Beyond Boundaries | How QIC Is Driving Insurtech Innovation in MENA
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 Lars Gehrmann, Group Chief Digital Officer at QIC Group, to explore the evolution of insurtech in the Middle East and North Africa.
🎙️In this episode, we go deep on:
- How QIC Digital Venture Partners is shaping innovation in the Middle East
- Why emerging markets need product-first, not tech-first, solutions
- The story behind the MENA Insurtech Association and its growing global relevance
- What Lars has learned from four years of ecosystem-building and startup engagement
- The two trends he’s watching most closely, artificial intelligence and parametric insurance
📍 What you’ll also hear:
From insurance-backed accelerators to meaningful summits, Lars offers a behind-the-scenes look at how innovation really works in emerging markets. He reflects on the importance of sponsors, the challenge of building products that stick, and the power of staying curious in fast-changing environments.
💡 Plenty of insights here for innovation teams, startup founders, and insurers navigating the next phase of transformation.
A huge thank you to Lars for joining us and sharing his experience — from scaling partnerships across MENA to creating momentum behind a regional insurtech association that’s catching global attention.
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.
📧 Want to get involved? Reach out at [email protected]
