Trellis Finance is an insurtech startup dedicated to simplifying and automating the process of shopping for home and auto insurance. By leveraging advanced technologies, Trellis aims to save time and money for both consumers and insurers. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Savvy, the company powers intelligent insurance experiences using machine learning, real-time bidding, and conversational AI, all supported by a team of nationally licensed insurance advisors.
Key Strategic Focus
Trellis focuses on integrating insurance solutions seamlessly into financial institutions, fintech applications, and digital banking platforms. By embedding insurance services into these platforms, Trellis enhances user engagement and diversifies revenue streams for its partners. The company's core objectives include:
- Enabling consumers to link their existing insurance accounts using just their username and password.
- Providing comprehensive and up-to-date consumer information while ensuring data privacy.
- Offering a robust insurance marketplace featuring over 150 insurers, facilitating "apples-to-apples" coverage comparisons, and enabling online policy binding.
- Complementing digital experiences with personalized guidance from licensed insurance agents.
- Implementing flexible integration approaches, ranging from white-labeled landing pages to comprehensive API integrations.
Financials and Funding
Since its inception in 2019, Trellis has successfully secured multiple funding rounds:
- Seed Round (May 2019): Raised $2 million.
- Series A (June 2021): Secured $10 million, bringing the total raised to $12 million.
- Early Stage VC (May 2022): Additional funding amount undisclosed.
- Series A (May 2023): Further funding amount undisclosed.
Notable investors include QED Investors, General Catalyst, Nyca Partners, and American Express Ventures.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Trellis distinguishes itself through its proprietary technological platforms and innovative methodologies:
- Machine Learning and AI: Utilizes advanced algorithms to analyze consumer data, enabling personalized insurance recommendations.
- Real-Time Bidding: Employs dynamic pricing models to offer competitive insurance rates.
- Conversational AI: Enhances user experience through interactive and responsive communication channels.
Leadership Team
Trellis is led by a team of experienced professionals:
- Daniel Demetri: Founder & CEO. A seasoned fintech entrepreneur with a track record of building and scaling multiple fintech and insurtech companies that have become publicly traded entities.
- Greg Christen: Head of Consumer Operations.
- Scott Emberley: Vice President of Finance.
- Keith Schreer: Vice President of Data.
Competitor Profile
The insurtech industry is rapidly evolving, with several key players:
- Boost: Founded in 2017, Boost operates in the insurance technology sector with approximately 120 employees.
- The Zebra: Established in 2012, The Zebra is headquartered in Austin, Texas, and focuses on insurance comparison services.
- Jerry: Founded in 2017 in Palo Alto, California, Jerry specializes in insurance brokerage services.
Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships
Trellis has formed significant partnerships to enhance its market position:
- Rocket Money (formerly Truebill): Integrates Trellis's insurance solutions to offer users personalized insurance options.
- Acorns: Collaborates to provide embedded insurance services within the Acorns financial platform.
- Albert: Partners to deliver seamless insurance experiences to Albert's user base.
Operational Insights
Trellis's strategic approach focuses on embedding insurance solutions into existing financial platforms, providing a seamless user experience. This integration differentiates Trellis from competitors by offering personalized, data-driven insurance options directly within platforms that consumers already use.
Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions
Looking ahead, Trellis aims to expand its technological capabilities, enhance its AI-driven platforms, and forge additional strategic partnerships. By continuing to integrate insurance solutions into diverse financial platforms, Trellis is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for personalized and accessible insurance services.
Contact Information
- Website: Trellis Connect
- LinkedIn: Trellis on LinkedIn
- Twitter: @trellisconnect
