Insurance, and especially its underlying enabling technologies, is often invisible yet it has become one of the most powerful processes that enables innovation further along the value chain. Today we’re excited to announce our seed round at Ascend, the first modern insurance payments platform. We’ve teamed up with world-class venture…

Rob Galbraith has been called “the patron saint of insurtech,” “a global insurtech thought leader,” “a wonderful motivation,” “an inspiration,” “a mentor to many in the insurance industry,” “the prophet,” and “the most interesting man in insurance.” He is the author of the international bestselling book The End Of Insurance As We Know It, which has been a runaway success since its release in 2019. Rob is a popular keynote speaker who has shared his unique insights at numerous events around the globe on the topics of innovation, insurtech and the future of insurance. Rob has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry in a variety of innovation and leadership positions. He is a recognized thought leader on P&C insurance, a frequent media contributor, and well-known industry influencer. Rob holds a Master’s of Science in Insurance Management from Boston University and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Michigan State University. In addition, Rob holds the CPCU, CLU, and ChFC professional designations.

Billy Van Jura is the Founder of Birchyard, an insurance brokerage that represents a wide range of insurance plans and types, adjusting to the individual needs of their customers. He actively manages a data driven, buying process oriented company in the personal insurance space. Billy has over 18 years of experience in the insurance industry, ranging from a captive sales agent with a captive carrier to a leader in insurtech.

Q&A With Ryan Hanley Ryan Hanley is the founder and president of Rogue Risk, a national, tech-enabled independent insurance agency helping small businesses put their insurance on autopilot. Ryan is also the creator of The Ryan Hanley Show, the insurance industry’s most popular podcast. He has performed over 200 keynotes to insurance audiences over the last decade, helping independent insurance agents across the country digitize their business.

Q&A With Brett Fulmer of Newport Beach Insurance Brett Fulmer is the Managing Broker at Newport Beach Insurance Center LLC, where he is helping build out their digital strategy, to meet Personal, Commercial and Life Insurance needs fluidly nationwide. He is also the US Ambassador of FINAEO (Finaeo.com), a Toronto-based insurtech startup. They are building the Amazon of Insurance for financial planners, by digitizing the fabric of one of the oldest industries in the world. Brett assists with Marketing, Compliance, and Partnerships. He was also an Advisor to Juniper Labs, acquired by NEXT Insurance, and is regularly involved in SEED-stage startup conversations.

Jeff Shi, Chief Visionary Officer at Quantum Assurance International, which has built a successful franchise of independent agents. The following are excerpts from a conversation between Jeff and Andrew Wynn, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Ascend, the first modern insurance payments platform that provides automated all-in-one financing, collections, and payables. Jeff opens up about his eclectic, successful background as a salesman and entrepreneur. Based on over a decade of experience in insurance, Jeff also shares thoughts on the challenges our industry faces as well as the best path ahead.

Bryan Falchuk is the Founder & Managing Partner at Insurance Evolution Partners, which advises carriers and their partners on how to navigate an evolving industry facing disruption and change. Bryan spent over 20 years in the insurance industry, including serving as Head of Claims for Hiscox USA and leading Growth for insurtech communications solution, Hi Marley. Bryan has also held leadership roles in corporate strategy, operations and distribution at carriers like Liberty Mutual and Beazley. He was a consultant in McKinsey & Company’s insurance practice and is on the advisory boards of several startups focused on the insurance industry. Bryan is an author and public speaker, including several TEDx Talks. His best-selling book series, The Future of Insurance: From Disruption to Evolution, shares case studies of legacy and startup carriers overcoming the barriers to change we all face in the industry to innovate to help Insurance move forward and evolve.