FS Brew- Insurtech and insurance in the Middle East

Hosted by Renjit Philip and Vidya Veerapandian

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Apr 2026

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Welcome to FS Brew! FS Brew is the region’s first podcast focussing on insurance and insurtech in the UAE and the broader Middle East. We are based in the startup magnet, a city of dreamers and visionaries- Dubai! In every episode, the hosts, Vidya Veerapandian and Renjit Philip, have in-depth conversations with industry experts on insurtech, insurance, venture capital, digital transformation, actuarial science, and many other topics. Renjit Philip: www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠ www.onemorethinginai.com Vidya Veerapandian: www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠

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June 16, 2026Episode 813 min

Corgi raises back to back funding and becomes a $2.6 Billion company

Marsh Launches Coverpro.ae for UAE SMEs + Global Insurtech Funding Surges on AIIn this episode of FS Brew: News with Analysis, the hosts discuss Marsh UAE’s launch of CoverPro.ae, a new retail website aimed at small and medium enterprises, marking a shift toward digital-first distribution and raising questions about how Marsh will market to SMEs. They then review the Global Insurtech Funding Report (Be Insure), noting insurtech funding rose 19.5% year-on-year to $5.1B, driven largely by AI-focused startups, with an average deal size of $26M and AI liability/cyber deals highlighted. Examples include Paci’s $46M Series B and Corgi’s rapid back-to-back raises and valuation jump, plus a discussion on whether the Middle East could support an AI-native full-stack insurer. The episode also covers GCC insurance growth projections to 2030 and local product launches: Orient Insurance and Allianz Partners’ Sphera global health plan for expats, and Orient’s new war-risk solutions including political violence coverage.00:00 Welcome and Agenda00:11 Marsh UAE SME Portal01:33 How Marsh Will Market01:53 Insurtech Funding Rebounds03:07 Paci and Corgi Mega Rounds04:45 Corgi Growth and Culture05:58 Can GCC Build AI Insurers08:59 GCC Market Growth Outlook10:04 Orient Sphera Health Plan10:41 War Risk Add On Covers12:37 Wrap Up and SubscribeRenjit Philip:Consulting: https://linktr.ee/futureustrategygroup/Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Work: https://www.futureu.co⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

April 17, 2026Episode 731 min

Breaking Barriers in Insurance: Julien Condamines' Vision for Claims with Novo AI

How Novo AI Uses AI to Cut Claims Leakage: Julien Condamines on Fraud, Waste & Abuse | FS BrewRenjit and co-host Vidya welcome Julien Condamines, co-founder of Novo AI, to the FS Brew Insurtech podcast to discuss why he chose claims as the starting point for innovation and how Novo AI now focuses on reducing fraud, waste, and abuse. Julien describes insurers facing rising medical inflation, legacy claims operations that fail to capture usable data, and regulatory premium caps that worsen loss ratios, making leakage control critical to sustainability. He outlines what an ideal claims team looks like with automated data extraction and medical coding, minimal manual intervention for clean claims, and faster clinical review of flagged cases to prevent unnecessary or abusive billing. The conversation also covers the difficulty of selling to insurers, typical enterprise sales cycles and pricing tied to claim volumes, ROI from leakage reduction, and Novo AI’s expansion beyond Singapore into regional and global markets.00:00 Welcome Julian00:10 Why Claims Matter01:38 Meteorite Risks Ahead03:30 Ideal Claims Team06:42 Why Claims Lag Behind08:51 Selling Into Insurers12:07 Deal Cycles And Pricing13:32 Leakage Drives ROI14:47 Trust Speed Explainability16:45 Claims Frustration Reality16:57 Protection Beyond Payouts17:05 Thailand Injury Scenario17:32 Insurer As Trusted Guide18:59 Novo AI Claims Automation19:57 Stopping Fraud And Leakage21:30 Advice For Gulf Insurers23:45 Scaling Beyond Singapore25:28 Rapid Fire Leadership27:52 AI Trend And Big Risks29:16 Kindness And Pay It Forward31:00 Final Thanks And ShoutoutRenjit Philip:Consulting: https://linktr.ee/futureustrategygroup/Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Work: https://www.futureu.coSocials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

April 6, 2026Episode 614 min

AI in Insurance and how Emirates Airlines' insurance works in Conflict Zone Operations

