Shows
Scouting for GrowthAlon Kaufman: Unlocking the Future of Privacy Preserving Data CollaborationOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Alon Kaufman, CEO and Co-Founder of Duality Technologies, a company that is revolutionising the way organisations collaborate on data while preserving privacy and security. During today’s conversation, we’ll explore the vision behind Duality Technologies, the real-world problems it is solving, and how organisations can future-proof themselves against risks by adopting privacy-preserving technologies. We’ll also dive into Alon’s inspiring journey as a technology leader and his perspective on the ethical and strategic aspects of data collaboration in the age of AI and Big...2025-05-0847 min
Scouting for GrowthSara Simeone: NoCodeLab Vibe Coding or Launching AI Startups with No-CodeOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Sara Simeone, an award-winning entrepreneur behind NoCodeLab.ai, the First Vibe Coding Launchpad that helps non-technical dreamers ship AI-powered products in just five weeks—no keyboard sorcery required. Whether you’re a Gen Z founder sketching ideas on a dorm whiteboard, an investor scouting the next scalable platform, or a corporate leader hunting for fresh growth engines, Sara’s story is your front-row seat to how Vibe Coding is about to change the way we build. KEY TAKEAWAYS Vibe coding is define...2025-05-011h 04
Scouting for GrowthIvan and Olha Pylypchuk: Unlocking the Power of Agentic AIOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Ivan Pylypchuk, the CEO of Softblues, and Olha Pylypchuk, the company’s COO. In today’s discussion, we’ll explore: What Agentic AI is and why it’s poised to disrupt traditional business processes, how Ivan and Olha are leveraging multi-agent systems to solve domain-specific challenges and deliver business transformation, and the future of AI agents and their role in shaping the workplace of tomorrow. KEY TAKEAWAYS If you talk about traditional AI systems, they can handle one simple, specific task, such as...2025-04-2453 min
Scouting for GrowthLisa Bechtold: From AI Governance to AI TransformationOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Lisa Bechtold, global executive and strategic leader in technology and law who currently serves at the head of AI governance from a transformative viewpoint at Zurich Insurance Group. In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities of the current AI transformation, what it takes to drive innovation in insurance while minimizing potential risks about AI, the role of digital trust and sustainability in leveraging AI for long-term growth, and how leaders can prepare their teams for the digital transformation ahead of us. 2025-04-1030 min
Scouting for GrowthEmmanuel Djengue: Driving Tech Innovation & Sustainable GrowthOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Emmanuel Djengue, a dynamic professional whose passion for technology and user-focused innovation has shaped his remarkable career path. From leading tech initiatives to connecting diverse people and ideas, Emmanuel exemplifies the very spirit of relentless curiosity and strategic thinking that we celebrate on this show. We’ll be delving into his personal journey, uncovering how he transforms ambition into concrete impact, and discussing the role collaboration and how talent can play a crucial role in fostering exponential growth as the world goes through a wo...2025-03-2053 min
Scouting for GrowthAnna Bojic: Disrupting Customer Engagement with Digital Wallet TechnologyOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Anna Bojic, founder and CEO of Miss Moneypenny Technologies which is on a mission to transform wallet apps into dynamic, customer-focussed engagement tools. On this episode Anna will share how her artistic roots inspired her approach to scaling Miss Moneypenny Technologies, especially in collaboration with leading insurance brands and more, as well as why digital wallets have become transformative assets for businesses looking to modernise their communication, streamline processes and deliver exceptional customer experiences. KEY TAKEAWAYS My co-founder and I have...2025-03-1359 min
Scouting for GrowthDanilo Raponi: Driving Insurance Innovation & Sustainability at Generali (Driving Insurance Innovation & Sustainability)On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Danilo Raponi about the trends and topics from this year’s ITC London event including AI, sustainability, new startups, and why InsurTech isn’t dead. KEY TAKEAWAYS Climate is the biggest risk along with misinformation with generative AI because the misuse of that can amplify the spread of misinformation, which is affecting a lot of economies and democracies. Partnerships are essential though it’s not always super easy especially when we’re talking about public/private partnerships. There has to be an awareness on both sides tha...2025-03-0646 min
Scouting for GrowthJohn Hewitt: How CEOs Building Their EmpireOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to John Hewitt, a true pioneer in the tax preparation and financial services industry, having founded and scaled two companies to over $500 million in value - Jackson Hewitt Tax Service and Liberty Tax Service. Throughout his illustrious career spanning 55 years, John has always kept sight of his driving purpose – to change lives. He takes pride in having a monumental positive impact on franchisees, employees, and customers. We'll be exploring his strategies for scaling successful empires, overcoming barriers, financing growth models, and more. KEY TA...2025-02-2744 min
Scouting for GrowthScott Gunther: Corporate Venture Capital, the Venture Client Model, and Driving Innovation in 2025On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Scott Gunther, who is not only a corporate venture capitalist and start-up enthusiast—he’s also the secret ingredient that helps big businesses think like nimble innovators! In this episode, we’ll hear how Scott’s unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution has set him apart in both blue-chip boardrooms and early-stage tech circles. We’ll dive into the venture client model, explore the evolving CVC (Corporate Venture Capital) landscape through the lens of 2025, and uncover the do’s and don’ts for insurance...2025-02-1338 min
Scouting for GrowthStaci Gray: Empowering Entrepreneurs to Scale Their Businesses Through People, Processes, and Personal Transformation!On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Staci Gray, Founder and CEO of Organize To Scale, whose journey is nothing short of inspirational. Imagine graduating high school at 16, diving headfirst into the entrepreneurial world, and buying your first property at 18. When her mother was diagnosed with stage four cancer, Staci leaped into action. Taking the reins of her family businesses, she transformed overwhelming challenges into streamlined successes. In just 36 months, Staci helped launch 36 syndication businesses that collectively raised over $300 million. Today, we'll dive into Staci's unique approach to scaling busi...2025-02-0647 min
Scouting for GrowthState of the Nation in Insurance VenturingOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to a panel of global experts to explore the bold new frontiers shaping insurance technology in 2025 and beyond, including microinsurance in Africa, digital disruption in Latin America, the evolving tech scene in the US, Asia, Europe and the UK. KEY TAKEAWAYS AI cannot just be something we add on top of existing infrastructure, there needs to be some re-work to integrate it into existing infrastructure. Foundation for AI scalability and security (not as a bolt-on) will be a big trend. The second thing is...2025-01-301h 05
Scouting for GrowthCarolina Klint: Unveiling Key 2025 WEF Risk InsightsOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Carolina Klint, Managing Director and chief commercial officer for Continental Europe at Marsh McLennan, who shares her views on the latest WEF report and its implications for businesses and insurers worldwide. KEY TAKEAWAYS My goal with speaking about and promoting the Report is where the topics of risk and resilience belong, which is on the agenda of world leaders, decision makers, executives, board members. The business world is so complex and difficult to navigate and we have an environment now where risks are...2025-01-2344 min
