At a Glance
- Tasks: Advise on insurance product development and improve underwriting processes for startups.
- Company: Innovative venture incubator focused on transforming the insurance landscape.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, travel expenses covered, and potential equity.
- Other info: Remote role with opportunities for significant growth and influence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of business insurance for startups and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in UK business insurance with strong broker and carrier networks.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
Location: Remote (UK-based, with occasional paid travel to our offices in Shoreditch or Leamington Spa)
Time commitment: Flexible advisory role (approx. 4-10 hours/month initially)
Compensation: Paid day rate (dependent on experience). Potential for equity if the venture launches. Travel expenses covered where needed.
About IdeasLab
Ideas Lab incubates and funds new ventures. We test ideas quickly, validate demand, and scale the ones that show strong traction.
About the venture
We are building a UK-focused insurance MGA (Managing General Agent) to make business insurance for startups faster, clearer and more affordable, especially for companies that are often routed to “specialist review” (deep tech, MedTech, fintech, mobility, regulated sectors).
Today, founders and finance teams often face:
- Confusing questions that do not fit their business model
- Inconsistent underwriting requirements across carriers
- Slow back-and-forth over documents and risk details
- Bias against anything non-standard (healthcare, fintech, industrial/deep tech, mobility, drones, etc.)
Our goal is startup-native risk capture and submission design that improves underwriting quality, not just speed.
About the role: Insurance Expert in Residence
We are seeking a senior insurance professional to join in an Expert in Residence capacity, someone who understands how underwriting decisions are made, what carriers need to see, and how brokers/MGAs operate day to day. This is advisory at first: shaping the product, workflows, and underwriting interface, not placing business, or selling policies.
You will work closely with the venture lead and technical lead at Ideas Lab to:
- Validate product concepts against real underwriting and distribution constraints
- Define what “good risk data” looks like for startup segments
- Shape intake flow logic, evidence requirements, and submission structure
- Review prototypes and improve underwriter readiness
- Identify regulatory and compliance risks early
- Help avoid common tech-first mistakes in a relationship-driven market
- Develop a practical pathway to FCA authorisation
This role is intentionally light-touch and flexible but could expand significantly if we proceed to build and launch.
Who this role is for
Must have:
- Have a strong network of brokers and/or insurance carriers
- 5+ years of hands-on experience in UK business insurance, gained in at least one of these settings: an insurance broker, an MGA, an insurer/carrier, or the Lloyd’s/London Market.
- Direct exposure to underwriting decisions and submission quality standards
- Strong judgement on broker-MGA-carrier incentives and capacity realities
Nice to have:
- Experience with complex or regulated startup risks
- Built or scaled MGA workflows
- Entrepreneurial mindset and an interest in early-stage company building
How to apply
Please email henry@ideaslab.uk with:
- A short paragraph on your experience (roles, lines of business, and startup/specialty exposure), and
- Why this role and this problem matter to you
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.
Insurance Expert In Residence (Advisory) employer: Ideas Lab
Ideas Lab is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture, perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the insurance sector. With flexible advisory roles and opportunities for equity, employees can engage in exciting projects while enjoying the benefits of remote work and occasional travel to vibrant locations like Shoreditch and Leamington Spa. The company prioritises employee growth, encouraging collaboration and creativity to shape the future of business insurance for startups.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Insurance Expert In Residence (Advisory)
✨Get Involved in Insurance Networks
Join industry-specific forums and networks like the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) or participate in local insurance meetups. These are great places to connect with potential clients and other freelancers who might need your expertise. Plus, you’ll stay up to date with market trends and insights that could help you land more gigs!
✨Showcase Your Expertise Online
Craft a solid online presence by sharing articles, insights, or case studies related to your insurance niche on platforms like LinkedIn or your own blog. This will not only demonstrate your knowledge but also make you more visible to companies like Ideas Lab looking for freelance insurance pros.
✨Leverage Remote Work Platforms
Sites like Upwork and Freelancer can be goldmines for freelance insurance work. Create a killer profile that highlights your skills and experiences, then actively bid on insurance projects. It’s a great way to build your portfolio and gain client testimonials.
✨Use Personal Connections
Sometimes it’s all about who you know! Let friends, family, and past colleagues know you’re freelancing in the insurance field. They can connect you with potential clients or even recommend you for projects directly. Personal referrals can be a powerful way to get your foot in the door!
We think you need these skills to ace Insurance Expert In Residence (Advisory)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Us Your Insurance Savvy:For a freelance role in insurance, we want to see your expertise shine through. Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in underwriting, claims, or risk assessment in your CV. If you’ve got certifications like the CII or anything similar, slap those on there too!
Craft a Killer Portfolio:Your portfolio should showcase your best work, especially if you've tackled projects in policy writing, risk management, or insurance analytics. Include case studies or examples of your contributions in the insurance sector to give us a clear picture of what you can do!
Rates and Availability Matter:As a freelancer, it’s crucial to be upfront about your rates and availability. When applying, include a brief note about your expected hourly or project-based rates, and let us know how much time you can dedicate to this role. Transparency will help us plan better!
Tailor Your Application:Don't just copy-paste your CV and cover letter! We appreciate when you take the time to tailor your application to Ideas Lab and the Insurance Expert In Residence (Advisory) role. Mention why you’re drawn to working with us specifically and how your skills will benefit our team in the insurance field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ideas Lab
✨Show Off Your Knowledge of Insurance Tools
When you're freelancing in the insurance realm, it's crucial to demonstrate familiarity with industry-standard tools like Actuarial Software or Claims Management Systems. Brush up on how you've used these in your past work or studies, so you can confidently discuss how they'd be beneficial to Ideas Lab.
✨Prepare Your Portfolio of Past Work
For a freelance gig, your portfolio speaks volumes! Gather examples of previous projects—like insurance policy analyses, risk assessments, or client presentations—that showcase your skills and experience in the field. Be ready to walk through these examples at the interview to demonstrate your value.
✨Understand the Freelance Expectations
Freelancing often means more of a project-based approach, so be prepared to discuss your availability and how you manage multiple clients. Since you’ll likely need to fit into existing workflows at Ideas Lab, clarify how you can adapt to their processes and help fill gaps in their current operations.
✨Anticipate Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers to put you on the spot with real-life insurance scenarios—like claims processing or risk mitigation situations. They want to see how you think on your feet. Practice articulating your thought processes clearly and confidently to show them you can handle the unpredictable nature of the industry.
