Today, innovation in insurance is not just about technology; it’s about inclusion, accessibility, and empowering those previously underserved. As the CEO and founder of Tapoly, my mission is to make insurance affordable, flexible, and accessible for small businesses, freelancers, and gig workers—groups often overlooked by traditional insurance providers. This journey is both a professional and personal commitment to driving meaningful change and strengthening the small business community.
From Auditor to Insurtech Entrepreneur
From Auditor to Insurtech EntrepreneurBefore starting Tapoly, I worked as an internal auditor for investment banks in London. The work was rewarding, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that a larger, purpose-driven mission awaited me. The tipping point came when I struggled to find the right insurance coverage for my Airbnb activity. The specific coverage I needed simply didn’t exist, and I quickly realised I wasn’t alone. Thousands of property and small business owners faced similar issues, unable to secure affordable and flexible insurance options for their unique needs.
This realization sparked my vision for Tapoly, a digital Managing General Agent (MGA) platform designed to bridge the gap in insurance for small business owners and gig economy workers. My co-founder and I joined an accelerator program to acquire the skills needed to build a tech-enabled insurance platform and, despite the challenges and unknowns, Tapoly was launched in 2024.
Understanding the Problem: Insurance Gaps in the Gig Economy
As the gig economy expands, so does the need for tailored insurance solutions. The rise of freelance work, remote jobs, and small businesses has created a demand for flexible and affordable insurance that adapts to these individuals’ unique needs. Traditional insurance providers often overlook this segment due to high costs and rigid policy structures that don’t align with the dynamic nature of the gig economy.
Recognizing these gaps, we created Tapoly to address them head-on. Through an on-demand insurance platform, we empower our customers to purchase affordable, customizable insurance coverage within minutes, removing barriers and promoting financial resilience for small businesses and freelancers alike.
Building Tapoly: Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Innovation
Building a tech-focused insurance company came with its share of challenges, particularly in the midst of COVID and a hard market where some traditional insurers withdrew, causing capacity shortages and a decline in investment. As early innovators, one major challenge we faced was educating both insurers and customers about our unique value proposition and why Tapoly is essential in the market.
Securing partnerships with reputable insurers like Hiscox, Beazley, and Markel was a significant milestone for Tapoly. These partnerships lend credibility to our offerings and allow us to serve our customers with a broader range of reliable products. To date, we’ve connected with over 500 brokers and plan to onboard 10% of them onto the Tapoly platform by Q1 2025, helping us reach even more small businesses and freelancers.
Tapoly’s Unique Value Proposition
What sets Tapoly apart is our commitment to providing accessible, flexible, and affordable insurance solutions designed specifically for the gig economy. Unlike traditional commercial insurance models, which are complex and often out of reach for small businesses, Tapoly’s digital platform allows users to self-serve based on their specific needs. Whether it’s professional indemnity, public liability, or cyber insurance, our products are tailored to meet the varied requirements of freelancers, contractors, and small businesses.
Navigating the Future of Insurtech
The insurance industry is undergoing a digital transformation, and at Tapoly, we’re thrilled to be at the forefront of this evolution. Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have unlocked new opportunities for personalised underwriting, streamlined claims processing, and enhanced customer experiences. Our upcoming Tapoly 2.0 platform will integrate AI technologies like LLM and GenAI, further elevating the customer journey.
We’ve received valuable support from Innovate UK, which awarded us two grants to expand our AI and generative AI capabilities.
In the coming years, we aim to continue expanding Tapoly’s reach—both in our customer base and product offerings. We’re developing new insurance products for underserved sectors, such as commercial liability, and exploring opportunities for global expansion. Our vision is for Tapoly to become a central, AI-driven clearinghouse for non-standardized insurance, seamlessly connecting insurers, brokers, and customers worldwide on a single, unified platform.
Leading as a Woman in Insurtech
Being a woman entrepreneur in a traditionally male-dominated industry has presented its own set of challenges. However, I believe that diverse perspectives are critical in driving innovation, and I am proud to bring a unique point of view to the insurtech space. As one of the Top 100 Women Founders to watch, according to Forbes, and a recipient of the Innovator of the Year award at the UK Fintech Awards 2023, I’m passionate about advocating for more women in leadership roles within technology and insurance.
Embracing the Power of Collaboration
At Tapoly, we’re fortunate to work with a talented and dedicated team, as well as supportive advisors and partners who share our mission. Our CTO, Sam Hopkins, and a team of experienced industry advisors, bring their expertise to our operations and play a crucial role in our strategic growth. Together, we’re committed to building an organisation that not only drives business success but also contributes positively to society by helping small businesses and freelancers thrive.
My Vision for the Future
My vision for Tapoly is to become a global leader in digital insurance solutions for the gig economy. Our mission is to create a safer, more resilient world for those who are often left out of traditional insurance models.
As we continue to scale, we’ll keep listening to our customers, refining our products, and leveraging the latest technologies to make insurance simpler, more accessible, and more valuable for our users.
I believe that the future of insurance is digital, inclusive, and customer-centric, and at Tapoly, we are fully committed to realising that future. Through our efforts, I hope to create a lasting impact on the insurance industry—one that transforms how we think about and approach insurance for small businesses and freelancers.