Lloyd’s Lab alumnus Synthetik Insurance Technologies has appointed Matt Harris as its new global head of partnerships and distribution.
Harris joins the insurtech with a wealth of leadership experience from across the insurance sector. He previously served as group head of international operations at Argo Group and as CEO for Asia Pacific at AIG. His career also includes senior roles at both AIG and IAG in the Asia Pacific region, as well as advisory work with insurers on mergers and acquisitions, operational efficiency, and performance optimisation.
Commenting on his appointment, Harris described the role as an opportunity to be part of a business that is “dynamic and expanding,” noting Synthetik’s combination of technological, scientific, and practical expertise, along with its strong client engagement.
The announcement comes as Lloyd’s Lab unveils its 15th cohort of 12 startups, selected after a competitive pitch process. The cohort will focus on solutions in areas such as environmental risk, renewable energy, specialty claims, and AI-powered underwriting, under themes including adapting to a changing world, traditional lines, and data intelligence.
These developments arrive against the backdrop of shifting investment trends in the UK insurtech sector. While the UK remains Europe’s largest insurtech market, deal sizes have contracted over the past year. In the first half of 2024, no UK insurtech transaction exceeded US$100 million, underscoring a more measured investment climate even as innovation continues.