Scouting for GrowthMichael Lingelbach: Inside Hedra’s Agentic AI Revolution—Why Long-Form Video Is the Next Big ThingOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Michael Lingelbach, CEO and co-founder of Hedra—a company that specializes in long-form generative video and agentic AI solutions. In just over a year, Michael and his team have seen explosive growth and raised backing from leading tech investors, including Index Ventures and Andreessen Horowitz. From marketing and social media campaigns to corporate training videos, Hedra’s technology is revolutionizing how we produce immersive, human-like content at scale. Michael and I discuss the power of agentic AI, the ethical dimensions of automated digital creation, and...2025-01-1640 min
Scouting for GrowthDenise Garth: Key Trends and Strategies for 2025 Shaping The Future of InsuranceOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Denise Garth, a globally recognized InsurTech thought leader and Chief Strategy Officer at Majesco. In our talk today, we dive into the top trends shaping insurance and InsurTech as we head toward 2025—from next-gen technology enablers to constantly evolving customer expectations. Denise will share her insights on where the industry is headed, how to stay ahead, and why a collaborative mindset is crucial. KEY TAKEAWAYS What was happening in the resilience market in 2024, from both economic and risk standpoints, has ha...2025-01-091h 03
Scouting for GrowthTop 2025 Technology Trends That You Need To Know On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks about the technology trends shaping the future of insurance and finance in 2025, the big shifts, from AI wizardry to climate tech disruptors, that are revolutionizing how we manage risk, measure reward, and generally conduct business in these fast-changing industries. KEY TAKEAWAYS AI in insurance alone is predicted to jump from just over $8 billion in 2024 to potentially over $140 billion in 2034. With generative AI tools creating on-the-fly risk assessments and personalized product recommendations, the old “one-size-fits-all” insurance model is heading out the door. Soon...2025-01-0419 min
Scouting for GrowthZaid Ammari: From Banking to Becoming a Digital PPC PioneerOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Zaid Ammari. What sets Zaid apart is his ability to transform complex data into actionable insights, empowering businesses to make smarter marketing decisions. His mantra, 'work smarter, not harder,' is reflected in his approach to managing PPC campaigns and optimising SEO strategies. In today's episode, Zaid will share his insights on how businesses can leverage paid media, navigate recent changes in Google's SEO and Ads platform, and utilise data for maximum impact. KEY TAKEAWAYS While I was working in...2024-12-2658 min
Scouting for GrowthPaul Austin: How Psychedelics and Microdosing Are Revolutionising BusinessOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Paul Austin, a pioneer in the world of psychedelics and a leading voice in leveraging these substances for intentional personal growth and enhanced leadership. Today, Paul joins us to delve into how psychedelics are revolutionizing personal transformation and professional success. We'll explore how these tools can be harnessed to navigate the complexities of leadership, spur innovation, and drive growth in both personal and entrepreneurial realms. We will delve into the implications for insurers and pharmaceutical companies. KEY TAKEAWAYS I grew...2024-12-1957 min
Scouting for GrowthBeate Chelette: Scaling Secrets from The Growth ArchitectOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Beate Chelette, known as the Growth Architect, about her journey from being a broke single mom immigrant with $135,000 in debt to selling her business to Bill Gates for millions. In this episode, Beate shares her hard-won wisdom on what it really takes to pressure-test your idea, build a solid foundation, and scale your business sustainably. She reveals the most common pitfalls she sees founders making at each stage and how to avoid them. KEY TAKEAWAYS I trained to be a...2024-12-1256 min
Scouting for GrowthMarinela Profi: Harnessing Generative AI for Competitive AdvantageOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Marinela Profi, a leading expert in AI and the Global AI and Generative AI Marketing Strategy Lead at SAS. Marinela has a wealth of experience at the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence, and strategic marketing. At SAS, she has been instrumental in crafting global marketing strategies for cutting-edge AI solutions, helping organizations worldwide leverage AI to drive innovation, enhance productivity, and achieve operational efficiencies. Today, Marinela will share insights from the recent SAS Generative AI Global Research Report, and we will...2024-12-051h 01
Scouting for GrowthAdrian Mendoza: Breaking Barriers in Venture Capital by Championing Diversity in FinTech, AI, and CybersecurityOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Adrian Mendoza, founder and general partner of Mendoza Ventures, whose inspirational journey sees him go from first generation Mexican-American who turned a successful tech-exit into a platform for empowering others. He’s a living embodiment of the power of perseverance and vision. On this episode, Adrian shares his insights on everything from pitfalls to how to deal with corporate life, and building corporate innovation lab to the art of securing strategic investments. KEY TAKEAWAYS It was very rare to find an...2024-11-2857 min
Scouting for GrowthMarcy Axelrod: Deciding On How We Choose To Show UpOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Marcy Axelrod, a bestselling and award-winning author, TV contributor, two-time TEDx speaker, and renowned management consultant. Her latest book, "How We Choose to Show Up," has recently been honoured with the prestigious Hayakawa Book Prize. In today's conversation, we'll dive deep into the concepts from her book: The idea of "Showing Up"—the invisible system connecting us to our society, our situations, ourselves, and each other, how understanding and embracing the way we choose to show up can lead to a happier, more effective, an...2024-11-2154 min
Scouting for GrowthTheo Lau: Unlocking Fintech Innovation and InclusivityOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Theodora (Theo) Lau, the founder of Unconventional Ventures, where she spearheads efforts to create an ecosystem that brings financial institutions, startups, and venture capitalists to meet the diverse needs of consumers, particularly older adults and gig economy workers. In today's conversation, we'll delve into the evolving landscape of fintech, exploring the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Theo will share her insights on fostering corporate-startup collaborations, now called Venture Clienting, leveraging technology for social good, and building a more inclusive financial ecosystem. We'll also...2024-11-1434 min
Scouting for GrowthIan Chamandy: Defining Your Unique Purpose in 7 WordsOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Ian Chamandy a truly inspiring guest who has mastered the art of helping businesses and individuals unlock their unique potential. In today's conversation, we'll explore: The importance of a clear and concise purpose statement for startups seeking investment and corporate clients. How to uncover and articulate the unique value proposition that sets your business apart in a crowded market. The role of storytelling in attracting investors and fostering strong client relationships. Practical steps startups can take to a...2024-11-0748 min
Scouting for GrowthDawn Herndon: The Embeddable AI RevolutionOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Dawn Herndon, a visionary leader at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation. With a profound passion for technology and its transformative impact on society, Dawn is spearheading IBM's efforts in embeddable AI and the groundbreaking watsonx platform. Her work is revolutionizing how organizations across industries integrate AI into their products and services, enabling real-time data processing, decision-making, and automation directly within applications and devices. Dawn will share her insights on the challenges and opportunities organizations face when integrating AI, the importance of trustworthy and r...2024-10-3147 min
Scouting for GrowthOla Jacob: Demystifying Parametric InsuranceOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Ola Jacob, Business Development Director for the UK & Ireland at Descartes Underwriting, a specialist Parametric Insurance MGA and Insurer. On today's episode, Ola will provide an educational deep dive into the world of parametric insurance. He'll explain what parametric insurance is, how it differs from traditional insurance, and why it is gaining traction as a data-driven solution to cover risks like natural catastrophes. Ola will share real-world examples of how parametric insurance has provided significant value to corporate clients and industries adopting t...2024-10-2449 min
