Ed Gaze: There is ‘no shortage of ideas’ for insurtech startups

Seven candidates have been shortlisted to pick up the prestigious accolade of Technology Champion of the Year at Insurance Times’  Tech and Innovation Awards 2023.

Second on the shortlist is Ed Gaze, chief executive of Innovative Risk Labs (IRL). 

Gaze made the shortlist last year due to his work at Lloyd’s Lab, where he was head of innovation between August 2018 and August 2022.

He has been nominated for a second year running due to his work at IRL, which became a Lloyd’s broker earlier this year (23 June 2023).

The firm, which incubates and supports startup UK and global insurtechs in their development, said it was now aiming to be first broker of its kind.

When asked what winning Technology Champion of the Year would mean to him, Gaze told Insurance Times: ”I’m thrilled to be nominated for Tech Champion of the year, again. Being alongside such incredible people in the industry just makes it even more of an honour.

”At IRL I meet inspiring innovators every week, from industry veterans exploring new ventures to ambitious newcomers revolutionising insurance – there’s certainly no shortage of ideas out there.”

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During his career, Gaze worked as an advisor for KPMG between November 2011 to October 2014 and later became the data and analytics senior manager for the firm. 

 Before Tech Nation ran into funding problems and was acquired by Founders Forum earlier this year (25 April 2023), Gaze was also a member of its insurtech board between August 2021 and August 2022.

Across the industry, Gaze said he had ”seen how hard it is to raise money, get an insurer to back you and to bring in the first bit of revenue”.

”I take my hat off to those who have succeeded and am glad to have played a minor role in helping a small number of them,” he said.

”Finally, thanks go to the Insurance Times [team] for their longstanding support for insurtech and for providing an event to celebrate our collective successes – bring on the party.”

The Technology Champion of the Year will be revealed at an awards ceremony at the Royal Lancaster London hotel later this year (21 September 2023).

And this year there will no voting – instead the final decision will be in the hands of the Insurance Times editorial team.

For table bookings for this event, contact account manager Serena Giampieri: Serena.giampieri@insurancetimes.co.uk

Meanwhile, for sponsorship opportunities, contact head of commercial Aisha Roberts: Aisha.roberts@insurancetimes.co.uk