​A deep-dive into InsurTech featuring research by Koru

​Dive into the evolving world of InsurTech with a 2-hour market overview that explores how technology is reshaping the insurance industry. This session will highlight the key trends, emerging startups, and investment opportunities transforming the sector. Led by industry experts and innovators, the discussion will provide a comprehensive outlook on where the market is heading and how insurers, startups, and investors can stay competitive in an increasingly digital and customer-centric landscape.

​Agenda

• ​​​​1:00 - 1:20pm : Arrivals & Networking
  

• ​​​​1:20 - 1:50pm: Research presented by Care Fader, Venture General Manager at Koru and Liana Fisher, Director of Product at Koru
  

• ​​1:50- 2:00pm: Peer Discussion
  

• ​​​​2:00 - 2:35pm: Review of the innovators leading the way in InsurTech:

  • ​Deep dive into PolicyMe presented by Andrew Ostro the the CEO and co-founde.

  • ​Review of Walnut Insurance, a company launched to modernize how insurance is distributed through embedded presented by Derek Szeto, Co-Founder of Walnut Insurance.

  • ​A look at Alan, presented by Mark Goad Canadian General Manager for this fast-growing digital health insurance platform.
    

• ​​​2:35 - 3:00pm: Fireside chat with Tatjana Lalkovic is the Chief Technology Officer at Definity Financial Corporation

​Care Fader is a seasoned leader in product management, marketing, and growth strategy across tech and insurance. Currently, Care serves as Venture General Manager at Koru, contributes to DataBraid.io, and sits on the board of the Toronto Product Management Association. Past roles include Interim Head of Product at ReturnBear, Interim CPO at Laivly, and senior product leadership at TouchBistro, driving international expansion. Care also led SaaS launches at 411.ca and revenue-focused marketing initiatives.

​Liana Fisher is a seasoned product leader specializing in 0-to-1 and early-stage startup building. As Director of Product at Koru, a venture studio wholly owned by Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan, she leads the discovery, validation, development, and launch of new businesses. Liana works closely with founders and teams to take ventures from initial concept to product-market fit and beyond. With deep expertise in shaping and scaling early-stage products, she brings a strategic and hands-on approach to building innovative companies from the ground up.

​Andrew Ostro is the CEO and co-founder of PolicyMe, as well as an expert in insurance strategy, risk management, and digital transformation. He co-founded PolicyMe in 2018 after seeing major issues in the insurance space, especially around overselling and poor customer experience. Andrew brings over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry, working as a licensed actuary and management consultant at Towers Watson and Oliver Wyman. He has advised senior executives at the world’s largest insurance companies on strategy, digital transformations, operations, regulatory adherence, and finance/risk.

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​Derek Szeto is the Co-Founder of Walnut Insurance, a company he launched to modernize how insurance is distributed through embedded, digital-first solutions. Derek is a serial entrepreneur. The first company he founded was RedFlagDeals.com, one of Canada’s leading deal platforms, which he successfully exited to a publicly traded company. With deep experience in tech and financial services, Derek is passionate about using technology to improve access, transparency, and customer experience in insurance and beyond.

​Mark Goad leads Alan’s Canadian expansion as its General Manager, overseeing the launch and scaling of its digital health insurance platform. Before joining Alan in 2024, he co-founded Curv Health, worked in venture capital at OMERS Ventures, and helped build SAP’s venture group, SAP.iO. He also serves as Board Chair of CAMH Engage, advocating for mental health in the Toronto community. With a strong operational and strategic background, Mark brings expertise in market entry, healthcare innovation, and ecosystem building- making him a valuable mentor for leaders navigating regulated sectors, FinTech, InsurTech and HealthTech in Canada.

​Tatjana Lalkovic is the Chief Technology Officer at Definity Financial Corporation, where she leads enterprise-wide technology strategy and digital transformation. She is a recognized leader in cloud, AI/ML, cybersecurity, and customer experience, known for driving innovation and business value through bold, people-centered leadership. Tatjana’s global experience spans senior roles at TD Bank, CIBC World Markets, and FirstCaribbean Bank, where she led major digital, data, and platform transformations. Her work has earned her industry recognition, including CIO of the Year 2023 and the Guidewire Innovation Award.

​Big Thanks to Our Research Partner

​​Research for this market overview will be presented by Koru

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​We are officially part of Toronto Tech Week 2025, a weeklong citywide collection of events to connect and celebrate the builders. June 23 → June 27, 2025 | torontotechweek.com.