W1 Forward InsurTech Accelerator 2019

Dare to Disrupt

The W1 Forward Accelerator Program is designed for early-stage startups, helping to turn validated entrepreneur-ial ideas market- and investor-ready. The tailor-made 2-month program is targeted at cross-industry international startups that want to make an impact on the insurance business with their digital solutions. The accelerator includes workshops, one-on-one mentor & coaching sessions to aid startups in becoming experts in insurance, and ready to build pilots with InsurTech corporate members.

Founded in 2015, with 3 batches under our belt, we can offer access to a huge network of mentors, coaches, and investors both within the industry, academia and in the startup ecosystem. But our true USP is the unparalleled ac-cess we provide startups to our fourteen insurance members. They range from international market leaders to local champions with a true interest in startup cooperation and partnerships.

The best ideas come from all backgrounds and industries - we heavily urge startups to think big! We’re looking for true disruptors, people who think outside the box and come up with really unexpected ideas. For us, the best in-surtech startups don’t need to have an insurance background but can provide a solution that is also applicable to the industry, after-all true disruption comes from the outside. So, the excuse that ‘a concept doesn’t apply to insurance’ is not accepted!

The program is open to both early and venture-backed technology startups with a vision to revolutionize the insur-ance industry and a validated concept or prototype (demonstrate early traction or provide data points) and be open to refining the concept.

FEB 11th MAR 7th APR 4th MAY 16th MAY 20th JUL 11th

Pre-Selection Interviews

Program application open

Program application closes

Selection Day Event

Onboarding Week

Program Start

Demo Day

Intensive 8 week program with insurance-focused topclass men-toring and coaching sessions and interactive workshops

The chance to explore collaborations and gain invaluable industry insights from the InsurTech Hub Munich’s corporate members

Access to a vast network of entrepreneurs, investors and corporate partners through countless networking opportunities

Pitch opportunities on internatio-nal stages like the Digital Insurance Agenda as well as local events like Meetups and the Federal Ministry’s annual Pitch Night

Co-working space, community during the batch and on-request resources available to teams after the 2 month program

Strong Alumni program that allows for continued support and unparalleled access after the Accelerator

…all in the European insurance and beer garden capital!

The W1 Forward InsurTech Accelerator is located in WERK1, ‘the most start- up-friendly place in Munich‘. WERK1 is a startup hub, funded by the Bavarian ministry for economic affairs, on a mission to unleash the great potential of the Munich startup ecosystem.

Startup Benefits

To apply as a startup or a mentor / coach, please go to fwd.insurtech-munich.com and fill out the application form. We have a three-stage application process: pre-selection, video interviews and final selection on-site. The teams will receive feedback after each stage.

In the first pre-selection stage, applicants will fill out the online questionnaire as well as e-mail an executive summary or pitch deck. It’s vital to include the main pillars of the concept, the USP, and your motivation for taking part in the InsurTech Accelerator Program. We also ask to share a three- to five-minute video in which you introduce yourself, your team and your idea.

Following the application deadline, each application will be reviewed by the selection committee. The teams that meet the application criteria and are tackling our members’ pain points or deliver disruptive new ideas will be invit-ed for video interviews that help us to better understand the business model, answer any lingering questions, and meet the team.

The short-list will be invited to Munich on the 4th April, for the final selection with a pitch and Q&A session with the selection jury, consisting of the accelerator team, mentors and partners. Following the Selection Day, the official Batch 4 startups will be announced within 48 hours.

Apply

Read more about W1 Forward InsurTech Accelerator and InsurTech Hub Munich: fwd.insurtech-munich.com

Corine Ackermann

Community and Events Manager community@insurtech-munich.com

W1 Forward InsurTech Accelerator is characterized by an intense program structure of coaching and mentoring. We expect startups to physically participate in all sessions offered by the program. Founders will be assigned a main mentor who will work with them on a regular basis, ideally even after the accelerator program is over. Different coaches (experts in their specific fields) will be meeting you for one-to-one coaching sessions. All this on top of the constant feedback and networking with the insurance experts and corporate InsurTech Hub members.

During the same period, teams will focus on working on their own business development and shifting to more cus-tomized engagements with mentors and partners (market readiness stage). The goal is to develop your product with regular pitch-, feedback- and networking-opportunities from the experts and applicable insurance departments, to hopefully set up POCs with corporate members.

At the end of the two months intensive program, a Demo Day will be organized where investors, press, partners (including the board of members) and the public will be listening to your final pitches, eager to see the development of your concept. The Accelerator Program will formally end with a networking party, celebrating your hard work and giving you one last chance to network.

Accelerator Structure

Contact Person

Our Partners - Your Partners