As climate risks escalate and wildfires grow more frequent and destructive, how can startups help the insurance industry adapt and evolve? In this episode of Startup Founders and Backers, we spotlight how Firebreak Risk uses artificial intelligence to change how insurers assess and underwrite wildfire risk, while empowering homeowners to protect their properties.

Seetal Chohan joins us from Firebreak Risk to explore how the company’s AI-driven platform transforms user-submitted images and video into actionable data for insurers. Their goal? To close the gap between homeowners’ mitigation efforts and insurance eligibility and pricing. With Firebreak, homeowners can actively reduce their risk, and insurers gain a more thoughtful, more dynamic way to evaluate and price policies. According to Seetal, homes mitigated using Firebreak’s guidance are 40% more likely to survive a wildfire.

This episode also examines the role of the Lloyd’s Lab Accelerator, part of the world-renowned Lloyd’s of London insurance marketplace. Seetal shares how the accelerator’s unique program connects insurtech startups with mentors and domain experts to co-create solutions that address emerging challenges. With 85% of startups forming commercial relationships through the program, the Lab is a launchpad for meaningful change in insurance innovation.

Key discussion points include:

• How Firebreak Risk leverages AI to turn homeowner data into underwriting intelligence
• Why startups like Firebreak are helping insurers move faster on climate risks
• The importance of linking individual mitigation actions to tangible insurance outcomes
• How Lloyd’s Lab is building bridges between cutting-edge startups and industry stakeholders
• Opportunities for other founders to join the next Lloyd’s Lab cohort

From climate adaptation to AI-powered underwriting, this episode offers a clear view of how new ideas are reshaping one of the world’s oldest industries. Whether you're building a startup or backing the next wave of innovation, this conversation shows what's possible when tech meets tradition with purpose.