AI in Commercial Insurance, Fully Autonomous Carriers, and Emirates’ War Risk Coverage | FS Drew’s News + AnalysisIn this episode of FS Brew's News with analysis, Renjit and Vidya discuss three insurance developments shaped by AI and geopolitical risk: insurtech Shepherd’s $42M Series B and its AI-driven commercial insurance platform that pulls real-time data from tools like Procore and Autodesk to speed underwriting for AI economy infrastructure; US firm di Primus Holdings’ launch of “Lucy,” a fully autonomous insurance carrier designed to handle underwriting, claims, and agent interactions with minimal human intervention; and a Financial Times report on Emirates Airlines’ war risk insurance, including its relatively low additional weekly war premium, a WTW-negotiated policy covering the first $2B of losses, and how scale, operational reputation, and conflict-specific policy terms help airlines keep flying during war.00:00 Welcome and Setup00:17 Breaking Alert Moment00:33 Shepherd Insurtech Funding03:09 AI Underwriting Debate04:51 Lucy Autonomous Insurer06:08 Can Insurance Be Fully AI08:47 Emirates War Risk Cover12:01 Why Emirates Gets Better Rates13:30 Wrap Up and Call to ActionRenjit Philip:Consulting: https://linktr.ee/futureustrategygroup/Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Work: https://www.futureu.coSocials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

March 19, 2026Episode 311 min

FS Brew: Navigating the Iran-Israel-US Conflict's Ripple Effects on Insurance

War Risk Cover Pulled in Strait of Hormuz, Hippo Turns Profitable, Aon Tests Stablecoin Premiums | FS Brew NewsVidya and Renjit discuss insurance developments amid the Iran–Israel–US conflict, noting major insurers have withdrawn war risk cover for ships in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf, pushing premiums from about 0.2–0.25% of vessel value to 1% or more and threatening fuel prices and supply chains as a major share of global oil transits the strait. They cover Hippo Insurance’s first full-year net profit ($58m) on $1.1bn gross written premium (up 24%) with 2026 guidance of $1.4–$1.5bn, and Aon’s proof of concept for paying premiums with stablecoins (USDC on Ethereum and PYUSD on Solana) to compress settlement times to minutes. They also cite S&P maintaining GCC insurers’ credit conditions as stable due to strong capital buffers, discuss war clause wording and possible cyber impacts, and highlight India’s newly licensed digital-first Kiwi Insurance backed by WestBridge and ex–Tata AIG leaders targeting motor, health, property, SME and commercial lines.00:00 Conflict Sets the Stage00:52 Hippo Turns Profitable02:35 Aon Tests Stablecoins03:57 War Risk Cover Pulled05:48 S&P Sees GCC Stability06:41 Cyber and War Exclusions08:25 India’s Kiwi Insurance10:54 Wrap Up and SubscribeRenjit Philip:Consulting: https://linktr.ee/futureustrategygroup/Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Work: https://www.futureu.coSocials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

February 15, 2026Episode 213 min

GCC & Global Insurtech News with Analysis from FS Brew: Where Innovation Meets Action

FS Brew January Roundup: AI InsurTech Boom & GCC Regulatory ChangesWelcome to FS Brew, the region's premier podcast for insurance enthusiasts! In this January news and analysis episode, hosts Vidya, founder of Forward, and Renjit, partner at Futureu Strategy Group, tackle the latest developments in the insurance industry. Discover how AI-native carrier Corgi secured a $108 million funding round to revolutionize insurance for startups. Dive into the impact of new GCC regulations on brokers and MGAs. Learn about Advanced Technology Assurance Limited's $50 million facility targeting AI-related risks. Finally, explore how Saudi telecom giant Zain is making waves with its embedded insurance venture. Don’t forget to support us by subscribing to our YouTube channel and following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Engage with us and stay ahead in the world of insurance!00:00 Welcome to FS Brew00:29 AI Native Insurance Carrier Corgi's $108M Funding01:59 Impact of AI on Traditional Insurers02:10 Middle East InsureTech Developments03:29 GCC Licensing Framework Updates05:48 Advanced Technology Assurance's $50M Facility08:47 Saudi Market Innovations11:45 Challenges of Embedded Insurance13:01 Closing Remarks and Call to ActionRenjit Philip:Consulting: https://linktr.ee/futureustrategygroup/Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Work: https://www.futureu.coSocials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

