• Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
Sunday, April 2, 2023
  • Login
  • Register
Business Post
E3P Motor Insurance
  • Home
  • Insurance
  • Pension
  • Business Unlimited
  • OIL & ENERGY
  • Feature
  • News
  • Home
  • Insurance
  • Pension
  • Business Unlimited
  • OIL & ENERGY
  • Feature
  • News
No Result
View All Result
Business Post
No Result
View All Result
Home Insurance

Amazon-Backed Indian Insurtech Startup Acko Raises $60m

Nwanne Ikemefune by Nwanne Ikemefune
January 31, 2021
in Insurance
0 0
5
Amazon-Backed Indian Insurtech Startup Acko  Raises $60m
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsApp

A young Indian startup that is taking on the country’s antiquated insurance industry with a digital-first product — and which has already received backing from global giant Amazon  — announced a new financing round.

Bangalore-based Acko said on recently it has raised $60 million in its Series D financing round. Munich Re Ventures, the investment arm of one of the world’s largest reinsurers, led the financing round, while existing investors Amazon, RPS Ventures and Intact Ventures, corporate venture arm of Canada’s largest property and casualty insurer, participated in it.

The new round, which brings Acko’s to-date raise to $200 million, valued the three-year-old startup at about $500 million (up from about $300 million last year), a person familiar with the matter told TechCrunch.

Acko develops and sells bite-sized auto insurance products (aimed at drivers and others in transportation-related scenarios). The startup expanded its catalog six months ago to provide healthcare protections that it sells to businesses and employers. More than 150,000 employees are already covered by Acko’s healthcare protection, the startup said.

Acko founder and chief executive Varun Dua told TechCrunch in an interview that the startup has amassed over 60 million customers and has issued over 650 million policies to date.

Offering a large catalog of bite-sized insurance policies is crucial for firms in India. Only a fraction of the nation’s 1.3 billion people currently have access to insurance and most can’t afford sizeable policies.

According to rating agency ICRA, insurance products had reached less than 3% of the population as of 2017. An average Indian makes about $2,100 a year, according to the World Bank. ICRA estimated that of those Indians who had purchased an insurance product, they were spending less than $50 on it in 2017.

“We’re excited to join forces with one of the leading digital insurers in India, as well as other investment partners, to help support Varun and his impressive team as they continue their journey,” said Oshri Kaplan, director at Munich Re Ventures, in a statement.

“As Munich Re Ventures’ first investment in India, we look forward to the positive impact that digitally native insurance solutions will have on the country with Acko leading the way.”

Acko sells insurance policies directly to customers or through partners such as Amazon, which entered the insurance space in the country earlier this year in collaboration with Acko. (Amazon currently accounts for only a fraction of the insurance Acko sells, people familiar with the matter said.)

Acko’s products have quickly gained popularity in India for three reasons. It does not rely on middlemen, who have proven to slow down innovation for the insurance industry at large, Dua explained. Having direct engagement with a customer allows Acko to offer more competitive and personalized policies, he said.

The second is Acko’s underwriting technology, for which it comb through a range of data points to assess whether someone is eligible for a policy, he said.

Acko has also made it easier for people to access policies and then claim them. As everything is digital, sign-up does not require any paperwork and making a claim is quick, too — factors that keep existing customers happy, Dua said.

Scores of startups and established banks in India have launched products to win this market. Paytm  (India’s most valuable startup) and its co-founder and chief executive, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, announced in July they were acquiring insurance firm Raheja QBE for a sum of $76 million.

Dua, who has spent more than a decade in the insurance business, said he was not worried about the competition as the market is large enough.

The startup plans to use the fresh capital to scale its technology and data teams by at least 30% to 40%, Dua said. It also plans to use a portion of the capital to invest in branding to reach more customers, especially those living in smaller cities and towns in India.

The rest of the money will be used to finance the insurance policies. Unlike several fintech startups in India that work with banking partners to finance loans, current regulatory rules require insurance firms to underwrite risks themselves.

“We would love to be in a position where we always have a strong balance sheet,” Dua said. (Avendus Capital was the financial advisor to Acko for the deal.)

