Anthemis makes pivotal move into venture growth

Investment firm Anthemis has raised $90 million for its Insurance Venture Growth Fund I (AIVGF I). The fund’s focus is venture growth companies driving significant impact within the insurance industry. Anthemis has secured backing from Aflac Global Ventures, Sumitomo Life and Nürnberger Versicherung in partnership with Daido Life Insurance Company. This move marks the extension of Anthemis’ expertise in pre-Seed and Series A to Series B and beyond.

“We are pleased to start this partnership with Anthemis by investing in Anthemis Insurance Venture Growth Fund I,” said Aflac Global Ventures president Nadeem Khan.

Aflac Global Ventures partners with companies whose disruptive innovations in insurance, healthcare, finance, analytics and other related fields align with Aflac's strategic interests. Khan added: “Anthemis has developed a strong investment track record, at the intersection of innovation and insurance. As we look ahead to the next wave of transformation, we are confident that Anthemis will continue to be at the forefront of the industry.”

Anthemis also welcomed the arrival of insurance veteran Kate Sampson as managing director. Prior to joining Anthemis, Sampson served as the vice president of Risk Solutions at Lyft and in various leadership roles at Marsh & McLennan. During her tenure at Marsh, she developed the first-of-its kind insurance for Transportation Network Companies. At Lyft, she grew the in-house insurance operation to an approximately $1 billion insurance company in four years, including a full-stack tech team, claims, actuaries and operations.

“Having worked with high-growth startups and incumbents, I have seen first-hand how an organisation like Anthemis can bring an incredible amount of value and shape the future of insurance,” said Sampson. “The firm’s commitment to authentic collaboration and investing in diverse talent is an important part of what makes Anthemis special, and certainly makes this the perfect next step for me. I'm excited for what is ahead.”

Anthemis Founder and chief investment officer Sean Park said: “This is a huge milestone for Anthemis as we approach the close of our first decade as a business. Insurance and risk management will propel much of the true transformation we see in financial services. With the maturation of our portfolio companies and the industry more broadly, it is a natural evolution for us to be active participants in the venture growth space. I’m very proud of the team that we have assembled and look forward to our next chapter.”