Scouting for GrowthBarbara Maheshwari: Scaling Success with the Remote Work RevolutionOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Barbara Maheshwari, CEO and co-founder of Remote Bob, a game-changing virtual assistance hub that's redefining how entrepreneurs and businesses operate in our increasingly fast-moving digital world. Barbara is not just a successful founder; she's a go-to-market consultant, a sought-after speaker, and a startup scout for ABC Accelerator. With her finger on the pulse of the future of work, Barbara has helped countless businesses navigate the complexities of remote staff augmentation and achieve remarkable growth. Today, we'll be diving deep into Barbara's expertise, exploring the...2024-10-1746 min
Scouting for GrowthSri Ramaswamy: The Visionary Behind AI Decision Driven Claims LitigationOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Sri Ramaswamy, the founder and CEO of Charlee.ai, with a career spanning over 22 years in advanced analytics and artificial intelligence, Sri has emerged as a formidable leader in the insurance technology landscape. But Sri's story goes beyond her professional accomplishments. As a thought leader and mentor in the InsurTech community, she is breaking barriers in our traditionally male-dominated industry, championing diversity, and inspiring the next generation of female entrepreneurs. Join us as we delve into Sri's remarkable journey, exploring the challenges s...2024-10-101h 05
Scouting for GrowthAmrit Santhirasenan: Delivering Dynamic Pricing Decision IntelligenceOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Amrit Santhirasenan, Co-founder and CEO of hyperexponential (hx). With a unique blend of actuarial expertise and software engineering, Amrit has spent over a decade in the Lloyd’s of London market, shaping the future of insurance analytics. We'll delve into the world of insurance pricing for complex risk decisions and explore the transformative potential of decision intelligence. Amrit will share insights on how hx Renew is revolutionising how pricing models are built and deployed, offering an unparalleled user experience. KEY TAK...2024-10-0336 min
Scouting for GrowthMagda Ramada: From Blockchain to Revolutionising Insurance with the Right TechOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Magda Ramada, Senior Director and InsurTech Innovation Leader at WTW's Insurance Consulting and Technology, where she spearheads the company's engagement with InsurTech startups and blockchain initiatives worldwide. With over two decades of experience, she has become a prominent voice in digital transformation, advanced analytics, and emerging risks within the insurance industry. Today, we'll be exploring Magdalena's journey in InsurTech, her views on the challenges and opportunities in the industry, and her vision for the future of insurance technology. KEY TAKEAWAYS I...2024-09-1252 min
Scouting for GrowthRichard Gunn: On Hyperexponential… The Pricing Nerds!On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Richard Gunn, Chief Revenue Officer at hyperexponential, who is at the forefront of revolutionising the insurance industry through advanced pricing decision intelligence and driving the adoption of hx Renew, a cutting-edge Pricing Decision Intelligence platform designed specifically for commercial insurers in Europe and beyond. On this episode we'll explore how hyperexponential is changing the pricing paradigm for insurers, the importance of advanced pricing decision intelligence in today's rapidly evolving market, and Richard's vision for the future of the insurance industry. KEY TAKEAWAYS 2024-08-1543 min
Scouting for GrowthSean Languedoc: Outsourcing 2.0 to Access a Global Talent Pool (Outsourcing 2.0)On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Sean Languedoc, a seasoned tech entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building & scaling companies across borders. Sean shares the lessons he learned from scaling five companies, how Outforce.ai is transforming outsourcing, when startups should consider leveraging external teams, and his thoughts on how emerging technologies like generative AI or quantum computing are accelerating development cycles. He also offers advice for non-technical founders looking to build MVPs in a capital-efficient way. KEY TAKEAWAYS Each business started not because of a technology that I w...2024-08-0152 min
Scouting for GrowthEdward Brawer: Revolutionising Content Creation With AI-Powered PodcastingOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Edward Brawer, co-founder and CEO of PodcastAI, a groundbreaking SaaS platform that's revolutionising the podcasting industry. In this episode, we'll explore: Edward's entrepreneurial journey and the origin of PodcastAI, how AI is transforming the podcasting landscape, the future of content creation and distribution in the digital age, strategies for entrepreneurs looking to leverage podcasting for growth, & the challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving podcasting market. KEY TAKEAWAYS Our previous startup was with a video platform, we looked at what we...2024-07-2546 min
Scouting for GrowthBessem Ayari: Scaling up with Ergo ScaleHub ProgramOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Bessem Ayari, Head of Innovation Strategy & Scouting at ERGO Group AG, where he leads transformative initiatives that shape the future of the insurance industry. With a dynamic career dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration, Bessem is a pivotal force in the InsurTech landscape. Bessem shares insights on how the Ergo ScaleHub is redefining the innovation ecosystem & helping bold entrepreneurs scale new heights in the insurance sector. KEY TAKEAWAYS In these times of rapid change & digital transformation, the insurance industry is compared to any other industry, everyone expects the same service & speed as Amazon, Netflix, etc. That’s what drive...2024-07-1150 min
Scouting for GrowthNick Pester: Mastering The Art of Scaling Legal Strategies for ExpansionOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Nick Pester, founder of Beyond Legal, who is on a mission to revolutionise the way startups access legal support. But Nick's impact goes far beyond just providing legal advice. Throughout his career, Nick has been a trusted mentor and advisor to countless early-stage businesses. From navigating the challenges of international expansion to securing major funding rounds, he has been in the trenches with founders, helping them scale their ventures to new heights. KEY TAKEAWAYS You have to balance the need of...2024-06-2751 min
Scouting for GrowthOliver Wyman Series: Steve Abel – Unlocking Legacy & Transforming Tech in InsuranceOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Steve Abel, Partner at Oliver Wyman. In this episode, they dive into the challenges & solutions related to legacy debt & system modernization for incumbent insurers. KEY TAKEAWAYS A few decades ago there weren’t the number or complexities of systems in the insurance landscape. Generally, there was 1 or several admin systems which did everything. The cost & complexity of IT was relatively low compared to now. The proliferation of systems that solve business problems, the complexity of those systems has increased exponentially in part because of...2024-05-0941 min
Scouting for GrowthOliver Wyman Series: Unlocking Value by Leveraging Commoditised TechOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL introduces the a series of podcasts featuring Steve Abel, Partner at Oliver Wyman, Brian McDermott, Chief Technology Officer at Victor Insurance and Esther Becker, Partner and Captive Actuarial Leader at Oliver Wyman. The objectives of the following four episodes are to: create an all rounded viewpoint of what is happening in insurance demonstrate how an insurance managing general agent has grown its business to over 3 billion dollars in Direct Written Premiums (DWP) and how the world of captive insurance is evolving when emerging risks are s...2024-05-0219 min
Scouting for GrowthRomaney O’Malley: Disrupting Financial Strategy in InsurTechOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Romaney O’Malley, Group CTO at bolttech, an InsurTech unicorn that is quite literally electrifying the InsurTech space now spearheading solutions in 35 markets across three continents. In today’s episode, we explore a multitude of topics, including: The Journey to the Top: What were the critical turning points in Romaney's impressive career? Master Strategist: How does Romany approach challenging strategic decisions at bolttech? Industry Titans: What's the inner fabric of companies like Bolltech also traditional companies such as AIG, Swiss Re, and GE Insurance? 2024-04-2353 min
