Michael Weiss

Innovation Executive

I’ve spent most of my career in insurance. That includes personal auto at Quanata (an insurance technology company owned by State Farm), group benefits at Unum, and health at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. At Quanata I sat across the table from startups and data vendors. I evaluated what they offered and negotiated more than 30 proof-of-concept contracts. Several of those led to production agreements. I can tell you how an insurer looks at a startup, what it takes to get a yes, and which terms matter.

I’ve also coached dozens of founders in human-centered design at the Edney Innovation Center and the Chattanooga Chamber’s INCubator. At Unum I built the company’s Design Thinking curriculum and taught it across the business, and I’m a certified instructor. I’m glad to help with selling to insurers, setting up a proof of concept, or getting to know the customers you’re building for.