January 26, 2026Episode 134 min

Exclusive: CEO Neeraj Gupta Talks AI, Regulations, and the Future of Insurance

Welcome to FS Brew, the UAE and Middle East's first podcast dedicated to all things insurance and InsureTech. In this episode, hosts Renjit and Vidya are joined by Neeraj Gupta, CEO of Policy Bazaar UAE, for an insightful discussion on the latest innovations and challenges in the insurance landscape. Neeraj highlights Policy Bazaar's customer-centric initiatives, including the NRI Healthcare plan and the PB Advantage program. The conversation covers regulatory updates, the role of AI in the industry, and the potential of personalized insurance. They also explore the implications of the upcoming unified GCC travel visa. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the evolving world of insurance and InsurTech with a leading industry expert.00:00 Introduction to FS Brew and Hosts00:28 Guest Introduction: Neeraj Gupta, CEO of Policy Bazaar UAE00:54 Policy Bazaar's Customer-Centric Innovations04:56 AI Tools and Their Impact on Policy Bazaar07:56 Regulatory Changes and Their Impacts17:10 Unified GCC Travel Visa: Opportunities and Implications18:14 Challenges and Innovations in Health Insurance21:55 Partnerships and Future Predictions25:27 Rapid Fire Questions34:43 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRenjit Philip:Consulting: https://linktr.ee/futureustrategygroup/Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Work: https://www.futureu.coSocials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

December 2, 2025Episode 1156 min

At the intersection of Energy and Insurance: FS Brew x MEECON 2025 Special Episode

Navigating the Future of Energy and Insurance: Insights from FS Brew Podcast and MEECON 2025In this must-listen episode of the FS Brew Podcast, co-hosted by Vidya and Renjit in collaboration with MEECON 2025, experts from the insurance and energy sectors reveal crucial insights on the evolving landscape in the Middle East. Featuring industry leaders like Sunil Machado from Lockton Insurance Brokers, Sam Foster from Lloyd Warwick, Alan Purbrick from MEECON, Julie Kimmens from Star Insurance Companies, Sean Pearson from Liberty Specialty Markets, and Heba Tabet from EDF Power Solutions, this episode delves into a diverse range of pressing topics. From innovative risk management strategies and the critical role of battery storage to the impact of emerging technologies and the importance of early risk assessment, this podcast offers a comprehensive overview of the opportunities and challenges lying ahead as the region transitions to clean energy. Key discussions also include the dynamic regulatory environment, the growing significance of parametric policies, and the necessity of integrated risk management and collaboration among stakeholders. Gain valuable perspectives that can guide your understanding and approach to the future of energy and insurance.00:00 Introduction to FS Brew Podcast00:21 Focus on MEECON and Energy Transition00:39 Interview with Sunil Machado: Risk Management in Energy01:44 Battery Storage and Risk Mitigation02:50 Emerging Alternatives in Energy Storage03:45 Role of Insurance in Power Projects06:57 Interview with Sam Foster: Challenges in Loss Adjusting10:06 Technology and Data in Loss Adjusting16:09 Future of Energy Claims Process19:05 Introduction to MEECON 2025 Conference with Alan Purbrick26:59 Interview with Julie Kimmens: Managing Technical Risk Claims27:47 Policy Wordings and Coverage in Renewable Energy28:41 Impact of Technology on Claims Processing30:56 New Risks in Hydrogen and Battery Storage33:29 Communication and Crisis Management in Claims35:19 Introduction to Sean Pearson and Liberty Specialty Markets35:53 Challenges in Underwriting Large-Scale Energy Projects38:15 Integrated Risk Management in Energy Projects46:18 Interview with Hiba Tabet on Legal Aspects of Renewable EnergyRenjit Philip:Consulting: https://www.futureu.coNewsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Socials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

September 14, 2025Episode 1034 min

The Future of Employee Wellbeing: Integrating Digital Health & Insurance

Integrating Digital Wellness & Insurance: The Future of Employee WellbeingIn this special episode of the FS Group podcast, we host a panel discussion on the critical topic of health, specifically focusing on integrating digital wellness and insurance. Our guests are Jasmyne Rana, a mental health practitioner and consultant, and Mirka Strano, Regional Director for Employee Benefits Consulting at Howden for the Middle East and Africa. They explore the future of employee wellbeing and personalized health, delve into the impact of COVID-19, discuss holistic employee wellbeing, and highlight the challenges and opportunities in the UAE and broader Middle East. Key points include the evolution of workplace culture, the role of digital health solutions, the importance of financial wellbeing, and the potential of AI and advanced technologies in healthcare. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how organizations can better support their employees' health and wellbeing in today's rapidly changing world.00:00 Introduction to the Panel Discussion00:22 Meet the Experts: Jasmyn and Mirka01:39 Defining Holistic Employee Wellbeing03:49 Challenges and Trends in Employee Wellbeing10:34 The Role of Health Insurance in Employee Wellbeing11:04 Digital Health Solutions and Their Impact19:25 Future Trends and Opportunities in Health Insurance22:26 Global Best Practices and Regional Adaptations33:02 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRenjit Philip:Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Socials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

