Sabine VanderLinden

90 million. This is the volume of monthly active users #Canva welcomes on its design platform every month. Ten million of those are paying subscribers who generate USD $1 Billion in annual revenues.

Two days ago, I talked to a female founder that was seeking investor funding. She shared how difficult it was to engage with investors if one has yet to develop those relations.

So when seeing this story on Fortune of #MelaniePerkins, the co-founder of Canva, I thought that the story might be uplifting for those #femalefounders that are seeking investor backing.

“35-year-old Canva founder Melanie Perkins got rejected by 100 VCs. Now her $26 billion design startup is ready to take on Microsoft and Google” shares Fortune.

Canva is used by many of us and our teams daily to enhance our communication and social media engagement. Essential for amateur designers, Canva is recognized by many as a tool for the creator economy where creators understand the opportunity that lies within the brand ads market, with platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and particularly TikTok and Instagram supporting the trend.

Today, Canva is the world’s most valuable startup, founded and led by a woman. And here are some great soundbites I took from this article:

📍  Don’t move too fast: Get every brick of your business model well-refined and locked in to avoid overstretching your resources. “Without technical backgrounds or Silicon Valley resources, the pair first tackled an achievable market—Australian high-school yearbook publishing—before taking on the more extensive graphic design industry.”

📍  Raised when the unit economics make sense: Canva turned a profit on a free-cash-flow basis every year since 2017, on what became $1 billion in revenue. It had $700 million in cash on hand and earned the backing of Sequoia Capital, Bessemer Venture Partners, and Founders Fund.

📍  To scale to the next level, Canva must move from the creator to the professional tooling market that several big techs already own: Canva must accumulate more paying customers if it is going to succeed in the professional tooling market, a $47 billion productivity management software market.

The latter point is certainly not a minor one.

Former Disney CEO and current Canva investor Bob Iger shares: “I think she’s very capable of running a company that is much larger and more complex than the company she runs.”

Good luck, Melanie. 

🌍💡 Reflections on Sustainability within Life and Health Insurance 🌿 💼

I was catching up with Emmanuel D. from RGAX to reflect on the role of sustainability within our industry, in Life and Health insurance in particular, and I wanted to share a few takeaways.

📍 The first one - and this can't be overstated - is that sustainability isn't only a concern for Property & Casualty incumbents. It's everyone's business. From life to health insurers, reinsurers, to insurtech - we all have a role to play in shaping “a more fulfilling” or “greener” future.

📍 Incorporating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into our decision-making process is not only a good thing to do, it's also smart for business. These principles help us assess long-term risks and opportunities, bettering our industry and the world around us. We have seen this in articles I have written in the past.

📍 We can develop sustainable insurance products and services, considering underwriting risks through the lens of sustainability. And by the same token, we're uniquely positioned to mitigate environmental risks and foster positive societal impact. This is currently evaluated by some insurers and reinsurers leveraging the many sustainabilityTech / insurTech startups.

📍 Encouraging sustainable behaviors among insurance policyholders is another potent way of effecting change. Carbon awareness or accounting has been an approach deployed! We can also create incentives for healthier, more eco-friendly lifestyles. That's a win-win – good for the customer, and good for the planet.

📍 Finally, none of us can do this alone. Collaboration and partnerships with sustainable partners will amplify the impact of the actions taken and allow us to learn from each other. We can achieve so much more together than we ever could on our own.

We have an opportunity to meet and talk! It is time indeed to align with our sustainability goals, set for us and set by us, so that we can all share in the action and how we contribute to a more sustainable future. AND insurance can certainly make a difference. 🌳

Join the The ITC DIA Europe Community and Emmanuel as well as great teams from Senniors and The CareVoice, namely Claudia Gómez Estefan and Sebastien Gaudin to dive into this unique topic with Matt Ferguson from Sønr Global. We will discuss this very topic together #ITCDIA2023

#Sustainability #LifeInsurance #Collaboration

Thrilled to be attending the sold-out #saleforcelive on Wednesday 30th November.
So, join us virtually for the day.

