Allianz ups investment in digital miroinsurer BIMA

Insurtech BIMA, a digital microinsurance provider in emerging markets, has secured a $30 million investment led by existing shareholders LeapFrog Investments and insurer Allianz, as well as new Chinese investor CreditEase Fintech Investment Fund (CEFIF). The new capital will allow the company to expand its...

...technology-enabled insurance and digital health product offering, scale its capabilities amidst rising demand, and deepen its footprint in Asia and Africa.

BIMA said COVID-19 is the catalyst behind the surge, with consumers seeking increased access to telemedicine and insurance cover against life and health risks.

Gustaf Agartson, founder and CEO at BIMA, said: “The onset of COVID-19 has brought home the value of telemedicine, to help prevent the spread of disease, and the importance of insurance, for peace of mind. Through digital solutions, and a human touch, we’ve been able to serve hard to reach communities with tools and services that bring them a sense of security at such a challenging time.

“The funds we have raised will allow us to expand our operations and further invest in our product offering that will help us scale quickly to meet the unprecedented demand for our services.”

Nazim Cetin, CEO at Allianz X, the Germany-based insurance group's digital investment unit, said: “We are happy to continue our partnership with BIMA and jointly deliver telemedicine and remote healthcare services in developing markets. We believe the demand for these services will continue to increase and want to manifest BIMA’s leading position in the market by providing support with our experience and network.”

Dennis Cong, managing partner at CEFIF, commented: “We are very impressed by BIMA’s innovative integration of micro insurance and tele-doctor services, which provide critical coverage to meet large unmet demand in emerging markets, and whose value is accentuated further by the current pandemic. We are very happy to have the opportunity to join this meaningful journey, along with the established leading shareholders, and support the company to grow its business and expand its leadership position in its served markets.”

Stewart Langdon, partner at LeapFrog Investments, added: “The market that BIMA is serving is vast and demand for health services is tremendous. BIMA’s unique digital capabilities empower emerging market consumers to access many health and insurance services on a single, easy to use platform. That includes protection for millions of first-time buyers of insurance who would otherwise remain unprotected and at risk.

“Delivering these services to 35 million consumers is an outstanding achievement by Gustaf and his team, but it’s just the beginning of the journey. We’re excited to increase our investment in BIMA as it continues to democratize access to digital health services.”