Scouting for GrowthAnika Jackson: Amplifying Your Brand PowerOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Anika Jackson who wears many hats with enviable finesse. Currently, Anika is professor, a VP of operations for Full Capacity Marketing, a full-service agency dedicated to uplifting workforce development and educational institutions. Today, Anika will share with us her insights about growth, drawing from her multi-faceted experiences and achievements. KEY TAKEAWAYS Everything changes every day with digital. AI has been around for 20 years, but only last year its popularity rose for everyone to understand what the technology is & start utilising it for marke...2024-04-1846 min
Scouting for GrowthNicky Billou: Elon Musk-Style Thought Leadership Strategies for CEOsOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Nicky Billou who shares his expertise on how startup CEOs can leverage thought leadership to accelerate business growth, stand out in competitive markets, & create lasting impact in their industries. KEY TAKEAWAYS My parents took us from a legacy of tyranny, in Iran, to a legacy of freedom in Canada. This is a very profound & important thing for an entrepreneur to understand: Entrepreneurship is only possible where you have free enterprise, free enterprise is only possible where you have free expression, free expression is...2024-04-0443 min
Scouting for GrowthYannick Even: A GenAI Visionary and the Future of WorkOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Yannick Even, a visionary at the intersection of AI, analytics and Generative AI. With over two decades of experience in transforming global organizations into data-driven powerhouses, Yannick's journey has taken him from the corridors of management consulting across Europe and Asia to pioneering roles at Swiss Re, where he led the charge in integrating innovative tech and data insurance products into the market. KEY TAKEAWAYS Insurance is very traditional. Even 15 years ago there were a lot of forms, paper, very siloed. Nobody could...2024-03-281h 09
Scouting for GrowthSimon Guest: Orchestrating Digital Health EcosystemsOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Simon Guest, CCO at The CareVoice, who has been instrumental in pioneering a differentiated approach to growth in the healthcare sector. Under his guidance, The CareVoice will focus on creating multifaceted platforms that benefit from the network effect, where each new user or partner amplifies the cumulative value and utility of the ecosystem. Join us as we dive into the intricacies of orchestrating growth ecosystems for market differentiation, the power of behavioural science in healthcare, and the innovative strategies that have positioned The CareVoice...2024-03-2141 min
Scouting for GrowthChris Miles: Why I Call Myself The Anti-Financial AdvisorOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Chris Miles, an unconventional financial advisor who has an incredible backstory; he left the industry disillusioned in his 20s to become a passive real estate investor, achieving financial independence and retiring by age 28. Since then, he has taught hundreds of entrepreneurs his formula for generating enough passive income to be "work optional" and then positioned to work by choice not necessity. During this conversation, Chris shares his incredible personal story, lessons learned overcoming major financial setbacks during the Great Recession when he found himself...2024-02-2939 min
Scouting for GrowthSteve Selengut: Creating Income FreedomOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Steve Selengut who has over 40 years of direct investment management experience & is one of the few investing book authors who has actually managed client money for decades. Steve is here to share the fundamental principles behind "income-focused investing" laid out in his book “Retirement Money Secrets.” His approach can help investors confidently replace their paycheques with portfolio income streams that grow regardless of markets or rates. KEY TAKEAWAYS 25% of my money was always in the bond market, which included closed-in funds, mort...2024-02-1548 min
Scouting for GrowthInsight: Building an Authentic Identity in 2024On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks about the world of authentic personal & corporate/business branding and their synergies to drive authenticity in 2024. In this episode, she discusses the importance of authenticity in personal branding & how it can make or break your reputation, the role of storytelling in crafting a compelling personal brand narrative, the power of emotional intelligence in shaping your personal brand & fostering meaningful connections, the impact of digital presence on your personal brand & how to manage it effectively, and the art of reinvention & how to evolve your personal brand...2024-02-0139 min
Scouting for GrowthLeandro DalleMulle: Trailblazing AI in Commercial Insurance UnderwritingOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Leandro DalleMule who brings a dynamic perspective shaped by nearly 30 years of driving growth through data and AI. As Global Head of Insurance and General Manager at Planck, Leandro spearheads the most sophisticated generative AI platform serving commercial insurers across four continents. Through the "Scouting for Growth" podcast, Leandro will unveil his playbook for activating cross-industry partnerships and investments to future-proof success. His globetrotting career stands as a testament to the power of bridging geographic and sector divides to drive innovation. KEY...2024-01-2549 min
Scouting for GrowthAlex Taylor: A CVC Lens on 2024On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Alex Taylor, Global Head of Emerging Technology, QBE Ventures at QBE Insurance, who firmly believes that the next decade will expose the insurance industry to the greatest upheaval it has seen since the establishment of Lloyd's of London. In this episode, topics discussed include: the key trends in Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) for 2024, QBE Ventures' approach to scouting for growth, the role of technology in QBE Ventures' growth strategy, & the challenges and opportunities in the insurtech space. KEY TAKEAWAYS I've always...2024-01-1850 min
Scouting for GrowthAntony Elliott: The Zurich Innovation ChampionshipOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Antony Elliott, Global Lead for Digital R&D at Zurich Insurance, who is pivotal in driving the exploration, exploitation, analysis, & early-stage adoption of disruptive technologies, shaping Zurich's digital transformation journey. In this episode they talk about his role at Zurich, the company’s strategic themes for 2024, the future of InsurTech, the challenges of adopting disruptive technolgies, & his advice for young ventures looking to collaborate with Zurich or break into the InsurTech space. KEY TAKEAWAYS I fell into the insurance industry in 1999 & I...2024-01-1133 min
Scouting for GrowthTop Trends To Watch For In 2024On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL dives into her top trends to watch for in 2024. Staying ahead of the curve necessitates a keen understanding of these anticipated trends & Identifying them early will enable us all to strategically plan the year, maximise opportunities for growth & business value. KEY TAKEAWAYS As we approach 2024, I'm noticing specific technologies gaining traction that have the potential to revolutionize industries & create new opportunities for growth. For example, advancements in generative AI, new paradigms in cloud computing, cybersecurity in the age of AI, & sustainability tech trends, these trends...2024-01-0426 min
Scouting for GrowthTom Kereszti: 2024 C-Suite and BeyondOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Tom Kereszti, a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience in starting and scaling companies. Tom has been instrumental in numerous M&A activities, helping startups structure their operations for successful exits. He has also navigated the unique challenges of starting a company independently, as well as within large organizations. His insights will be invaluable for YOU, whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or corporate leader. KEY TAKEAWAYS Any individual should be able to answer these 3 questions: Who are you? What are...2023-12-2843 min
