Beyond Boundaries | QBE Ventures on Building Strategic Partnerships & Scaling Innovation
Welcome back to the Beyond Boundaries interview series, where we speak with the people shaping how insurance is built, scaled, and reimagined around the world.
In this episode, Sønr’s CEO Matt Connolly is joined by Lynn Thompson (Head of Strategy & Partnerships, QBE Ventures) and Alex Taylor (Global Head of Emerging Technology, QBE Ventures). Together, they dive into how QBE Ventures is scaling innovation through partnerships, investment, and disciplined execution.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
🤝 How QBE Ventures listens to the business, defines problems, and aligns with strategy
💡 Why senior sponsorship and CFO reporting create the right foundations
🌐 The three major focus areas: AI, growth priorities, and resilience
📊 How startups are assessed for vision, capability, and leadership fit
🚀 The role of pilots, POCs, and “multi-pronged” engagement in scaling innovation
📍 What you’ll also hear:
Lynn and Alex discuss the realities of working with startups in a highly regulated industry, why speed and flexibility matter, and how QBE Ventures balances long-term vision with immediate value. They also share advice for peers building innovation functions, including the importance of relevance, stakeholder engagement, and structured yet adaptable processes.
A huge thank you to Lynn and Alex for joining us, and for sharing candid insights into how QBE Ventures is driving partnerships and scaling innovation globally.
💡 This is a must-listen for founders, corporate innovators, and anyone building the future of insurance.
To explore more of the people and companies defining global insurance innovation, the full Beyond Boundaries study offers a deep dive into emerging ecosystems, investor themes, and insurer strategies worldwide. The 2025 report will officially launch at ITC Vegas this October – a milestone moment for the global insurtech community.
Click here to learn more about Beyond Boundaries and the upcoming 2025 report launching at ITC Vegas this October.
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