DIA 2017: The best InsurTech event we have seen so far

InsurTechs are becoming more and more an integral and necessary part of the innovation strategies of insurances. This trend was also confirmed at the Digital Insurance Agenda (DIA) 2017 conference. On the 10. and 11. of May, the event took place in Amsterdam in the Westergasfabriek. A former coal gas factory, that became the playground for insurances and InsurTech startups from all over the world for two days. Both sides could use the time to get to know each other and to understand each others need better. More than 850 followed the invitation of the two DIA founders Reggy de Feniks and Roger Peverelli into this iconic event location.

The history of the Westergasfabriek is quite a good synonim for the changing landscape of InsurTech. The British Gas company ran the factory for several years to produce coal gas but it then had to be closed because of changing energy needs. And so the Westergasfabriek ceased gas production in 1967. By the time the factory shut down, the site was heavily polluted until adventurous entrepreneurs and artists flocked to the site.

And this spirit of such young entrepreneurs working in a complicated environment was shown by 50 handpicked InsurTech companies from across the globe at DIA. They showcased their latest and most innovative solutions that can increase cost savings, boost revenues, or accelerate the digital agenda of the insurance industry in some other way. Additionally, several key notes by insurance thought leaders like Amélie Oudea Casera (CMDO AXA Group) or Mark Klein (CDO ERGO Group) addressed the challenges of implementing new technologies, of digital transformation and of cooperating with insurtechs.

The event culminated with the awarding of the “Diamond Award” for the best startup for each day of the conference. And we are very proud that our portfolio company Sherpa was one of the diamond winners. Sherpa is an innovative and disruptive startup for personal risk management in the insurance market. (Read more about Sherpa here)

The event set a new standard for European InsurTech events and combined an interesting program, the right mixture of attendees with an absolut gorgeous organization. The DIA 2017 showed that it is possible to bring both sides, startup and insurers, to the table and let them get to know each other better in a very personal way. This will be one of the key factors for the speed of innovation in the insurance industry.

We want to thank the hosts Reggy de Feniks and Roger Peverelli for this great event and the great organization! The DIA is definitely the most important InsurTech event in Europe by now.