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- 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.
- 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.
- Other info: Remote role with opportunities for significant growth and influence.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 22 ÂŁ per hour.
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
Contact Detail:
Ideas Lab Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Insurance Expert In Residence (Advisory)
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the insurance industry! Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. We all know that who you know can sometimes matter just as much as what you know.
✨Show Off Your Expertise
When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, make sure to highlight your experience and insights into underwriting and risk assessment. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission to simplify business insurance for startups.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Ideas
Prepare to share your thoughts on how we can improve the insurance process for startups. We’re looking for someone who can think outside the box, so bring your best ideas to the table when you get the opportunity!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the insurance landscape.
We think you need these skills to ace Insurance Expert In Residence (Advisory)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Personal and Authentic: When you write your application, let your personality shine through! We want to know who you are beyond your CV. Share your experiences and why this role resonates with you personally.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the role. Focus on your hands-on experience in UK business insurance and any exposure to startups or specialty risks. We love seeing how your background fits our needs!
Keep It Concise: While we appreciate detail, keep your application clear and to the point. A short paragraph is all we need to understand your experience and motivation. Less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications better and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ideas Lab
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of UK business insurance, especially in the context of startups. Understand the common challenges they face and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role's requirements.
✨Network Like a Pro
Since this role requires a strong network of brokers and carriers, think about who you can mention during the interview. Highlight any connections or collaborations you've had that could benefit the venture.
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've tackled complex underwriting issues or improved workflows. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to contribute to shaping the product and processes.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the venture and its goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can make a meaningful impact as an Insurance Expert in Residence.