Scouting for GrowthAri Katz: Shaping BEA VenturesOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Ari Katz, Managing Partner at BEA Ventures and Co-Founder of bolt, now known as bolttech, which metamorphosed into the powerhouse bolttech. On this episode they discuss strategic vision and market positioning, startup acceleration and value creation, data and technology, future outlook and collaborations, and much more. KEY TAKEAWAYS The unique angles that we provide include identifying the companies that we want to look at and validating the market acceptance of their idea/solution. We have hundreds of customers/prospects/partners that...2023-12-2133 min
Scouting for GrowthFranklin Manchester: Essential Strategies to Protect Your Data in 2024On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Franklin Manchester, Global Insurance Strategic Advisor at SAS, who, empowers and inspires insurers in 75 countries, including 90% of the Fortune 500 insurers, to make data-driven decisions. On this episode they discuss insurance trends for 2024, the role of technology, particularly generative AI, in shaping the future of the insurance industry, and how to navigate the talent gap. KEY TAKEAWAYS I see the enormous potential for SAS and other technology providers, curators of AI, to remake, reimagine, reinvent the insurance industry. Insurance exists because a...2023-12-1451 min
Scouting for GrowthGeorge Morris: Scaling Up VenturesOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to George Morris, a lifelong entrepreneur and business coach who has not only weathered the storms of the entrepreneurial journey but has emerged as a guiding light for others on their path to success. KEY TAKEAWAYS My biggest mistake was abdicating responsibility when I should have delegated responsibility. Towards the later stage of one of my companies I was going through a divorce. I thought that everything was good & didn’t see myself as integral in the company anymore, so I turned everything over to...2023-12-0737 min
Scouting for GrowthKamran Hedjri: Revolutionizing Commoditized Payment ProcessingOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Kamran Hedjri, CEO, Chairman, Advisory board member, Entrepreneur in FinTech and Payments at PXP Financial. KEY TAKEAWAYS I started my journey in payments in 1994, I never wanted to be in this industry, it was just something that happened. I was working in IT and programming, was in a couple of startups at the start of ecommerce. There was a lot of new and cool technology being developed and it was the best 5-6 years of my career for learning. AI is being used...2023-11-3048 min
Scouting for GrowthMonica Eaton: Resilient Strategies & Ethical LeadershipOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Monica Eaton who embodies resilience and strategic foresight. This conversation covers: origin stories and multifaceted skills, tackling ecommerce pitfalls, business strategies and ethical practices, and predicting the future and human capital. KEY TAKEAWAYS Part of being an entrepreneur is deciding of who you want to be and who you want to affect, and it becomes a journey of constant trial and error, but the dots never connect in the way you anticipate. My vision with Chargebacks911 was to be the next...2023-11-2348 min
Scouting for GrowthTerence Bennett: Cracking The Cybersecurity CodeOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Terence Bennett, CEO of DreamFactory Software, brings with him a decade's worth of insights into cybersecurity, adversarial simulations, and API advancements. He's a veteran, both in serving his country and in protecting digital domains. Today, we're delving deep into Terence's illustrious career, the current cyber threat landscape, and the role of emerging technologies in shaping our digital future. KEY TAKEAWAYS If you spend enough time with computers I think you just figure out there’s a whole other world in this ap...2023-11-1643 min
Scouting for GrowthRoi Agababa: Novidea, The Platform For The Insurance DistributorOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Roi Agababa, CEO of Novidea. From brokers and agents to MGAs and corporate risk management operations. Novidea is setting new standards in how insurance professionals leverage technology for growth, efficiency, and compliance. On this episode the pair dig deep into the workings of Novidea's platform to look at how it navigates the maze of challenges that insurance professionals encounter daily, what role does plays in enhancing the distribution journey and the customer experience, and how it adapts to various levels of digital readiness while...2023-11-0930 min
Scouting for GrowthAlex Shevelenko: Elevating Digital Document ExperiencesOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Alex Shevelenko, the CEO and Co-Founder of Relayto, brings to the table a compelling narrative of how transforming mundane PDFs and presentations into interactive web experiences is not just an upgrade but a necessity. Today we will weave through Alex's entrepreneurial voyage, his insights on leadership, the genesis and trajectory of Relayto, and a gaze into the future of digital content experiences. Alex’s perspectives to our dialogue will bring both foresight and actionable intelligence on harnessing interactive content management platforms like Relayto. We un...2023-10-2655 min
Scouting for GrowthPravina Ladva: The Economics of DigitalizationSabine VdL talks to Pravina Ladva, Group Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Swiss Re. Pravina’s career reads like a playbook for digital transformation and has answers that could redefine the way we look at insurance economics. This conversation is not just timely, it’s urgently needed in a world where data is the new oil and AI is the new electricity. Pravina tells us about why Swiss Re is taking the lead with its groundbreaking Sigma Research Report from the Swiss Re Institute, what are we – as an industry – standing to gain or lose, uncovering the blue...2023-10-1925 min
Scouting for GrowthJonathan Green: Using Chat GTP For ProfitOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Jonathan Green, an AI maven and the mastermind behind ChatGPT Profits. Jonathan Green's story is one of radical transformation, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From once being fired during a blizzard to becoming a bestselling author with over 300 books under his belt, Jonathan has not only recovered but soared to new heights. In this episode, we'll delve deep into the world of AI and business acceleration. Jonathan will share insights on how to leverage ChatGPT for immediate revenue generation, the role of...2023-10-1257 min
Scouting for GrowthDr Andrée Bates: The World of AI in HealthcareOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Dr Andrée Bates, neuroscientist and founder of Eularis, an AI-centric company that serves as a catalyst for innovation in healthcare. The pair delve into the pivot points that drive innovation, the ethical implications of widespread AI adoption, and the tangible ways in which artificial intelligence is reshaping healthcare as we know it. KEY TAKEAWAYS Eularis was created to look at mathematics on commercial activities within pharmaceuticals. Generative AI takes elements of real data, looks at the database which it’s been tra...2023-10-0546 min
Scouting for GrowthEmily Tsitrian: Bossing Up or Disrupting Fintech and Millennial ManagementOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Emily Tsitrian, Fintech powerhouse, seasoned leader, and the author of 'Make Me The Boss,' a transformative guide and toolkit for millennial managers navigating the new complexities of leadership in our current social climate. A world defined by Covid, #BLM, and #MeToo. KEY TAKEAWAYS I think a lot of people in my generation have had an experience where, in your early 20s, you're interested in doing big political/social things, however the way to actually change things is to work in technology. Overnight...2023-09-2844 min
Scouting for GrowthMark Fidelman: Tokenizing IndustriesOn this episode, Sabine VdL talks to Mark Fidelman, founder of SmartBlocks.Agency, and a globally recognised thought leader with over two decades of tech-fuelled wisdom.Whether you’re a CEO pondering your next strategic move, a CTO looking to harness emerging technologies, or a CDO keen on transformative solutions, buckle up! We’re about to deep-dive into a world where the token is mightier than the sword. KEY TAKEAWAYS It's always more fun to join up and coming companies before big businesses come in and take over, but I quickly realised I wasn't building anyt...2023-09-2134 min
Scouting for GrowthJerry Fetta: Building Personal WealthOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Jerry Fetta, who is on a mission to demystify wealth management, making it accessible and relatable for everyone. As the brains behind Wealth DynamX, Jerry's fingerprints are on numerous success stories across the US, helping countless individuals lay the foundation for solid financial futures.Beyond his role as a financial expert, Jerry has penned three books. In the latest he lays bare the trials and tribulations he faced, both personally and professionally and how he overcame these, showcasing a resilience that's nothing short of inspiring.2023-09-1446 min
