On February 24, Fritz Merizon and I were scheduled to present an overview of the insurtech landscape and the role of predictive analytics in modern insurance to a group of MSBA students at the University of Wisconsin. While we had envisioned a packed room, only a handful of students showed up. But honestly? It turned out to be one of the most engaging conversations we’ve had about insurance and data this semester.
With the format unexpectedly shifting from presentation to conversation, we walked our guests through the full scope of our slide deck, which covered:
- The current state of the insurtech industry, from the early disruptors like Lemonade and Root to today’s focus on automation and embedded coverage.
- The insurance value chain, including how carriers, MGAs, and agencies operate and where tech is starting to make a real impact.
- The use of predictive analytics in underwriting, claims, and customer engagement—plus some of the ethical and regulatory challenges that come with it.
What could’ve felt like a letdown turned into a great opportunity for an open, in-depth dialogue. With a small group, we were able to tailor the conversation to their interests, dive deeper into technical questions, and swap ideas about where innovation in the space is headed.
It was a good reminder that sometimes the best sessions aren’t the ones with the biggest audience—they’re the ones where you get to connect meaningfully and nerd out over a topic you’re passionate about. And for Fritz and me, that topic is where insurance and data collide.
We’ll be back at it again soon—hopefully with a few more folks next time. But if not, we’re always game for a deep discussion with like-minded classmates.
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