Global Insurance Accelerator Finalist in International Competition
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (July 19, 2017) – The Global Insurance Accelerator is a finalist in the ICC World Chambers Federation’s World Chambers Competition in the category of “Best Unconventional Project.” The accelerator, a business accelerator that focuses on startups in the global insurance industry, is one of 18 finalists in four categories for the World Chambers Competition, and is the only finalist from the U.S. The World Chambers Competition is the only global awards program of its kind to recognize groundbreaking projects developed by chambers of commerce and industry worldwide. The Competition allows chambers to showcase best practices.
Finalists will present their unique projects before a live audience of chamber and business leaders during the bi-annual World Chambers Congress set to take place in Sydney, Australia, Sept. 19-21, 2017. The Partnership is leading a Cultural Exploration Trip to Australia that coincides with the event.
The Global Insurance Accelerator was recognized as a collaborative solution to helping drive innovation in a worldwide industry that has a heavy presence in Greater Des Moines (DSM). The accelerator is a mentor-driven business accelerator designed to foster innovation in the insurance industry by supporting startups targeting the global insurance industry. It has hosted three classes of six startup companies each in its 100-day program. The accelerator has received wide support from companies in the insurance industry, with investment from American Equity Life Insurance Company, Delta Dental of Iowa, EMC Insurance Company, Farm Bureau Financial Services, Farmers Mutual Hail, Grinnell Mutual, IMT Insurance Company, Markel Corporation, Mutual of Omaha and Principal. The accelerator was originated by the Greater Des Moines Partnership.
“It is a great honor to be a finalist for the World Chambers Competition and be recognized alongside outstanding initiatives in countries across the globe,” said Brian Hemesath, Managing Director of the Global Insurance Accelerator. “It is a powerful statement that so many key players in the insurance industry have committed to supporting the accelerator and moving the industry forward globally.”
“The Global Insurance Accelerator has leveraged strong leadership and collaboration to drive innovation in a key industry,” said Jay Byers, CEO of The Partnership. “This recognition further demonstrates that DSM is a global hub for insurance and financial services.”
Learn more about the World Chambers Competition here. Learn more about the Global Insurance Accelerator here.
About the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA)
Launched in 2015, the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA) fosters innovation in and for the insurance industry via a mentor-driven, 100-day program. GIA supports an annual cohort by providing each graduate company $40K of seed money in exchange for six percent equity. During the program, cohort members get insurance-specific mentoring via 1:1 meetings with industry executives, as well as basic business infrastructure assistance, coaching on garnering investments, and product-specific insights into strategies for increasing applicability to and feasibility for the insurance industry. The GIA extended network includes insurance company investors, startups and mentors from across the global business and insurance communities. For more details please visit globalinsuranceaccelerator.com.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the economic and community development organization that serves Greater Des Moines (DSM), Iowa. Together with 23 Affiliate Chambers of Commerce, more than 6,100 Regional Business Members and more than 320 Investors, The Partnership drives economic growth with one voice, one mission and as one region. Through innovation, strategic planning and global collaboration, The Partnership grows opportunity, helps create jobs and promotes DSM as the best place to build a business, a career and a future. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.