Scouting for GrowthMegan Bingham-Walker: Why Embedded Goods-in-Transit InsuranceOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Megan Bingham-Walker, Co-founder and CEO of Anansi, a cutting-edge company on a mission to revolutionise the goods-in-transit insurance industry.Today, we will dive deep into Megan's journey as an entrepreneur, her vision for the future of goods-in-transit insurance, and the unique approaches and strategies that have propelled Anansi to success. KEY TAKEAWAYS I spent a few years working with the Government, 5 years in venture capital specialising in CleanTech investing in early-stage startups. I really wanted to found a business in the area...2023-09-0738 min
Scouting for GrowthJacqueline Legrand: The Pioneer of Weather InsuranceOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Jacqueline Legrand, a name that resonates with transformative leadership in the global insurance industry. From orchestrating the radical transformation of Brokerslink to co-founding Maptycs, an InsurTech firm that is redefining how we perceive weather risk analysis and risk exposures, Jacqueline's legacy is nothing short of extraordinary.With her finger firmly on the pulse of digital transformation, she advocates for a harmonious marriage between technology and insurance. We're about to delve into a narrative beaming with transformative milestones, insights into the potential of geospatial analytics, and...2023-08-3146 min
Scouting for GrowthClemens Behrend: Web3, Bitcoin and CryptocurrenciesOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Per Axberg, an entrepreneur with a rich background in building customer-facing support solutions in Web3. Clemens spent over 5 years building Bitpanda's customer community department from scratch and scaling it from pre-seed to unicorn status. And it is important to understand that the power of web3 is in building unique communities. During their deep dive, Clemens and Sabine talk about: His interest in Web3, Bitcoin and Crypto, why he believes that those 3 components are key to build unique communities, and Clemens shares a few tips...2023-06-2939 min
Scouting for GrowthTunde Salako: InsurTech AfricaOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Tunde Salako, an active entrepreneur within the Africa FinTech, HealthTech and InsurTech scene. Tunde wants to connect the dots between inclusion, insurance and technology In Africa. Tunde co-founded HealthTech startup, Hadiel, to drive more health inclusion in Africa and is also the managing partner of the Africa InsurTech Lab, a platform aggregating InsurTech entrepreneurs, startups, corporates, enthusiasts, investors sharing trends on how technology is reverse engineering insurance on the continent and between continents. Investment in the African startup ecosystem accelerated over the...2023-04-2040 min
Scouting for GrowthGuillaume Bonnissent: Achieving digital underwriting excellenceOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Guillaume Bonnissent, CEO and co-founder of Quotech, a data provider and technology platform which aims to give access to the very best data to insurance practitioners - from executive decision-makers, brokers, underwriters, actuaries and even data scientists. Guillaume has twenty years of insurance experience as both -> an underwriter and senior executive. Throughout his career, Guillaume encountered one constant issue: the poor quality of data available to decision-makers at all levels, mainly due to legacy constraints. During the podcast Sabine and Guillaume...2023-02-1654 min
Scouting for GrowthPrevisico's CEO + co-founder on predicting and preventing flood riskOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Dr. Avi Baruch, co-founder and COO of Previsico, and Jonathan Jackson, co-founder and CEO of Previsico. Previsico is a surface water flood forecasting specialist, enabling people and organisations to minimise the impact of flooding. Flooding cost the global economy more than $82 billion in 2021, accounting for nearly a third of all losses from natural catastrophes, reports the Swiss Re Institute in a 2022 study. Estimates from Statista show that 29 million people were affected by Flooding in 2021. Flooding is the second largest weather-related peril after droughts. ...2023-02-0239 min
Scouting for GrowthFederico Spagnoli: Prudential and Embedded HealthOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Federico Spagnoli, at the time President and Head of Emerging Markets Ecosystems for Prudential Financial LATAM, now Vice President of International Total Wellness Solutions. Federico is well known for his work launching Vitality in South America and providing health services to over 1.5 million South Americans, who can today download an App from their mobile device to get access to a multitude of health services. During this podcast, Sabine and Federico evaluate 1) Federico’s vision about enhancing people’s physical, mental, and financial welln...2023-01-1944 min
Scouting for GrowthNewsflash: IBM Partner Ecosystem Strategy 2023On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL shares some timely insights from the team at IBM. One of these findings relates to one of IBM’s strategic themes for 2023, as well as IBM’s new partner program. KEY TAKEAWAYS Autonomous vehicles are expected to account for about 12% of car registrations and global car sales of autonomous vehicles are expected to reach some 101 million units by 2030. Autonomous vehicles or companies that are working on self-driving technologies include perception, mapping, and localisation solutions as well as cybersecurity risk prevention, testing, and fleet management solutions are d...2022-12-2221 min
Scouting for GrowthElizabeth Lumley: FinTech TrendsOn this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Elizabeth Lumley, an all-around FinTech expert who is currently the deputy Editor at The Banker, a company from the FT. Elizabeth has received State Street's UK Press Award for Journalist of the Year for Technology and Digital Finance in 2022. For 20+ years, Elizabeth has been a global specialist commentator on regulations, risk, data, and technology in investment, retail, and global transaction banking. She is recognized internationally as one of the leading voices in FinTech and banking technology innovation as well as a well-established global conference...2022-12-1545 min
Scouting for GrowthSteve Abel: Why is EPAM the best kept secret?On this episode of the Scouting For Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Steve Abel from EPAM, a dedicated, results-oriented executive with a proven hands-on track record and superior ability to build highly effective teams to deliver success within all levels of an organization. EPAM is one of the best-kept secrets, voted one of the leading and fastest-growing information technology companies in the world. EPAM today leads the charge in the field of global digital and physical transformation and digital platform engineering services. The company has over 61,000 employees across 6 continents and 50 countries. In this episode, Sabine and Steve cover...2022-12-0839 min
Scouting for GrowthMark McLaughlin: What are Risk Experiences?In this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VdL interviews Mark McLaughlin a respected figure in IBM and its insurance division to discuss the future of customer experience within a fast-evolving world. KEY TAKEAWAYS You must improve the way you engage with your customers whether this is through distribution channels (e.g., brokers or affinity partnerships) or directly. Your customers are demanding digital frictionless engagements and experiences. They are seeking transparent and optimum convenience in the way they access insurance products and services. They also want transparency in the way their data is being used. In...2022-11-0352 min
Scouting for GrowthHenrique Volpi: Kakau building a digital platform in BrazilOn this episode of Scouting For Growth, Sabine VdL talks to Henrique Volpi, one of the co-founders and the CEO of Kakau – one of the very first InsurTechs in Latin America. Kakau is an InsurTech and tech platform that delivers digital experiences while improving insurance operations and easing the delivery of complex financial services. Kakau's SaaS model is powered by machine learning and robotic process automation. Henrique is one of the co-authors of the InsurTech book and is also the co-founder and board member of the InsurTech association of Brazil. During the conversation, Sabine and Henrique discuss InsurTech in La...2022-10-1354 min
