American Family Ventures

American Family Ventures is the venture capital arm of American Family Insurance, established in 2010 and headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin. The firm focuses on early-stage investments, primarily in seed to Series B rounds, and typically commits between $0.5 million and $2 million in startups. Its investment strategy targets companies that are innovating within the insurance industry and related sectors, including FinTech, data analytics, IoT, and cybersecurity. By seeking to enhance American Family's core insurance business, American Family Ventures aims to foster the development of technologies and business models that improve safety, efficiency, and quality of life. The firm also emphasizes active partnerships and collaboration within its extensive InsurTech network to help create category-leading companies.

Armbrust, Clayton

Principal

Josh Aycock

Principal

Jeremy Epstein

Senior Analyst

Amanda Joseph

Principal

Cooper LaRue

Associate

Mike Mansell

Principal

Tiana Pidgeon

Senior Associate

Vik Sasi

Associate

Stephen Todres

Senior Associate

Past deals in Insurance

Elysian

Convertible Note in 2024
At Elysian, we are reshaping the future of insurance claims handling by seamlessly merging human expertise with frontier AI intelligence. Combining decades of industry experience in both insurance and technology, we are building an AI-first platform from the ground-up to empower high caliber claims talent with technological solutions leveraging claim intelligence. We enable the strategic growth of our clients through exceptional cradle-to-grave claim services and deliver exceptional outcomes, including real-time observability, cost optimization, and customer satisfaction. We're not just building "another insurtech" or another "AI point-solution." Elysian is here to break traditional boundaries, thoughtfully merging technology and human expertise to create a future where claims are no longer a burden, but a solution.

Ledgebrook

Series B in 2024
Ledgebrook is a technology-driven managing general agent (MGA) focused on modernizing specialty insurance for wholesale brokers. The company provides a streamlined quoting experience through its API-powered platform, which utilizes artificial intelligence for risk assessment and data-driven decision-making. By eliminating manual processes and lengthy underwriting delays, Ledgebrook enables brokers to secure competitive pricing and access a diverse range of specialty products, ultimately helping them close deals more efficiently and enhance their client portfolios. Led by experienced professionals from the insurance industry, Ledgebrook aims to evolve into a globally diversified reinsurer, leveraging modern technology to reshape the insurance landscape.

Ledgebrook

Series A in 2024
Ledgebrook is a technology-driven managing general agent (MGA) focused on modernizing specialty insurance for wholesale brokers. The company provides a streamlined quoting experience through its API-powered platform, which utilizes artificial intelligence for risk assessment and data-driven decision-making. By eliminating manual processes and lengthy underwriting delays, Ledgebrook enables brokers to secure competitive pricing and access a diverse range of specialty products, ultimately helping them close deals more efficiently and enhance their client portfolios. Led by experienced professionals from the insurance industry, Ledgebrook aims to evolve into a globally diversified reinsurer, leveraging modern technology to reshape the insurance landscape.

Chelsea Avondale

Series C in 2023
Chelsea Avondale is an investment holding company focused on acquiring property and casualty insurance companies. The firm aims to address the limitations faced by many mutual insurers by implementing sophisticated pricing methodologies and advanced operational systems. Through its subsidiaries, Chelsea Avondale seeks to enhance the performance of community-based insurers, which they believe can better serve policyholders and achieve superior results compared to the broader industry. By emphasizing these strategies, the company aims to deliver exceptional risk-adjusted returns for high-net-worth investors.

Boundless Rider

Seed Round in 2022
Boundless Rider specializes in providing innovative insurance services tailored for users of specialty vehicles, including motorcycles, e-bikes, ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles. The company focuses on delivering low-cost, technology-enabled insurance solutions that prioritize rider safety and enhance coverage options. By offering products that can be easily integrated with insurers' core offerings, Boundless Rider aims to support the passion of riders while ensuring a seamless and efficient claims process. Through its commitment to rider-centricity, the company seeks to improve the overall experience for those who enjoy off-road and specialty vehicle activities.

