News

Achmea Innovation Fund invests in embedded bicycle insurer Laka

Mon, 08 Apr 2024 11:00:00 +0200

Achmea Innovation Fund has made an investment in the European micromobility insurer Laka. This startup provides a range of insurance and circular economy services to e-bike riders, cyclists, and businesses. This investment is in line with Achmea's ambitions in the field of smart and sustainable mobility and its interest in innovative mobility solutions.

Laka is a mobility insurtech, founded in London in 2017 and now active in multiple European countries, including the Netherlands, and insures more than €140 million worth of bicycles and e-bikes.

Laka’s main offering is collective-driven insurance for bikes, e-bikes and e-cargo bikes. The collective is a group of cyclists, connected by a common interest; their bicycles. Each month’s claims are shared amongst Laka’s collective of cyclists, so the monthly bill varies up to a guaranteed cap. Now cyclists only pay for what's needed. The fewer claims there are, the lower the monthly premium.

As well as offering insurance directly to consumers, Laka is working with retailers and brands to embed insurance at point of sale. The most recent partnerships are with the Dutch bicycle manufacturer Gazelle and cargo bike brand Urban Arrow from Pon. Other partners include sports retailer Decathlon and e-bike brand Riese & Müller. This allows Laka to reach cyclists in the most efficient way.

Exploiting the opportunities of embedded insurance
Katharina Maas, Fund Manager Achmea Innovation Fund: “In a world where the demand for green and healthy transport options continues to rise but electric bicycles are also becoming increasingly expensive, Laka is at the forefront with innovative solutions. Their innovative 'embedded' insurance model ensures that bicycles are insured directly from the manufacturer. But Laka does more; They also offer services to recover stolen bikes, and they help cyclists get back on the road quickly after theft or damage. Achmea invests in Laka because of the attractive possibilities of embedded insurance and the synergy with our business activities. Moreover, Laka's model is directly in line with our cooperative values and our mission to optimally insure customers and provide them with the right services.”

Tobias Taupitz, CEO and co-founder Laka: “We're excited to welcome leading Dutch insurer Achmea to join Laka's ride. Their investment is testament to the strength of our embedded proposition and will support Laka’s growth across Europe in Green mobility. We look forward to working with the Achmea Innovation Fund team and the broader organisation to create outstanding customer value. In addition, we welcome Henrieke Hoftijzer to join our board.”

Next growth phase
Achmea Innovation Fund's investment follows the extension of the latest investment round led by impact investor Shift4Good alongside existing investors Autotech Ventures, Porsche Ventures, Ponooc, ABN AMRO Ventures, Creandum, 1818 Ventures and Elkstone Partners. This will allow Laka to enter the next phase of growth, which is aimed at further expansion in Europe.

Achmea Innovation Fund invests in insurtech Alicia Insurance

Tue, 13 Dec 2022 11:30:00 +0100

Too many freelancers are working with insufficient or even no insurance

The Achmea Innovation Fund has made an investment in Alicia Insurance. This fast-growing Rotterdam-based insurtech specialises in developing and offering embedded insurance for freelancers. This investment is in line with Achmea’s mission to help solve social issues; in this case in the ‘carefree living and working’ domain. By the end of this year, Alicia will have insured more than 100,000 freelancers.

Alicia, founded in 2019, is convinced that every freelancer’s insurance issues can be resolved. The insurtech provides tailored insurance that is offered in the customer journey on digital platforms used by freelancers. This means that the most appropriate insurance is offered, for example, when a freelancer accepts an assignment. This includes liability, disability and legal assistance insurance.

Creating impact for freelancers together
Katharina Maass, manager of the Achmea Innovation Fund: “Alicia’s vision is in line with the activities we develop for customers of Achmea and our Centraal Beheer, Interpolis and Zilveren Kruis brands to increase the sustainable employability of people. We are enthusiastic about this investment and are convinced of the impact we can make with Alicia. We are pleased to be contributing to Alicia’s ambition to have insured one million freelancers in Europe by the end of next year.”

“Too many freelancers have insufficient or even no insurance. We are solving this problem by directly embedding flexible fit-for-purpose insurance into the platforms that freelancers use.” Alicia insure - Insurance for freelancers

In addition to the Achmea Innovation Fund other great parties are engaged in this investment round. Consequently Alicia can move to the next stage, which consists of international growth and expanded services. Alicia’s CEO Marijn Moerman: “People want to work differently than 30 years ago. Freelance work is normal in 2022 but for many freelancers insurance is complex, often expensive and difficult to take out. Our experience is that embedding insurance makes it accessible. For a relatively low hourly amount, you can employ people sustainably and we can solve the social problem of uninsured freelancers. We are proud of the investors who, in the current investment climate, are confident that we can achieve our ambition.”

Achmea Innovation Fund invests in fintech business BetterTradeOff

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0200

The Achmea Innovation Fund has taken a stake in BetterTradeOff, a fintech business from Singapore that wants to make financial planning accessible to all. This investment aligns with Achmea’s mission to support customers in making well-considered choices with applicable financial solutions for today and tomorrow.

With the forthcoming changes to Dutch pension legislation, the responsibility for one’s pension is shifting increasingly to the individual. As a result, people have a more active role in planning for their future and deciding what they need for a good pension. According to a survey by Mercer, only 20% of the Dutch population believe that their pension scheme will be sufficient when they retire.

BetterTradeOff’s online platform simplifies robust and comprehensive financial planning. In just a few minutes, users can build an initial plan simply by entering their financial data. From here, they can add various targets and dreams to their plan and can see what they need to achieve them. The tool gives users a complete picture of all their finances, from investments and property to their monthly living expenses.

Making an impact together
Arthur van der Wal, chair of Achmea’s Pensions division: “For many people, the future is increasingly uncertain, in part because of the changes in the pension market. Helping people to stay financially fit is one of the big social challenges in which Achmea wants to play a leading role. We’re delighted about this investment and expect to be able to make a genuine impact working with BetterTradeOff.”

Roll-out in the Netherlands
Laurent Bertrand, CEO of BetterTradeOff is pleased and grateful: “We’re going to use the investment to continue our international expansion, starting in the Netherlands and from there to the United States. We’re keen to tackle the challenges in the Netherlands and are looking forward to working with Achmea.”