Scouting for GrowthJanthana K.: Who is UK's on-demand gig economy worker?In this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VdL interviews Janthana Kaenprakhamroy, co-founder and CEO of Tapoly, an on-demand gig economy worker InsurTech UK startup. In this interview, Sabine and Janthana discuss business model innovation, target market and customer segmentation, and what building a lifestyle brand in insurance means. They finally cover company culture, talent acquisition, and founding a business. KEY TAKEAWAYS Tapoly came about because I was so surprised with how backward we were in terms of offering insurance and the whole end-to-end process for gig economy workers and micro-businesses. This was an industry...2022-09-2940 min
Scouting for GrowthMike Minett: Portabl for gig workersIn this episode of the Scouting for Growth podcast, Sabine VdL talks to Mike Minett, CEO or Chief Ideas Guy at Portabl. Portable is a platform and community which provides insurance, benefits, and savings products for freelance and self-employed professionals. In this podcast, Mike and Sabine cover: Why Mike decided to move from consulting to building an InsurTech focused on the future of work, what Portabl’s focus and core proposition are, what is required to build a gig economy-focused startup, and a little bit of ESG and the Future of Tech. KEY TAKEAWAYS We...2022-09-2241 min
Scouting for GrowthIain Wilcox: Why IoT for commercial property?On this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VdL talks to Iain Wilcox, CEO of GWT Insight a tech company focused on making cost-effective commercial building data available to their owners, operators, and advisers. Iain is an entrepreneur, leader, and visionary who successfully started new business operations from scratch balancing strategic planning and practical implementation. Over a period of 30 years, Iain worked with companies including AT&T and Cognizant, and 5 years ago he launched GWT Insight. During the conversation, Sabine and Iain discussed four topics: What is GWT Insight from a company, branding, and team p...2022-09-0850 min
Scouting for GrowthHenri Winand: Developing an electronic marketplaceIn this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VdL talks to Henri Winand, co-founder and CEO of AkinovA, an electronic marketplace built to ease the transfer and trading of insurance and insurance risks. During the conversation, Sabine and Henry discuss the importance of strong taxonomy when moving into multi-party electronic placements, tangible and intellectual assets, transition risk, cyber risk, NFTs, and driving liquidity in illiquid markets. KEY TAKEAWAYS The whole objective of building our marketplace is to access a larger size of the market. The market is there already and our goal is to help clients...2022-09-0149 min
Scouting for GrowthKobi Bendelak: From retiring twice to building InsurTech IsraelIn this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VdL interviews Kobi Bendelak, a 22 year veteran in insurance. Kobi is the CEO of InsurTech Israel which he established to promote and lead innovation within the Israeli Insurtech ecosystem. Sabine has known Kobi for over 6 years. He mentored the startups in her European Accelerator and has always been the kindest individual for the startups and her team members to talk to for advice and mentorship. KEY TAKEAWAYS InsurTech Israel has four baseline activities: Investment – We’ve already invested in 10 startups, all of them are Israe...2022-08-1839 min
Scouting for GrowthKristian Feldborg: Building Versuvio LabsIn this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VdL interviews Kristian Feldborg, founder of the Vesuvio Labs – a venture builder dedicated to FinTech startups and the InsurTech space in particular. Vesuvio Labs calls itself the digital rocket fuelling the insurance sector. In this episode, Sabine reviews Kristian’s journey as a FinTech venture builder and how he made the shift from the traditional tech world to the new world of tech. KEY TAKEAWAYS I’ve always been interested in new things, startups and tech. For most of my career, I’ve traveled, lived in different...2022-08-0448 min
Scouting for GrowthSebastien Gaudin: Embedded Health... The next growth Frontier for insuranceOn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Sebastien Gaudin, co-founder and CEO of CareVoice, an embedded HealthTech InsurTech platform that has gown fast to become a leader in their category across Asia through their platform the CareVoiceOS open platform which delivers a modern insurance infrastructure solution to connect and manage multiple health services providers to shape bespoke health engagement journey for micro-customer segments. Sebastien’s mission is to reinvent the healthcare and insurance spaces. Merging the two to deliver tailored experiences for users and payers. Sabine and Sebastien talk about the recent category paper they wrote ‘Embedded Health: The...2022-06-3041 min
Scouting for GrowthNicole Anderson: From FinTech venture building to sustainable investingOn this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VdL interviews Nicole Anderson, Founding Partner at Redsand Ventures who supported Sabine’s acceleration programs over a 5-year period by providing those startups with proposition design and go-to-market strategic thinking. These two skill-sets are so important to gain customers and access capital. On this episode, they talk about Nicole’s journey from a FinTech venture builder to a sustainable investor. KEY TAKEAWAYS I have sat now, effectively, in almost every seat around the table when it comes to looking at what investible ventures look like, feel like...2022-05-2652 min
Scouting for GrowthGwen Yu: The world of sustainable financeIn this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VdL interviews Gwen Yu, an expert in sustainable finance with an understanding of transfer pricing, who helps international ventures to understand the best way to move internationally. Sabine talks to Gwen about how she made her way into sustainable finance, and how her past business and personal experiences have shaped her decision to support a better future and a better planet. During the course of the discussion, Gwen shares her vision, mission, and goals with regards to shaping a more sustainable future. KEY TAKEAWAYS There is s...2022-05-1931 min
Scouting for GrowthSam Evans: InsurTech, Sustainability and ESGOn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Sam Evans, Partner at EOS Venture Partners, a Strategic Venture Capital fund and an InsurTech investment specialist with offices in London and Philadelphia. This is their 2nd interview as Sam appeared in episode 6 of Scouting for Growth. Here the pair discusses the topics of sustainability and ESG, the impact of urbanization, climate risk, and supply chain risk. Topics that have become increasingly important for many sectors of the economy with over 2.2 trillion searches on Google's search engine for the term ESG (as of May 2022.) KEY TAKEAWAYS As a global economy, w...2022-05-1247 min
Scouting for GrowthAndrew Cons: Building an international unicornOn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Andrew Cons, CEO of Bolttech’s European operations, who talks about his leadership journey, acquiring expertise over the years in strategy, business improvement, and founding his own venture. KEY TAKEAWAYS Bolttech has grown from a PowerPoint to a unicorn within two years. It was different from the outset from anything I’d ever done before and that’s what really attracted me to the business, I had set up my own business before but this is unique in what we’re trying to do here. It’s a results-dri...2022-04-2846 min
Scouting for GrowthMinh Tran: Introducing Venture Capital as a ServiceIn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Minh Tran, founding partner of Mandalore Partners (and also her co-founder at Alchemy Crew) about the world of Venture Capital Funds. He has worked in the Corporate VC world for 30 years, most recently in financial services and founding Mandalore Partners 10 years ago. KEY TAKEAWAYS When you are a Corporate Venturer you have two models, one is to invest in VC outside – that’s not really a corporate venture, but you have that option, the second is to create your own team internally, for many reasons, this model hasn’t worke...2022-04-1424 min