Ledgebrook

Seed Round in 2022
Ledgebrook is a technology-driven managing general agent (MGA) focused on modernizing specialty insurance for wholesale brokers. The company provides a streamlined quoting experience through its API-powered platform, which utilizes artificial intelligence for risk assessment and data-driven decision-making. By eliminating manual processes and lengthy underwriting delays, Ledgebrook enables brokers to secure competitive pricing and access a diverse range of specialty products, ultimately helping them close deals more efficiently and enhance their client portfolios. Led by experienced professionals from the insurance industry, Ledgebrook aims to evolve into a globally diversified reinsurer, leveraging modern technology to reshape the insurance landscape.

Branch

Series C in 2022
Branch Financial, Inc. is an insurance agency based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2017 by Steve Lekas and Joe Emison. The company specializes in home and auto insurance, offering a range of products including renters and umbrella insurance, which can be added to auto policies. Utilizing advanced technology, Branch streamlines the process of bundling home and auto insurance online, aiming to enhance accessibility and affordability for its customers. By leveraging community resources, Branch seeks to transform the insurance landscape, making it easier for individuals to obtain necessary coverage.

RoofMarketplace

Seed Round in 2021
RoofMarketplace is an online platform that streamlines the roof replacement process for both homeowners and insurance carriers. It connects homeowners with vetted roofing contractors, allowing them to access multiple quotes for their roofing projects. The platform facilitates a transparent experience by enabling contractors to bid on specific jobs, which helps consumers efficiently estimate, review, and select roofing services without the need for phone calls or onsite meetings. By offering a centralized marketplace, RoofMarketplace aims to provide cost-effective solutions for roof replacements while ensuring a smooth and straightforward process for all parties involved.

Branch

Series B in 2021
Branch Financial, Inc. is an insurance agency based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2017 by Steve Lekas and Joe Emison. The company specializes in home and auto insurance, offering a range of products including renters and umbrella insurance, which can be added to auto policies. Utilizing advanced technology, Branch streamlines the process of bundling home and auto insurance online, aiming to enhance accessibility and affordability for its customers. By leveraging community resources, Branch seeks to transform the insurance landscape, making it easier for individuals to obtain necessary coverage.

Gradient AI

Series B in 2021
Gradient AI is a provider of AI solutions specifically tailored for the insurance industry, utilizing extensive industry data to deliver accurate predictions. The company's predictive analytics platform enhances key processes such as underwriting and claims management by integrating advanced machine learning models. Through automated workflows and seamless API integration, Gradient AI enables insurance companies to streamline their operations, improve decision-making, and enhance customer service. Their technology aims to minimize claims and boost profitability, ultimately leading to better risk assessment and more efficient business practices within the insurance sector.

Clearcover

Series D in 2021
Clearcover, Inc. is a digital car insurance provider based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 2016. The company focuses on delivering affordable car insurance products through an online platform and agents, utilizing an API-first approach to enhance customer experience. Clearcover leverages advanced technology to streamline the insurance process, minimizing costs by avoiding expensive advertising, which allows them to offer better coverage at lower rates. The company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has garnered recognition, including accolades from Glassdoor and Inc. Magazine for its workplace culture.

LeaseLock

Series B in 2021
LeaseLock Inc. is an insurance technology company that provides lease guarantor services for renters by replacing traditional security deposits with insurance. Founded in 2013 and based in Marina Del Rey, California, LeaseLock streamlines the rental process through its online application, eliminating the need for cosigners and facilitating instant lease approvals. The company's flagship product utilizes artificial intelligence to optimize coverage based on property history, resulting in significant improvements in conversion rates and reduced vacancy for property owners. LeaseLock has insured over $1 billion in leases, backed by insurance rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. The company has strategic partnerships with notable investors, including SoftBank Ventures Asia and Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures, which support its mission to enhance the rental experience and minimize financial risks for apartment operators.

Turtlemint

Series D in 2020
Turtlemint is an online insurance platform based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, that simplifies the process of buying and managing insurance policies. Founded in 2015, the company aims to make insurance accessible and understandable by demystifying complex jargon and providing user-friendly tools. Turtlemint offers a range of insurance products, including car, bike, health, and term life insurance, allowing customers to search, compare, and purchase policies entirely online with just a few clicks. The platform leverages proprietary algorithms and data analytics to provide personalized recommendations, while also offering a network of offline facilitators to assist with the purchase and claims process. This comprehensive approach enables clients to select the right insurance schemes tailored to their needs.

