Goodwell takes share of Inclusivity in US$1.56 million Series A Round
Insurtech startup Inclusivity Solutions secures US$1.56 million Series A Round
Inclusivity Solutions, the company that designs, builds and operates digital insurance solutions, has completed a US$ 1.5 million first tranche of its Series A round. Goodwell Investments led the investment round with participation from Umkhathi Wethu Ventures(in partnership with Allan Gray), RGAx and angel investors. The investment will help Inclusivity Solutions expand its digital insurance products into more emerging markets through partnerships with mobile operators, banks and other distribution partners and with local insurance companies. It also allows Inclusivity Solutions to accelerate the growth of its product offering with existing partners in East and West Africa. The company will welcome Richard Carter, director of Allan Gray Life, and independent consultant, William Frater, as non-executive directors.
Inclusivity Solutions is uniquely placed as a leading Africa-based technical service provider for digital insurance solutions. Inclusivity Solutions has already successfully launched initiatives in Cote d’Ivoire, Rwanda and Kenya, in partnership with Orange, Tigo Airtel and Equitel respectively. Inclusivity Solutions provides a complete solution, including strategy, product and process design, implementation support, and robust and agile technology platforms. Through its partnerships Inclusivity Solutions has to date provided cover to more than 530,000 people protecting themselves and their families through innovative products.
Commenting on the investment Jeremy Leach, founder and CEO of Inclusivity Solutions, notes: “We are thrilled to have Goodwell Investments and Umkhathi Wethu Venturesjoining our existing investor RGAX. We look forward to working with them and benefitting from their experience in supporting fast growing companies in financial inclusion and fintech and their networks in the sector. And we are very pleased with the continued support from RGAx, who have been backing us from our early days. With this round we have the opportunity to expand our reach to new markets both in Africa and around the globe —ultimately offering valuable insurance protection to millions of emerging consumers.”
Lead investor Goodwell Investments is excited about the investment in Inclusivity Solutions through its new uMunthu fund. Wim van der Beek, managing partner Goodwell Investments: ‘Our investment focus is inclusive growth, and we believe that collaborative insurtech solutions like Inclusivity Solutions are best positioned to reach large numbers of underserved consumers. The team at Inclusivity Solutions is very talented and experienced, they have their feet on the ground and they have already achieved significant traction. Their model bridges the insurance protection gap for underserved through products that are designed to be simple, affordable and accessible, even on the most basic mobile phone. A perfect fit with our mandate, and we look forward to supporting Inclusivity Solutions in its next stage of growth.’
‘Inclusivity Solutions is uniquely positioned to deliver essential financial services to historically underserved markets. By facilitating access to insurance products, Inclusivity stands to make a positive impact in emerging consumers’ financial security and quality of life. We are confident that with an internationally renowned management team, as well as co-investors RGA and Goodwell, all the ingredients are present to make the Inclusivity Solutions story a successful one. We would also like to extend our gratitude to our partners Allan Gray, who have been key to unlocking our venture strategy. We are immensely excited for the road ahead and look forward to supporting Inclusivity Solutions fulfil its potential,’ Harry Apostoleris, Director, Umkhathi Wethu Ventures.
‘RGAx is excited by the potential of the digital microinsurance model, and we have confidently supported Inclusivity Solutions from the early days,’ said Andre Dreyer, Vice President, Ventures and Acquisitions, RGAX. ‘We are proud to continue that support as Inclusivtity Solutions seeks to serve growing numbers of emerging consumers with innovative insurance products.’
Consumers such as Theoneste are now benefiting from these products. Through Ingoboka Cash, a product designed and operated by Inclusivity Solutions and delivered through Airtel Tigo Rwanda, 24 year old Theoneste was able to access vital treatment after being hospitalised for 20 days following a serious accident. “During the hospitalization I had lost 17 kg and I seriously needed to gain weight. Today, I cannot believe my luck, I am not sure if I would have been able to recover as well without the money from the insurance. I still need to go through the final operations but now that I know I can afford it, I can use all of my energy to recover and move on with my life.”
Jeremy Leach: ‘Until now the most vulnerable consumers in emerging markets, such as Theoneste, have been largely unable to access insurance because it has been geared toward higher income earners and established businesses. We are excited that with the support of our new investors we are able to expand our platform rapidly and allow people like Theoneste to experience the huge benefit of affordable insurance products.’