Topics I will pay particular attention to include:
 
📍 doing more with less in difficult economic times
📍 hearing how LV= has embraced automation to drive self-service innovation to secure insurance customers for life
📍 why doing marketing in the cloud yields 28% ROI by making every moment count
📍 evaluating why strong data culture can synthesize information and glean insights at scale to deliver value across the enterprise. This also entails unlocking analytics everywhere for everyone
📍 adopting integrated digital tools and platforms at the HQ can bring everyone together while achieving significant productivity improvement
📍 Listening to grammy award winner #NileRogers on his intent to inspire the next generation on respecting cultural diversity.
 
I also looking forward to meeting Heather Black CEO of Supermums and Salesforce career coach, trainer, and recruiter.
 
We will share insights for #collaborative #ecosystems to grow and #scaletogether.

#salesforcelive #scalingtogether

🌐 In the drive towards automation, many organizations are transforming their helpdesks into highly efficient, tech-driven hubs. Ivanti's research reveals an interesting dynamic. 📊

When users encounter a problem, ⚠️ they are nearly as likely to consult a co-worker (27%) as they are to contact the helpdesk (28%). 📞 This data tells us something significant—automation isn't just a feature. 🔄 It's a co-pilot.

Think about automation as a force multiplier. 💪 It's designed to handle repetitive, time-consuming tasks, freeing up your human capital to focus on tasks that require a nuanced understanding—those gray areas where human judgment adds immeasurable value. 💡 Don't simply view automation as a means to replace human interaction but as an assistant capable of taking care of basic to complex issues. 🤝

At the same time, let's not ignore the cultural elements. 🌍 If employees are as likely to seek assistance from co-workers 👩‍💻 as they are from a tech solution, it speaks volumes about the state of user experience. 💭 The helpdesk should be the first port of call, and if it's not, there’s work to be done. It could be a matter of accessibility, trust, or efficiency ⚡—all areas where automation, designed and deployed correctly, can make a substantial impact. 💥

In essence, the future of helpdesk management is a seamless blend of human and machine. 🧠 🔧Deploy automation as your co-pilot, not as an autopilot. 🚫✈️ This nuanced approach to automation not only streamlines operations but also maintains the human element, so critical to problem-solving and decision-making. 🧩

#Ivanti #FutureOfWork #DEX

🔗 https://lnkd.in/e55_7Whk

🌟 A Balance of Risk and Opportunity: The Double-Edged Sword of Tech in the Workforce 🌟

Let's dive straight into an issue that many of us find ourselves contemplating: The undeniable seismic shifts that technology, particularly AI and automation, bring to the job landscape.

Is it a Pandora's box or a treasure trove of opportunity?

🎭 The Tale of Two Outcomes: Technology is altering not just the total number of jobs, but also the type of jobs available, leading to significant changes in income distribution. While some argue this can exacerbate inequality—fueling social unrest and negative sentiment towards corporations—there's another side to this story that's equally compelling.

📊 Bridging the Productivity Gap: Recent research showcases how advanced tech, like large language models, can be a great equalizer. When technology substitutes for rare and highly valued skills, it paves the way for more inclusivity. These technologies can narrow the productivity chasm between high-skilled and low-skilled workers, thereby reducing inequality.

🚨 Social Unrest vs. Social Equality: Skill-biased technical change can both threaten social cohesion and offer an olive branch. As leaders, we must recognize this and consider how redistributive policies and skill-based training can be integrated into corporate strategy. By doing so, we mitigate risks and foster a more equitable workforce.

🔑 Unlocking Opportunity: The narrative isn't set in stone. With the right approach, technology can serve as a catalyst for building a more equal society. But it's up to us to guide that change thoughtfully, always keeping the broader impact on society and the workforce in mind.

