Growth. Scale. Validation. First Connect Exceeds $500 Million in GWP
A Message from Aviad Pinkovezky
This month, we hit a milestone that validates everything we’ve been building over the last few years: First Connect has surpassed $500 million in Gross Written Premium (GWP).
I’m immensely proud of the team and, critically, of the independent agents, carriers and MGA partners who fuel our marketplace. This isn’t just about premium volume; this number is tangible proof that our model—a technology-first approach designed to solve complex distribution challenges—is not only working but is scaling rapidly and sustainably.
One year after Centana Growth Partners took a majority stake in First Connect, this $500 million benchmark confirms that the market is rapidly moving toward digital distribution, and we are leading that charge.
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The Flywheel Effect: Our Engine for Sustainable Scale
When we set out to build this platform as a Hippo Holdings, Inc. subsidiary, the goal was simple: create a digital insurance marketplace that delivers disproportionate value to both sides. Since 2021, our premium volume outside of Hippo has increased approximately 14x as independent agents adopt the platform to access our network of carriers and MGAs. Our rapid growth demonstrates the success of this dynamic:
For Agents: First Connect provides the market access and digital tools needed to move at the speed of the modern consumer, streamlining access to over 130 carriers and MGAs. We eliminate friction so agents can focus on building relationships and growing their business. In an era when the insurance market has become more fragmented than ever, we provide optionality to agents to better serve their clients.
For Carriers and MGAs: We offer a data-driven way to expand distribution, matching them with the right high-performing agents and accelerating profitable growth.
This approach creates a powerful flywheel dynamic that’s cementing our position as one of the fastest-growing digital distribution platforms in the industry. As CEO, I see this momentum as validation that our commitment to product innovation and world-class service is hitting the mark.
Growth Rooted in Quality and Underwriting Integrity
As a product leader by background, I know that sustained success is defined not just by how fast you grow, but how well you build the foundation. Our focus has never been volume for volume’s sake; it’s always been about delivering high-quality, profitable business to our carrier partners.
This discipline is non-negotiable and essential to our long-term commitment. Our platform’s data-driven matching and performance oversight ensure we connect the right risks to the right carriers, driving predictable underwriting results.
For instance, over a two-year period, one large national personal-lines carrier saw a 4x increase in written premium through our platform while successfully maintaining an average loss ratio of 45%. This is the standard of sustainable, profitable growth we are built to deliver across our network.
Focusing Our Investment on the Next Frontier
Backed by Centana, we are continuing to prioritize strategic investments in product and engineering. We are building the next generation of solutions, including new AI-driven tools that enhance carrier matching and lead to better underwriting results. We are also developing a new carrier portal designed to bring unprecedented transparency and operational efficiency to the distribution process.
We are incredibly grateful for the partnership and shared vision of Centana Growth Partners. We also owe a huge thank you to Hippo Insurance. As a part of Hippo, we built a strong operational foundation including sales, marketing, technology, and design. That foundation helped set us up for success, and we continue to build upon that strong base as a standalone company.
The digital transformation of the independent agency channel is underway. With our first $500 million under our belt, we are ready to continue leading it—and we look forward to achieving the next big milestone with you.
Aviad Pinkovezky Chief Executive Officer, First Connect