Source: Techcrunch
Previous Post

Image Spin: NAICOM Board & AIICO CSR

Next Post

Oil Prices Slide On Libyan Export Talks, Surging European Virus Cases

Nwanne Ikemefune

Nwanne Ikemefune

Related Posts

Nigeria’s Low Loss Ratio Crashes The Essence Of Insurance – Actuary Expert
Insurance

Nigeria’s Low Loss Ratio Crashes The Essence Of Insurance – Actuary Expert

March 29, 2023
Global Insured Natural Catastrophes Losses Hit US$100bn
Insurance

Global Insured Natural Catastrophes Losses Hit US$100bn

March 27, 2023
Insurance

Invest In Speaking Customers Language Not Yours, Insurance Industry Charged

March 26, 2023
Next Post
Oil Prices Slide On Libyan Export Talks, Surging European Virus Cases

Oil Prices Slide On Libyan Export Talks, Surging European Virus Cases

Comments 5

  1. Jeniffer says:
    2 months ago

    Yesterday, while I was at work, my cousin stole my iPad and tested to see if it can survive a twenty five foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now destroyed and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!|

    Reply
  2. Jacquelyne says:
    2 months ago

    My spouse and I absolutely love your blog and find the majority of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content in your case? I wouldn’t mind composing a post or elaborating on a few of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome website!|

    Reply
  3. Willie says:
    2 months ago

    This is very fascinating, You’re a very professional blogger. I’ve joined your rss feed and look forward to in search of more of your magnificent post. Also, I’ve shared your site in my social networks|

    Reply
  4. Tyler says:
    2 months ago

    Now I am going away to do my breakfast, once having my breakfast coming yet again to read more news.|

    Reply
  5. Babara says:
    1 month ago

    It’s truly very complex in this active life to listen news on Television, therefore I simply use the web for that purpose, and get the latest news.|

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

NEM INSURANCE NEM INSURANCE NEM INSURANCE
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
ILAN Picture

Loss Adjusters Receive Charge To Match Speed Of New Developments

July 30, 2022
Custodian Investment To Acquire 51% Stake In UACN Property

Penetration: Operators Call For Insurance-In-Action

November 2, 2022
tope smart NIA former chairman

Insurance Milestone: A Beacon To Follow

April 3, 2022
ncrib logo

NCRIB And Universal In Pictures

August 23, 2020
Reinsurance Rates May Increase Into 2022, But Momentum To Wane: Fitch

Reinsurance Rates May Increase Into 2022, But Momentum To Wane: Fitch

April 13, 2021
Linkage Assurance Aligns With Brokers For Growth

Linkage Assurance Aligns With Brokers For Growth

December 6, 2021
Preferred PenCom Logo

PenCom Board Crafted To Hedge Setback

February 1, 2021
NCRIB Sets The Stage For Adaramola’s Tenure

NCRIB Sets The Stage For Adaramola’s Tenure

March 18, 2021
PenCom Approves Mrs Okwuosa New Access Pension Fund Custodian MD

PenCom Board Back-To-Work Pass, Gets Tick Over

February 1, 2021
PTAD Wipes 21,227 Parastatals Pensioners From Payroll

PTAD Wipes 21,227 Parastatals Pensioners From Payroll

January 31, 2021
How Strong Is The Reinsurance Sector Going Into 2021?

How Strong Is The Reinsurance Sector Going Into 2021?

7832
Scib CEO Tinubu

Professionals Want Value Dimension Added To Enhance Compulsory Insurance

7015
Allianz Claims Survey Shows Changing Claims Patterns

Internal Failures, Major Cause Of Cyber Claims

5633
PenCom Approves Mrs Okwuosa New Access Pension Fund Custodian MD

PenCom Board Back-To-Work Pass, Gets Tick Over

2717
Anchor MD Loses Father

Anchor MD Loses Father

1912
As Nat Cat Losses Mount A Resilience Mindset Matters More Than Ever

As Nat Cat Losses Mount A Resilience Mindset Matters More Than Ever

1683
NIID: Dare Project To Take back Motor Policy From Touts Still Surging Despite Odds

NIID: Dare Project To Take back Motor Policy From Touts Still Surging Despite Odds

1141
Leadway Assurance Leads With ISO/IEC Re-certification

Leadway Assurance Leads With ISO/IEC Re-certification

1051
PenCom Trigger Lifts Transfer System Off The Starting Block With Split Responsibilities

Pension Funds Encounter First Waterfall

633
National Assembly Principal Officers Set To Strip Staff Of CPS Without Consent

PenOp Rails Against National Assembly Secret Bill To Exempt Own Workers From CPS

446
Preferred PenCom Logo

Despite PenCom Broad Engagements, Micro Pension Keeps Steady With Micro Steps

March 31, 2023
Nigeria’s Low Loss Ratio Crashes The Essence Of Insurance – Actuary Expert

Nigeria’s Low Loss Ratio Crashes The Essence Of Insurance – Actuary Expert

March 29, 2023
Fitness Enthusiasm, NEM Insurance Spins Wellness In The Public Space