Branch

Series A in 2020
Branch Financial, Inc. is an insurance agency based in Columbus, Ohio, founded in 2017 by Steve Lekas and Joe Emison. The company specializes in home and auto insurance, offering a range of products including renters and umbrella insurance, which can be added to auto policies. Utilizing advanced technology, Branch streamlines the process of bundling home and auto insurance online, aiming to enhance accessibility and affordability for its customers. By leveraging community resources, Branch seeks to transform the insurance landscape, making it easier for individuals to obtain necessary coverage.

Bold Penguin

Series B in 2020
Bold Penguin is a commercial insurance exchange that connects customers, agents, and carriers to match the right quote in record time. With a heavy focus on the agents, Bold Penguin pushes the boundaries of user experience for businesses, an easy tool for agents, and a streamlined process of underwriting for carriers. The company operates an Exchange which utilizes a set of solutions to identify, triage, quote, and bind commercial insurance in a highly efficient and tech-enabled way. It plans to deliver on the platform enhancements which include more flexibility in how the core technology is leveraged by enterprise customers, expanding in excess and surplus lines. The Company offers a streamlined process of underwriting for carriers in commercial property and casualty insurance services. Bold Penguin was founded in 2016 and is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, USA.

Clearcover

Series C in 2020
Clearcover, Inc. is a digital car insurance provider based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 2016. The company focuses on delivering affordable car insurance products through an online platform and agents, utilizing an API-first approach to enhance customer experience. Clearcover leverages advanced technology to streamline the insurance process, minimizing costs by avoiding expensive advertising, which allows them to offer better coverage at lower rates. The company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has garnered recognition, including accolades from Glassdoor and Inc. Magazine for its workplace culture.

Protecht

Series A in 2019
Protecht, Inc., also known as TicketGuardian, specializes in developing insurtech products tailored for the consumer experience economy. Founded in 2016, the company offers a range of ticketing and registration platforms that enable clients to manage inventory, revenue, and fan engagement while providing real-time data and payment processing capabilities. Protecht focuses on delivering enterprise-level technology that ensures security, scalability, and data protection. With a strong foundation in fraud, risk management, insurance, finance, and payments, the company leverages embedded technologies to enhance financial and inventory control for its partners, ultimately fostering customer engagement and increasing conversion rates. Protecht is headquartered in Newport Beach, California.

LeaseLock

Series A in 2019
LeaseLock Inc. is an insurance technology company that provides lease guarantor services for renters by replacing traditional security deposits with insurance. Founded in 2013 and based in Marina Del Rey, California, LeaseLock streamlines the rental process through its online application, eliminating the need for cosigners and facilitating instant lease approvals. The company's flagship product utilizes artificial intelligence to optimize coverage based on property history, resulting in significant improvements in conversion rates and reduced vacancy for property owners. LeaseLock has insured over $1 billion in leases, backed by insurance rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. The company has strategic partnerships with notable investors, including SoftBank Ventures Asia and Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures, which support its mission to enhance the rental experience and minimize financial risks for apartment operators.

Avinew

Seed Round in 2019
Avinew, Inc. develops artificial intelligence and telematics-based software solutions specifically for the insurance industry. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Westlake Village, California, the company focuses on providing auto insurance services tailored for autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles. Avinew's offerings include usage-based insurance programs that leverage driving data, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to assess premium discount eligibility. By utilizing these advanced technologies, Avinew aims to enhance road safety while delivering value to vehicle drivers and fleet operators. The company was previously known as DRIAV, Inc. and rebranded to Avinew, Inc. in January 2019.

Clearcover

Series B in 2019
Clearcover, Inc. is a digital car insurance provider based in Chicago, Illinois, established in 2016. The company focuses on delivering affordable car insurance products through an online platform and agents, utilizing an API-first approach to enhance customer experience. Clearcover leverages advanced technology to streamline the insurance process, minimizing costs by avoiding expensive advertising, which allows them to offer better coverage at lower rates. The company's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has garnered recognition, including accolades from Glassdoor and Inc. Magazine for its workplace culture.

