London-based Insurtech Lukango has successfully closed a £275k pre-seed round which will see funding deployed to accelerate the build and launch of its tailored products and platform. Founded to reimagine how a new generation of microbusiness owners interact with insurance products, Lukango puts digital-native customers at the heart of the insurance product experience.

The startup’s connected platform, diverse community and accessible language combines with its innovative, dynamic products to support today’s entrepreneurs on their business journeys. The use of data and smart algorithms allows customers to flex and change the amount of protection needed as their businesses grow, putting small business owners in control of how much and when protection needs to be in place. Lukango’s unique proposition creates a partnership model many products lack.

The award-winning founding team of three brings decades of experience. CEO Joanne Safo and COO Mark Dennis are a founding team member and co-founder respectively of Munich Re’s Digital Partners business and have helped build, launch, and grow over 20 Insurtech startups. Marketing Lead Selina Bilton’s extensive experience developing and communicating business strategies has included roles as Chief of Staff at Unilever, Ikea, and BAE Systems.

Joanne Safo said, “We set out to champion the underserved microbusiness community and change the face of the insurance industry and are incredibly proud to have the backing of experienced investors that truly believe in our vision. Our skills in the use of technology in the insurance industry and innate strategic, scaling and execution capabilities are significant assets on our journey to better serve today’s microbusiness owners. They combine with our passion for innovation, creativity, building teams, and our purpose - to make business insurance fairer, smarter, and human.”

Early investors include former CEO of Bupa and board member of Admiral Group Evelyn Bourke, former Founder & CEO of Munich Re’s Digital Partners Andrew Rear, and former Senior Advisor to Nasdaq and CEO of Inbotiqa Mark Hunt.