So what are your thoughts? Do you see technology as a creator or mitigator of inequality in the workforce? Discover more insights within the Swiss Re Report on The Economics of Digitalisation.

https://lnkd.in/eMax9S3G

Comment below. Looking forward to reading your thoughts. 📩

#FutureOfWork #AI #Automation Swiss Re Reinsurance Solutions

🎙️ Listen to a fascinating episode of the #ScoutingforGrowth podcast featuring InsurTech expert Tunde Salako!

Tunde shared his insights on the booming #African startup ecosystem, particularly in the #FinTech and #InsurTech spaces.

As the co-founder of HealthTech startup Hadiel Health Coop and managing partner of Africa Insurtech Lab, Tunde is well-positioned to discuss the growth and potential of the African market. 🌍

In the episode, I discussed with Tunde:

🚀  FinTech and InsurTech in Africa
🚀  Opportunities and challenges faced by the local market
🚀  Drivers behind the $3 billion #investment made within the African market over the past two years.

Some key takeaways from the podcast:

🚀  Africa has seen a surge of technology hubs (over 700 today) focused on teaching, coding, and building local talent 💡
🚀  Despite the global slowdown, investment in Africa remained strong, with funding reaching $4.8 billion in 2022 and 55% directed toward the FinTech ecosystem 💸
🚀  The future of insurance in Africa will be driven by partnerships, collaborations, and M&A activities between major players and InsurTechs 🤝

Tunde's passion for showcasing African innovation and technology growth is contagious!

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in FinTech, InsurTech, and the African startup scene.

The cyber insurance field does not yet deliver on the expectations placed on it.

Sales volumes are lower than expected and loss ratios are negative.

This is what Kobi Bendelak from InsurTech israel shared with me a few days ago.

Think about this.

The penetration of cyber insurance into medium and small companies is very low and most policies are sold to large companies that are subject to supervision and obligation to purchase cyber insurance coverage to trade.

Sometimes, cyber risk coverage requests are so high that no insurer would provide insurance. This is where captive programs and self-insurance schemes start appearing.

Cyber insurance shares Kobi has not yet positioned itself in insurance as a central coverage for customers.

A significant portion of premiums are sold as part of insurance coverage packages and not as a stand-alone insurance product which makes it difficult to grow and position more effectively as differentiated insurance coverage.

#itcvegas2022 will welcome some of the most interesting #cyberresilience solutions from Israel.

Make sure to pencil Kobi Bendelak's session on 22nd Sep in your calendar.

You can find more here below
https://bit.ly/3drFcAW

#insurtech #cyber #insurance InsureTech Connect

#Sustainability is not just about adopting the latest energy-efficient technologies or turning to renewable sources of power.

It is much more than that.

It is about defining the business model of the future such as SaaS or Circular Economy-led business models.

It is about selecting the very best technology to accelerate the transformation of any industry and through that process help them serve their customers better.

Join us at #ITCVegas 2022 where the conversation will connect viewpoints on sustainability in insurance.
👇🏽
https://bit.ly/3drFcAW

#ITCVegas #CommercialSustainability #insurance #insurtech #transformation #tech4good #futureoftech

Would you like to embrace agile design thinking techniques to enhance your career prospects?
 
Recently, I enjoyed a little chat with Ildikó Sebestyén-Krizbai, the head of process data at _VOIS, on the future of work and professional development.
 
Ildi shared some incredible insights into how she has used methodologies like Agile and Design Thinking to shape her career trajectory and inspire others to do the same. 💡
 
Here are my findings:
 
📍  Agile methodology, with its focus on adaptability and embracing change, is a game-changer. It helped Ildi to build resilience and an open mindset, allowing her to pivot and excel in the face of new challenges. On the other hand, Design Thinking honed her critical thinking skills, ensuring that the products she develops meet customers' needs. In this fast-changing world, these skills are invaluable, and I encourage everyone to explore and learn them! 🔍
 
📍  Continuous improvement is crucial in any career, and as a process leader, Ildi knows what it takes to foster it. Curiosity is the key! 🧐 Creating a culture of curiosity empowers people to question, experiment, and find innovative ways of working. This mindset shift can take time, but it sets the foundation for growth and success. Embrace every change and failure as an opportunity to learn and improve. Failures are simply stepping stones to success! 🌱
 
 📍  As someone passionate about process and data, Ildi shared how this skill set has shaped her career in the telecommunications industry. Process optimization and project management have allowed her to identify and implement efficient solutions, driving organizational success. The art of data analysis enables her to uncover valuable insights, guiding her decision-making process. Remember, data visualization and communication of insights are vital for achieving organizational goals. 📊
 
In today's fast-paced world, lifelong learning is non-negotiable 📚. We must continuously continue to be curious, productive, and adaptable to drive our careers and the future of work forward.
 