September 14, 2025Episode 916 min

What’s Next for Insurance? CII’s Ambitious Vision

Building Trust in Insurance: CII's Vision and Pathway for the Middle East & CSAIn this episode, we are delighted to host a representative from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) to discuss their role in enhancing the insurance and financial planning professions across the Middle East and Central and South Asia (CSA) regions. We explore the organization's goals and priorities for the next three to five years, including increasing their regional footprint, deepening relationships, and hosting events to engage students and corporates. The discussion also covers CII's initiatives like the International Professional Partner Firm (IQPF) and Approved Professional Development Center to acknowledge corporate support for professional qualifications. The conversation touches on cultural dynamics, insurance penetration, and the importance of upskilling young talent. We also delve into various training programs and bespoke courses available through CII. Additionally, our guest shares personal insights and advice on navigating a career in insurance. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on professional development and the future of the insurance sector in these regions.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:12 Role and Objectives at CII01:06 CII's Impact and Initiatives03:09 Regional Dynamics and Stakeholder Management04:27 Membership Statistics and Benefits06:27 Attracting Young Talent to the Insurance Sector08:07 CII Training Programs and Custom Solutions10:06 Navigating a Career in Financial Services13:18 Rapid Fire: Getting to Know the Leader15:48 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsRenjit Philip: Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Socials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!

June 30, 2025Episode 835 min

How to build an Insurtech with ZERO VC funding!

Innovating Health Insurance with Vita Virtues – An Interview with CEO Miro Fok | FS Brew PodcastJoin us on this episode of FS Brew, the Middle East’s first podcast dedicated to the world of insurance and Insurtech in the UAE and broader Middle East. Hosts Vidya and Renjit welcome Miro Fok, the CEO and founder of Vita Virtues, a pioneering Insurtech firm specializing in digital health insurance solutions. Dive into Miro’s entrepreneurial journey, inspired by his sales background and a unique vision to streamline the sales process for health insurance through innovative technology.Discover how Vita Virtues is revolutionizing the UAE health insurance market, the challenges Miro faced in its inception, and the unique advantages of launching such a startup in the region. Miro shares invaluable insights into the evolving healthcare sector, the impact of digital transformation, and the importance of staying agile in a rapidly changing market.The discussion also covers Vita Virtues’ plans for international expansion, leveraging Gen AI for business optimization, and building scalable business models. Aspiring entrepreneurs will find Miro’s advice on sales, delegation, and organic growth particularly enlightening.Tune in for a comprehensive look at the future of Insurtech, the critical trends shaping the industry, and practical tips for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape in the Middle East.#FSBrew #Insurtech #HealthInsurance #VitaVirtues #Entrepreneurship #UAE #DigitalTransformation #AI #Sales #StartupJourneyTimestamps00:00 Introduction to FS Brew00:30 Meet Miro: CEO and Founder of Vita Virtues01:06 The Inspiration Behind Vita Virtues03:59 Challenges and Trends in the UAE Health Insurance Market05:44 Vita Virtues’ Products and Differentiation09:34 Sales Strategies and Business Metrics14:08 Advice for Aspiring Insurtech Entrepreneurs15:56 Funding and Growth Philosophy18:12 Careful Consideration of Funding18:33 Future of the Insurance Industry in the UAE19:24 Challenges and Opportunities for Insurers21:27 Company Goals for the Next 12–24 Months22:44 Embracing AI in Business24:31 Rapid Fire: Personal Interests and Hobbies30:58 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs35:23 Conclusion and FarewellRenjit Philip:Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.onemorethinginai.com⁠⁠⁠Socials:Twitter / X: @renjitphilipLinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/renjit-philip⁠⁠⁠Vidya Veerapandian:⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vidya-veerapandian/⁠I’ve got a favour to ask! If you enjoy this conversation, please double check that you’ve liked the video and subscribed to the channel! That's a small way you can help us carry on doing this, really appreciate you!