CB Insights - $11.7B valuation ain’t nothing

Hi there, 

We've got a new event for those in insurtech. More on that below.

But first, we asked you last week if the recent Robinhood GME drama might actually be good for Robinhood’s IPO.  

Almost two-thirds of you believe it will help (or certainly won’t hurt), as you expect the IPO to come in higher than its last disclosed valuation of $11.7B.

Alrightee then...event time

We’re back at it with a brand new event: the CB Insights Tech Market: Digitizing P&C Insurance (May 13-14).

It’ll be a 2-day showcase of some of the top P&C insurance companies, designed specifically for execs who are making technology strategy and buying decisions. 

Here’s what you’ll get:

• 25 demos of companies handpicked by CB Insights’ analysts

• Tech deployment case studies 

• Survival strategies from current P&C leaders

• Unlimited 1:1 networking meetings, including a concierge service to personally introduce you to tech companies in the categories of your choice

• On-demand access to all content sessions, pitches, and analyst presentations for 30 days post-event 

Topics include:

• Data Enhancement for Underwriting & Claims

• Geospatial Analytics for Underwriting & Claims

• Robotic Process Automation for Operations

• Predictive Analytics for Risk Management

• IoT Data for Commercial Insurance 

• Computer Vision for Underwriting & Claims

Check out more details here. 

Want to be one of the 25 companies to demo on stage? Apply here. 

Register today at our very lowest rate.

How can valuations be real if our eyes aren't real

Robinhood’s $11.7B valuation wasn’t just accounting magic. 

Top of the world

Grocery delivery unicorn Instacart, valued at $17.7B, is the most valuable private consumer e-commerce company in the world.

See the rest of the top 10 in our graphic here.

Crazy little thing called qubits

Quantum computers will soon be able to tackle difficult problems — especially those involving a daunting number of variables and potential outcomes, like simulating drug interactions or optimizing supply chain logistics — much faster than any classical computer.

We explain what sets quantum computing apart from classical computing in this graphic.

The course of sales never did run smooth

AI services designed specifically for manufacturing sales and support are beginning to emerge.

From diagnosing equipment malfunctions to coaching call agents, here’s how natural language processing is helping manufacturers streamline sales and support.

FinLedger. Rebecca Ayers (@rebeccaayers234) discusses the CB Insights State Of Fintech report with CBI senior intelligence analyst Alex Kern (@AlexKernA). 

Business Insider. Alex Bitter (@abitterjourno) covers the men’s grooming space, quoting CB Insights intelligence analyst Kenya Watson and citing CBI data.

Modern Retail. Gabriela Barkho (@gabrielabarkho) reports on Uber’s acquisition of Drizly and quotes CB Insights senior intelligence analyst Rachel Binder.

P.S. We've got jobs, jobs, and more jobs. See the list of openings here.

The Blurb

Sages on stages. As colleges move instruction online, the question of who recorded lectures belong to — including after profs have died — has taken on increasing importance. 
The Verge

Star power. Through video-sharing platforms like Cameo and Memmo, celebrities are joining the gig economy.

WIRED 

Layman's terms. Amid the GameStop stock frenzy, a flurry of TikTok videos, memes, and other explainers emerged to make sense of the market frenzy.

WSJ 

Printed in the USA. The first permitted 3D-printed house in the US has been listed for sale with an asking price of $299,999. 

CNN

Prickly pair. A woman was caught trying to smuggle nearly 1,000 succulents and cacti strapped to her body into New Zealand. 

The Guardian