Listen to this engaging discussion with Ildi, and if you want to reach out to the team at #_VOIS just visit their LinkedIn page.
 
#FutureOfWork #DesignThinking #Leadership

https://lnkd.in/gJt2av2S

I look forward to listening to Franklin Manchester, from SAS's keynote at the #ITCVegas2023 pre-event on 31 October. The keynote will shed light on transformative opportunities at the intersection of insurance and technology.

Here are some insights I gathered from chatting with Franklin...

📍 AI has the gravitas to confront urgent global challenges — be it conflict, societal marginalization, climate risks, or the ever-widening protection gap. The narrative isn't just about mitigating risks anymore. That narrative must be linked with proactive prevention. And the insurance sector is undoubtedly poised to lead this shift.

📍 Don't underestimate the democratization of data science. This domain isn't the playground for just the tech-savvy elite any longer. The entry barriers are dissolving. As business leaders, we must contribute meaningfully to this discipline.

📍 Time to evaluate the “last mile“ challenge. Possessing a wealth of data and analytics isn't enough. Extracting actionable value and insight from that data is where the actual game is played. If you're not leveraging AI tools within your enterprise systems, you're essentially leaving money on the table.

📍 Insurers can harness AI not just to protect but to empower. Franklin intends to explain how to align strategy with advanced technologies to fulfill the promises we are making every day to consumers.

So, let's see whether we can shake up the status quo. Influence transformative change. As the future is now.

#AI #Insurance #DataScience  
https://lnkd.in/eqhgAGAW

Really thrilled to have seen this great announcement pop up on my LinkedIn profile yesterday.

Artificial Labs raised £9.5m #seriesa fundraising! 🚀

The formula for the next stage of #growth certainly includes:

1) a great team
2) a great vision
3) a great problem to solve #algorithmic...
4) a great product bringing it all together

#commercialinsurance requires some drastically new thinking to address a myriad of issues from #responsibleunderwriting to access to #sustainabilitytech platforms already backed in at the root of the design.

Let's empower commercial insurers to write better risks, faster.
👇🏼
https://lnkd.in/euqNAzVz

Force Over Mass, Mundi Ventures  MS&AD Ventures NO. 9 INVESTMENTS LIMITED

Tak Sato David King Anna Burge Johnny Bridges Lisa Wardlaw
Minh Q. Tran Sam Evans Florian Graillot James Tootell Simon Schneider

 #fundingnews #insurtech #insurance #funding #investmentstrategy #algorithmictrading

So many problems to tackle across the insurance business model and value chain., often in limited time.

Still, we know there are many ways to solve emerging corporate challenges with strategic direction, methods, people, and technology.

Thrilled to present to you those startups, scaleups, and growth ventures that will support our commercial sustainability conversation at ITC Vegas…. and more.

These ventures will bring insight across data, underwriting, and business model innovation with the support of great partners.

Where: #itcvegas2022
https://bit.ly/3dAHw8U

McKenzie Intelligence Services Ltd Previsico AkinovA Maptycs® Salient Planck Democrance GWTInsight Artificial Labs Miss Moneypenny Technologies One Concern Parametrix LiveEO | We're hiring! OTONOMI EPAM Systems Sønr Global InsureTech Connect InsurLab Germany InsurTech Israel NextGenComm
Simon Hayes Rocio Sarriegui Zulueta Megan Kuczynski Bill Harris

#insurance #sustainability #innovation #people #startup #insurtech