The Liip, James Tootell, Investement Director, Eos Venture Funds, E29

One of the most prominent discussions on the Leadership in Insurance Podcast is Investment - how to get it and who to get it from.

I wanted to speak to people who really know the process: the VC.  I was very lucky this week to be joined by James Tootell.  

James is the investment director of Insurtech specific venture fund - Eos Venture Partners.

This is a talk I have wanted to engage with for some time. In this conversation we discussed:  

• The formation of the Eos Venture Partners
• How they engage with their Investors, how does it differ between each company?
• The importance of independence  
• What makes a good strategic relationship?
• Why investments into portfolio companies are more than just money
• SMART money - what does it mean?
• We make some attempt to define Insurtech - in the broadest sense
• I get to understand the scale of the investment opportunities - 5 new companies a week
• Why they have only made 7 new investments?
• The importance of referrals and references within the VC community
• At what point does Eos want to be involved with a portfolio company?
• What are the indicators for a good investment?
• The importance of the Angel investor model the USA vs European investing?
• The challenge of getting beyond early adopters  
• What makes a good and engaging pitch?
• The importance of a good team
• Challenge of start-up culture for people coming from a corporate environment
• Raising money in the pandemic?
• How has Eos been impacted GTM strategy - the key question to answer
• The importance of sales - turning interest into cash  

Thanks to James for being a great guest  

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Our host is FinPro Director, Alex Bond  

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