Protecht

Series A in 2018
Protecht, Inc., also known as TicketGuardian, specializes in developing insurtech products tailored for the consumer experience economy. Founded in 2016, the company offers a range of ticketing and registration platforms that enable clients to manage inventory, revenue, and fan engagement while providing real-time data and payment processing capabilities. Protecht focuses on delivering enterprise-level technology that ensures security, scalability, and data protection. With a strong foundation in fraud, risk management, insurance, finance, and payments, the company leverages embedded technologies to enhance financial and inventory control for its partners, ultimately fostering customer engagement and increasing conversion rates. Protecht is headquartered in Newport Beach, California.

LeaseLock

Series A in 2018
LeaseLock Inc. is an insurance technology company that provides lease guarantor services for renters by replacing traditional security deposits with insurance. Founded in 2013 and based in Marina Del Rey, California, LeaseLock streamlines the rental process through its online application, eliminating the need for cosigners and facilitating instant lease approvals. The company's flagship product utilizes artificial intelligence to optimize coverage based on property history, resulting in significant improvements in conversion rates and reduced vacancy for property owners. LeaseLock has insured over $1 billion in leases, backed by insurance rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best. The company has strategic partnerships with notable investors, including SoftBank Ventures Asia and Liberty Mutual Strategic Ventures, which support its mission to enhance the rental experience and minimize financial risks for apartment operators.

Bunker

Series A in 2017
Bunker is a prominent provider of insurance compliance and verification solutions. The company has developed a digital business insurance platform that enhances contract-related insurance experiences for enterprises, suppliers, and independent contractors. By offering a comprehensive marketplace for contract-related insurance, Bunker identifies small business insurance buyers and delivers tailored policies precisely when needed. The platform integrates Smart Certificate of Insurance (COI) screening and compliance verification, streamlining the insurance process for its users. Through its innovative approach, Bunker aims to improve the overall insurance experience, particularly in the context of contingent staffing models.

One

Venture Round in 2017
One, Inc. is a technology company based in Folsom, California, that specializes in cloud-based software solutions for the property and casualty insurance sector. Founded in 2012, it offers a comprehensive suite of products, including InsureOne, which encompasses policy management, payment processing, enterprise efficiency management, agency management, customer relationship management, and business intelligence reporting. The company's software is designed to meet the needs of various stakeholders in the insurance industry, including agencies, carriers, and managing general agents (MGAs). One, Inc. focuses on providing digital payment solutions that integrate inbound and outbound payment capabilities with industry-specific reporting and reconciliation, enhancing operational efficiency and data management for its clients.

Bunker

Seed Round in 2016
Bunker is a prominent provider of insurance compliance and verification solutions. The company has developed a digital business insurance platform that enhances contract-related insurance experiences for enterprises, suppliers, and independent contractors. By offering a comprehensive marketplace for contract-related insurance, Bunker identifies small business insurance buyers and delivers tailored policies precisely when needed. The platform integrates Smart Certificate of Insurance (COI) screening and compliance verification, streamlining the insurance process for its users. Through its innovative approach, Bunker aims to improve the overall insurance experience, particularly in the context of contingent staffing models.

CoverHound

Series C in 2015
CoverHound, Inc., operating as CoverHound Insurance Solutions, is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, that provides a comparison shopping platform for car and property insurance. Founded in 2010, CoverHound connects consumers with national insurance carriers and local agents, allowing them to compare accurate rates and find policies that suit their individual needs. The platform is designed to offer transparent access to insurance options, providing smart recommendations and personalized quotes without spamming users. With a focus on user control and data privacy, CoverHound facilitates a seamless experience for customers seeking to shop for and purchase insurance.

CoverHound

Series B in 2015
CoverHound, Inc., operating as CoverHound Insurance Solutions, is a technology company based in San Francisco, California, that provides a comparison shopping platform for car and property insurance. Founded in 2010, CoverHound connects consumers with national insurance carriers and local agents, allowing them to compare accurate rates and find policies that suit their individual needs. The platform is designed to offer transparent access to insurance options, providing smart recommendations and personalized quotes without spamming users. With a focus on user control and data privacy, CoverHound facilitates a seamless experience for customers seeking to shop for and purchase insurance.
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