About this programme
The Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA) is a 100-day hybrid accelerator built specifically for early-stage insurtech startups, combining in-person time in Des Moines with a remote middle phase and intensive mentoring from insurance industry experts. GIA describes itself as focused entirely on insurance technology.
The program is backed by a group of insurance company investors, including State Auto, Delta Dental, EMC, IMT, Grinnell Mutual and Shelter Insurance, with Drake University also listed as a partner. It supports founders working across five themes: artificial intelligence (claims and underwriting agents, portfolio analytics, risk review), data intelligence, customer interaction, risk pricing and mitigation, and workforce (AI literacy and organizational memory solutions).
How it works
Every portfolio company gets the same, non-negotiable investment terms: $50,000 as a post-money SAFE converting to 5% equity.
The program runs in three phases over 100 days. Phase 1 (3.5 weeks) is in-person in Des Moines and covers onboarding, mentor speed meetings, and investor and sponsor roundtables. Phase 2 (9 weeks) is remote, with mentor matching, 1:1 meetings, educational workshops, panels, and roughly 8 hours of content commitment a week. Phase 3 (3 weeks) is back in-person in Des Moines for final pitch preparation, customer and carrier meetings, and a closing presentation at the Global Insurance Symposium.
Founders meet around 75 mentors during the initial three-week window, in person or over Zoom, then get matched with a smaller core roster of specialized mentors for the rest of the program. Mentors include insurance professionals, prospective clients, investors, and regulators.
GIA also offers continued post-program support through an 'Accelerator Plus' model.
Who can apply
Early-stage insurtech startups, from pre-seed to seed stage, with 1 to 2 founders who can commit full participation.
The startup needs to be building for, or planning to serve or expand into, the US insurance market.
International founders are welcome, provided they plan US operations.
How to apply
- Apply during the application window, which runs from late July through the end of September, through the SparkXYZ application portal linked on the GIA website.
- Go through a three-stage selection process involving GIA staff, board members, and an insurance carrier investor selection committee.
- If selected, commit to the full 100-day program, including full-time attendance during the two in-person phases in Des Moines.
Frequently asked
What investment does GIA offer, and are the terms negotiable?
A $50,000 investment via a post-money SAFE converting to 5% equity. The terms are standardized and the same for every portfolio company, not negotiated case by case.
Do I have to be based in Des Moines?
You need to be in Des Moines in person for two of the three phases (the first 3.5 weeks and the final 3 weeks). The 9-week middle phase is remote, at about 8 hours of content per week.
Can international founders apply?
Yes, as long as the startup plans to serve or expand into the US insurance market.
When can I apply?
The application window runs from late July through the end of September, through the SparkXYZ portal.
How does the program end?
With main-stage presentations at the Global Insurance Symposium, after final pitch preparation and customer/carrier meetings during the closing in-person phase.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.