Scouting for GrowthElisa Vlerich: 9.5 Ventures the VC for corporate venturingOn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Elisa Vlerick, a partner at Ninepointfive Ventures, the Venture Capitalist dedicated to Corporate Venturing. Elisa loves removing syntax complexity from the proverbial crap, applying creativity and execution to everything she does. KEY TAKEAWAYS Corporate Venturing differentiates from traditional VC activity in the sense that you have the power/leverage of a corporate to scale faster, to have what we call an unfair competitive advantage in the market. That really attracted me to Ninepointfive. Often there’s a lot of resistance within companies to start cannibalizing their own business, to...2022-04-0734 min
Scouting for GrowthDavid Kwon: A decade of societal changeOn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews IBM’s David Kwon about how insurance companies have had to navigate a decade of societal change. From the financial crisis and the rise of digital technology to changing consumer expectations, insurers face challenges that are fundamentally altering the very core of our industry. Does the question remain whether property and casualty insurers will be able to keep pace with changes in society over time? Are they focusing on the right priorities? And what about life insurance – is BigTech making any headway here to challenge established practices? In this episo...2022-03-3145 min
Scouting for GrowthNick Pester: Growth Ventures and the Role of The Legal CounselOn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Nick Pester. Sabine has known Nick for over 4 years. They met when Nick showed strong interest in the tech startups accepted within Sabine’s accelerator programs and was willing to mentor them with advice when he was leading the Financial Services, Insurance & InsurTech practices at Capital Law. Nick moved from legal advice within a legal firm to becoming the group general of one of the leading InsurTech growth ventures in the UK. He is also an Advisor to the Chartered Insurance Institute and the Centre for Data Ethics & Innovation on Digital Et...2022-03-0337 min
Scouting for GrowthTobias Taupitz: The Lifestyle Bicycle Insurance Platform For The CollectiveOn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Tobias Taupitz, CEO and Co-Founder of Laka to talk about interesting points around business model innovation, leadership and culture, and expansion in new markets. KEY TAKEAWAYS Why should you protect future losses when you can look backwards knowing exactly how much you need to charge to cover your costs of claims? We do so retroactively shares Tobi, so as not to incur a credit risk or payment default risk. It is all about balancing the risk, including actuarial risk. This way we know down to the penny how m...2022-02-1734 min
Scouting for GrowthAllison Schneider: A Lens on Vouch The Startup For Tech FoundersOn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Allison or Ally Schneider who heads up venture partnerships at Vouch, a US business insurance platform for startups. Vouch raised over $160 million in investment funding so far with well-renowned investors including Silicon Valley Bank, Index Ventures and Y Combinator. Ally talks to Sabine about the company’s business model and helps us understand how Vouch helps founders like you grow and scale in the right way. KEY TAKEAWAYS The product and experience have been very manual traditionally, we’ve been able to build a digital-first experience for founders to be...2022-02-1030 min
Scouting for GrowthSteven Mendel: Tips on how to build a sustainable growth businessOn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Steven Mendel, CEO and Co-Founder of Bought By Many, an InsurTech startup that is really well known across the UK market with a new brand launched in the US under the brand name "ManyPets." Bought By Many is making the world a better place for pet parents through its tech-enabled insurance products and services. KEY TAKEAWAYS The first startup I was involved with was in the investment consulting space in the mid-90s, from there I became a management consultant and went on to set up three more st...2022-01-2741 min
Scouting for GrowthSpiros Margaris: What does really matter in FinTech today?On this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Spiros Margaris who discusses the pros and cons of working for a young venture, setting up a startup, as well as the best way to succeed in business. He shares insights on the future of FinTech and much more. KEY TAKEAWAYS You build trust with founders by telling them what you think, honestly, but not always expecting them to do what you say. Trust is the basis of working together and with trust anyone can go far, even in difficult times. You have to play to your strengths. If somebody...2022-01-1346 min
Scouting for GrowthThe Four Types of InvestmentOn this episode, Sabine VdL reviews the four types of investment and who is winning the corporate venturing game as well as looking to the future to evaluate and imagine what is coming our way. KEY TAKEAWAYS The four types of investment strategies: ‘Driving’ (strategic and tightly linked to operational capabilities), ‘Enabling’ (strategic and loosely liked to operational capabilities), ‘Emerging’ (tightly linked to metrics of financial importance), and ‘Passive’ (loosest connected to corporate capabilities and strategies). Winners at corporate venturing during the ‘Startup Phase’ have been identified as having 3 core elements: A clear and defined vision that d...2022-01-0611 min
Scouting for GrowthFlorian Graillot: Astorya.vc ... Europe’s Early-Stage InsurTech InvestorOn this episode, Sabine VdL interviews Florian Graillot, an investor and co-founder of Astorya.vc or Astorya. Astorya invests in Seed InsurTech startups across Europe. In this conversation the pair cover topics including who he is, why he started Astorya and how he sees the world of corporate venturing today and tomorrow. KEY TAKEAWAYS There is a trend beginning where there is direct competition between Tier 1 insurance players and reinsurance companies working directly with InsurTech startups able to bypass specific insurance providers across the value chain. The latter has a massive impact on how t...2022-01-0148 min
Scouting for GrowthMatthew Jones: Some Investors Care About DiversityIn this episode, Sabine VdL is joined by Matthew Jones, Managing Director and venture capital investor in insurance and risk management-related technology for Anthemis in the UK, Europe, and North America. Through his previous work with Swiss Re, Matthew sponsored Sabine’s first accelerator and was one of her most active mentors, engaged assessor, and investor. They both learned massively during the acceleration programme as to what a sustainable business model meant. KEY TAKEAWAYS At the core of our investment thesis are banks, insurance companies, and FinTech companies. But in addition to tho...2022-01-0142 min
Scouting for GrowthLens on Venture ScoutingOn this episode, Sabine VdL defines what venture scouting, also called technology scouting means and why companies and investors see it as so important. She also discusses what skillsets a technology scout needs to succeed as well as what should motivate them and how these strategies are delivered. KEY TAKEAWAYS In recent months companies around the globe have seen new types of challenges affecting them all, including: changing customer needs (such as the "I want it now" generation demanding reduced engagement friction); rising competition (This does not only means the fast-moving dominance of BigTech, b...2022-01-0128 min
Scouting for GrowthDefining The World of Corporate VenturingIn this episode, Sabine VdL describes what corporate venturing is and what it entails, how it can help startups and entrepreneurs, why there is an increased drive towards corporate venturing today and the best strategies to deploy VC programmes. KEY TAKEAWAYS With corporate venturing, large companies develop, sponsor or invest in startup companies from the earliest stages of formation to later stages of growth to identify emerging technologies and develop cutting-edge customer-driven solutions that can resist the effects of time. The central point is that a startup company is evaluated and then funded by the...2022-01-0120 min
Scouting for GrowthAn Introduction to Scouting for Growth – with Sabine VdLHi, I am Sabine VanderLinden – Many of my friends call me Mrs VdL. I have been in business for over 25 years. I worked for very well-known and respected blue-chip companies. And 6 years ago, I decided to take the entrepreneurial and investor route and ran a very well-known acceleration program for early-stage startups in Europe and the United States, while also engaging with investors and corporations in Asia, Africa and LATAM. Yes. I know. Five continents in 5 years. 70 startups accelerated during that period. Lots of Airmiles. $100 million invested in accelerated portfolios. And certainly, lots of learnings. 2021-12-2107 min