime values, as high retention rates are the norm.
We can greatly reduce customer acquisition costs (CAC), too. As one of the world’s largest insurance intermediaries, we work daily with a vast network of brokers, underwriters, mid-market and enterprise level clients.
By partnering with Howden Ventures to form an MGA, you can leverage our network as your sales force, and benefit from all of our connections. As well as accelerating the commercialisation of your data products, you'll also earn a significant percentage of the insurance premium.
You'll benefit from an experienced partner to help you navigate the insurance industry, supporting you day-to-day and empowering you to succeed.
We take away any issues with regulation, distribution and day-to-day business administration. As a globally successful business in our own right, we have everything you need already in place.
You bring the data expertise, we'll bring whatever else you need. Together, we can change how entire categories of insurance operate.
