Ep 294: Tim Attia, CEO & Co-Founder, Slice Labs

In this episode of FNO: InsureTech, host Rob Beller speaks with Tim Attia, CEO and Co-Founder of Slice Labs, for a detailed discussion on the company's evolution and product strategy. Tim describes how Slice transitioned from on-demand and gig economy insurance to higher-premium E&S and contractor general liability coverage, explaining the impact of automation and AI on their approach. The conversation highlights Slice's focus on operational efficiency and streamlined agent experience amid changing market and profitability demands.

Key Highlights

• Tim Attia traces Slice Labs' shift from small, on-demand gig policies to E&S and contractor-focused products, including annual and project-based general liability, in response to changes brought on by COVID-19 and market realities.
• The episode examines how Slice employs automation, algorithms, and AI for business classification and underwriting, allowing significant growth without proportional increases in staffing.
• Slice's digital platform enabled rapid, low-friction underwriting for agents in E&S, removing many of the traditional obstacles agents faced in placing contractor risks.
• Tim introduces the concept of "risk DNA"—using neural networks, historic data, and both machine and underwriter insights to guide risk assessment and underwriting as policies grow in size and complexity.
• There is a focus on the adoption of tools such as generative AI and document extraction to streamline workflows for underwriters and developers alike.
• Tim emphasizes that insurance is inherently more complex than technology alone, requiring both advanced data modeling and nuanced human judgment.
• The discussion also covers experiences at conferences such as WSIA and Target Markets, the enduring role of agents and wholesalers, and the importance of staying close to carrier partnerships as methods and partnerships in distribution and underwriting change.