Your pace. Our protection.
Intrepid innovators like you need insurance that keeps up. So, wherever you’re headed, we’ll come with you. At your speed. Working to your needs.
At Howden, we cover the entire ecosystem of tech start-ups and scale-ups – from the very beginning to your point of exit. We match your growth, step for step. Taking on staff? We’ve got you. Won a contract? We’ll check it. Changing direction? Let’s go.
Because we’re all about no-limits, people-first insurance. And for entrepreneurs like you, that means putting your goals front and centre of our service, and flexing to your needs. We understand this better than most because Howden was originally a start-up too. We know just how transformative fresh thinking can be, so enabling inventive ideas to get off the ground is written in our DNA.
That’s why we’re the only broker who can offer expert insurance at every stage of your journey, from start-up to scale-up to established business to buyouts, mergers and exit strategies. And we can do it here in the UK – or pretty much anywhere in the world. Just ask.
With us, you’ve got the answer to hassle-free cover that fits to your budget and business plans. So you’re free to focus on your innovation – safe in the knowledge your tech-enabled enterprise is protected by people who speak your language, and who want to see your vision succeed as much as you do.
Whatever stage of the journey you’re on, we keep up
At Howden, we know every start-up follows its own unique path. That’s why our team is agile at all times – so we can respond quickly to changes and offer long-term support at all stages of your journey, whichever route it takes. Here’s how we can support your journey…
Embarking on the start-up journey is like igniting a flame of innovation, with the promise of disrupting industries and carving out new paths. As you set sail and navigate through uncharted territories, we stand as your steadfast ally, on hand to support your business throughout.
Whether you're envisioning the next breakthrough in technology or pioneering a concept, our mission is to empower your aspirations. From the inception of your initial idea to the delivery of your dreams, we offer a comprehensive suite of services tailored to fuel your growth and safeguard your vision.
✓ Initial idea
The spark is lit: a new tech innovation is about to take off. From aiming for that unicorn to bootstrapping your way up, this is the start of an exciting chapter and we’re rooting for you.
✓ Research and develop
Time to get innovating, as you develop a proof of concept.
We can help protect:
- Your laptops, mobile phones and any equipment
- Your data, emails and computer systems from cybercrime
- The IP for your idea
✓ Find the funds
From incubators to angel investors to venture capitalists, there are a range of investment options to get your idea off the ground.:
We're here for your:
- Key person insurance, to meet your investors’ requirements and ensure the business continues to grow despite unexpected absences of key individuals
- Directors & officers’ insurance to cover you and fellow directors’ personal liability following allegations of wrongful actions
- Cyber insurance to protect your business from threats in the digital age
- Intellectual property (IP) to provide you with a safety net if you rely on intellectual property assets by mitigating risks associated with legal disputes over ownership or unauthorised use of IP
As you leap from start-up status to a growing business, the landscape evolves, presenting new challenges and opportunities at every turn. With a variety of investment avenues beckoning, from the nurturing embrace of incubators to the strategic backing of angel investors and venture capitalists, the potential for growth is endless.
Here, amidst the whirlwind of possibilities, we stand as your unwavering ally, poised to support your journey towards success. Armed with a suite of tailored solutions, we empower you to harness the momentum of your business.
✓ Find the funds
From incubators to angel investors to venture capitalists, there are a range of investment options to get your idea off the ground.
We’re here for your:
- Key person insurance, to meet your investors’ needs
- Directors & officers’ insurance to cover you and fellow directors
✓ Develop, launch, pivot, grow!
With money in the bank, it’s all hands on deck. This dynamic stage can go in multiple directions, depending on your start-up, strategy and goals. You may hire staff, launch a product, offer professional services, open an office, change direction, win contracts and much, much more.
We’ll help protect:
- Your legal liabilities, like your employees, services and products
- Ongoing business operations, like cyber cover
- International travel
✓ Changes at the top
At any point in your journey, your key people might change. Founders might step back, new CEOs might step in – it’s all part and parcel of a growing business.
We’ll help provide:
- Consistency in your cover, if you already use us
- An impartial review of your needs, if you’re new to us
✓ More funding, greater growth
You may win more and larger contracts, here in the UK and overseas. As your company grows, it may go through a series of funding rounds to secure more capital for expansion.
We can help protect:
- International contracts or premises
- Any goods or products in transit
The prospect of exiting, whether through acquisition, merger, or the prospect of going public, marks a significant milestone in your business. Within this part of your journey lies the intricate web of negotiations and complexities inherent in the exit process. With every detail meticulously scrutinised and every term diligently negotiated, the path to a successful exit demands focus and expert guidance.
We’ll stand as your trusted partner, equipped to navigate these changes from safeguarding against potential liabilities through robust warranties and indemnities to ensuring a seamless transition to your next venture. Our tailored solutions offer the assurance and protection necessary to navigate the intricacies of the exit journey.
✓ Time to exit
An exit strategy could present itself in a range of ways, from acquisition to merger or even taking the company public. Every exit can be a long and complex process to negotiate and complete, before it’s onwards and upwards to the next venture.
We can offer:
- Warranties & indemnities – there to protect you from the financial loss associated with claims while providing both parties with additional peace of mind
- Run-off protection – despite the fact that you’ve sold the business, litigation can be brought against the former management team for actions made prior to the sale. We can help ensure your period of run-off is insured so your exiting team has peace of mind as they step away
- Public offering security insurance (POSI) – If you’re about to go public and launch your IPO, having insurance to protect against these new exposures during the transaction is critical
Don’t just take our word for it…
...here’s what some of our clients have to say about us!
Bringing insurance to life
At Howden, we cover the entire ecosystem of tech start-ups and scale-ups – from the very beginning to your point of exit.
The team at Howden have been amazing. Sorting out the right insurance at the right price for a hardware technology start up is complicated. I just kept getting quotes that seemed excessive and not appropriate for my type of business. Howden took the time to understand my business, explain to me the types of insurance and what I needed and then went and found me a much more competitive quote. It is a huge relief to have someone like Howden looking out for you and wanting the right cover. So thankful for their support.
What type of tech businesses can we insure?
Med tech
Biotech
Agritech
SaaS
Internet of things
AI
We cover the entire ecosystem of tech start-ups and scale-ups
Tech-enabled
AR/VR
Software developers
Hardware manufacturers
IT/technology consultants
Cyber security
Right from the start, we prepare you for claims.
Most claims (60%) concern breaches of contract. When such claims are made against you, it’s our job to alert the insurers to respond quickly and step in to back you.
This is why we stay close to you throughout the policy term, to keep abreast of your activities and advising on risk management.
When we understand the work you are doing behind the scenes, we can do more to help.