Fitness Enthusiasm, NEM Insurance Spins Wellness In The Public Space

March 27, 2023
Global Insured Natural Catastrophes Losses Hit US$100bn

Global Insured Natural Catastrophes Losses Hit US$100bn

March 27, 2023

Invest In Speaking Customers Language Not Yours, Insurance Industry Charged

March 26, 2023
NAICOM Head office

Insurers Claims Obligation Increases By 18% In Q4 2022, N244.3bn Paid

March 26, 2023
NAICOM Regulation Stirs Clear Of Wild Spin Focuses On Mid-Point With Policyholders And Operators

Nigeria’s Insurance Industry Gross Premium Muscle Lifts N776.2bn To Closs 2022

March 23, 2023
Image Spin: Diipo Olarenwaju Says Blockers Of Loss Adjusters Vital Role Will Be Challenged

Image Spin: Diipo Olarenwaju Says Blockers Of Loss Adjusters Vital Role Will Be Challenged

March 23, 2023
Tax Administrators Charged To Match The Pace Of Global Technological Advancements

Tax Administrators Charged To Match The Pace Of Global Technological Advancements

March 21, 2023
Ojumah’ Exploits Earn Induction Into Sanlam Pan Africa Council Of Elders

Ojumah’ Exploits Earn Induction Into Sanlam Pan Africa Council Of Elders

March 20, 2023

Recent News

Preferred PenCom Logo

Despite PenCom Broad Engagements, Micro Pension Keeps Steady With Micro Steps

March 31, 2023
Nigeria’s Low Loss Ratio Crashes The Essence Of Insurance – Actuary Expert

Nigeria’s Low Loss Ratio Crashes The Essence Of Insurance – Actuary Expert

March 29, 2023
Fitness Enthusiasm, NEM Insurance Spins Wellness In The Public Space

Fitness Enthusiasm, NEM Insurance Spins Wellness In The Public Space

March 27, 2023
Global Insured Natural Catastrophes Losses Hit US$100bn

Global Insured Natural Catastrophes Losses Hit US$100bn

March 27, 2023

Invest In Speaking Customers Language Not Yours, Insurance Industry Charged

March 26, 2023
NAICOM Head office

Insurers Claims Obligation Increases By 18% In Q4 2022, N244.3bn Paid

March 26, 2023
NAICOM Regulation Stirs Clear Of Wild Spin Focuses On Mid-Point With Policyholders And Operators

Nigeria’s Insurance Industry Gross Premium Muscle Lifts N776.2bn To Closs 2022

March 23, 2023
Image Spin: Diipo Olarenwaju Says Blockers Of Loss Adjusters Vital Role Will Be Challenged

Image Spin: Diipo Olarenwaju Says Blockers Of Loss Adjusters Vital Role Will Be Challenged

March 23, 2023
Tax Administrators Charged To Match The Pace Of Global Technological Advancements

Tax Administrators Charged To Match The Pace Of Global Technological Advancements

March 21, 2023
Ojumah’ Exploits Earn Induction Into Sanlam Pan Africa Council Of Elders

Ojumah’ Exploits Earn Induction Into Sanlam Pan Africa Council Of Elders

March 20, 2023

FIRS Feast Of MoU Snaps UK Counterpart

March 18, 2023
Guinea Insurance Sets For Return To Profit Turf

Guinea Insurance Sets For Return To Profit Turf

March 18, 2023
Image Spin: Farewell For Omolola Adekunle Bankole

Image Spin: Farewell For Omolola Adekunle Bankole

March 17, 2023
Seplat Energy Says Allegations Against CEO, Board Untrue, Misleading

Seplat Energy Says Allegations Against CEO, Board Untrue, Misleading

March 16, 2023
Business Post

We connect brands with buyers and sellers of insurance, pension and also project insurance and allied Businesses to the trending generation. We help the various public to adapt to the constant changes as it would impact, and also enable advertisers to connect, engage and target opportunities on line , in print and in person.

Browse by Category

  • Business Unlimited
  • Feature
  • Insurance
  • News
  • OIL & ENERGY
  • Pension
  • Travel

Recent News

Preferred PenCom Logo

Despite PenCom Broad Engagements, Micro Pension Keeps Steady With Micro Steps

March 31, 2023
Nigeria’s Low Loss Ratio Crashes The Essence Of Insurance – Actuary Expert

Nigeria’s Low Loss Ratio Crashes The Essence Of Insurance – Actuary Expert

March 29, 2023
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy
  • Contact

© 2023 BusinessPost

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Insurance
  • Business Unlimited
  • OIL & ENERGY
  • Feature
  • News
  • Contact Us
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2023 BusinessPost

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms bellow to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In