VouchForMe 2019 in review
With 2019 coming to a close, we wanted to look back. There’s been some key moments and significant achievements in 2019, and we’re expecting even bigger things in 2020.
Let’s start at the beginning.
In April, we announced a partnership with Swissdacs Group, which resulted in the introduction of VouchForMe’s blockchain-based platform in four new markets. Switzerland, Italy, Germany, and Austria.
In June we were featured in the UK’s Sunday Times, where 19-year-old driver Edward Crane explained why he chose VouchForMe when looking to lower his insurance premium. Through VouchForMe, Edward saved over £400.00!
We launched a fresh new website in May, making huge improvements from our original one. We’re thrilled with the result, a smart, slick and user-friendly site.
The second half of the year saw some big achievements…
In July, we announced our partnership with one of the largest insurance carriers in Southeast Europe: Euroins Romania. Euroins has over a million clients, and VouchForMe is now fully implemented with its Casco motor insurance. We launched our pilot project in July.
We started a new partnership in September with AMZS (Slovene national automobile association) and the Slovene insurance company Adriatic Slovenica. The service was launched under the brand JAZ, offering substantial discounts on casco insurance premiums, for safe and responsible drivers, providing that they could secure a guarantor.
September also brought some changes to our executive team. Our co-founder and acting CEO Matt Peterman took on the role of Chairman, while our Head Of Business Development Jacob Westerlaken, stepped up to take the position of CEO. Together Matt and Jacob have a wealth of experience within the insurance and technology sectors, and both will be responsible for the strategic direction of the company. Matt will prioritize working towards the company vision, while Jacob is responsible for business development, operational efficiency, and profitability.
The start of winter brought with it a significant recognition for VouchForMe’s concept. Disruptor Daily is a blog and podcast which focuses on blockchain technology. In November Disruptor daily announced VouchForMe as their winner for 2019. #Blockchain in Insurance Use Case Awards. A big thanks to everyone who voted for us!
Events
Throughout 2019 we presented the VouchForMe concept at many different functions.
First of all was the FIA (the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) Region I Startup Challenge, a dedicated program that strives to improve mobility services while putting members and communities at the center. VouchForMe was one of just 13 startups chosen to present. VouchForMe showcased the power of social proof in the Star Category of the Challenge. The FIA voted us as one of the top three startups, allowing us to pitch at the Annual General Assembly meeting of FIA global in December in Paris. We had an opportunity to address the FIA top management representatives.
Our Second big event was DIA — Digital insurance agenda in Munich. DIA is the largest insurtech festival, where insurance pioneers from all continents have the opportunity to connect and inspire. DIA aims to accelerate innovation in the insurance industry by connecting insurance executives with insurtech leaders. In cooperation with Adriatic Slovenica, we showcased VouchForMe in a user-friendly demo. You can check out the video of our presentation.
After presenting at DIA Munich, VouchForMe was chosen as part of the DIA TOP 100 Insurtechs of 2019 by Insurtech experts Roger Peverelli and Reggy de Feniks.
VouchForMe was once again on stage at Hartford InsureTech Symposium and Meetup in Zurich, Switzerland, where Matt Peterman showed how VouchForMe could be used to attract younger clients, a huge challenge for insurance providers. At the ISF Bucharest, (Institute of Financial Studies) VouchForMe was once again on stage as Damir Kervina Chief Product and Operations Officer, presented the concept at an international event.
2019 has had its challenges, brought new ideas and big changes. We are very proud of the hard work and dedication of our team, which has brought us new partners, recognition, and massively developed the VouchForMe product. 2019 was great and we have big plans for VouchForMe in 2020. Watch this space.
Goodbye 2019, it’s been a blast. Bring on the new year!
