From a PowerPoint deck to a unicorn in two years — that’s not luck. That’s ecosystem strategy executed at speed. In this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VanderLinden speaks with Andrew Cons, former CEO of Bolttech Europe and now leading Bolttech Indonesia, about what it really takes to build a global insurance exchange. Bolttech’s growth story is extraordinary. In just two years, the company achieved unicorn status, raising over $247 million in funding — one of the largest Series A rounds in InsurTech history. Today, its platform transacts over $44 billion in quoted premiums annually, connects more than 180 insurance providers, and offers over 5,000 insurance products. But numbers only tell part of the story. Andrew describes Bolttech as a “many-to-many ecosystem” — a digital exchange connecting insurers, distribution partners, and end customers. Instead of linear supply chains, the platform acts as the connective tissue — the “gel” — enabling on-demand protection at the moment of need. This model reflects a broader industry shift. Insurance is no longer simply about underwriting risk. It’s about orchestrating access within digital ecosystems. Andrew’s leadership journey spans founding his own venture, driving strategy and operational improvement, scaling Asurion across Asia-Pacific, and then building Bolttech from the ground up. The common thread? Results-driven innovation. Scaling at this pace requires more than ambition. It demands: Clear cultural foundations Leadership from the front A willingness to operate under sustained pressure Relentless focus on converting growth opportunities Building a startup inside a stable industry is different from managing incremental growth. It’s about transforming a PowerPoint vision into a functioning, scalable marketplace. The stakes are high. So is the opportunity. Platforms like Bolttech demonstrate how insurance can become embedded, accessible, and choice-driven. By connecting carriers and distribution partners at scale, exchanges increase transparency, efficiency, and customer experience. This episode is essential listening for: Insurance executives exploring ecosystem models Venture leaders scaling platform businesses Founders designing many-to-many marketplaces Investors evaluating infrastructure-led InsurTech plays Because the future of insurance won’t be owned by single carriers. It will be shaped by platforms that orchestrate access, enable partnerships, and deliver protection seamlessly. And the leaders who can scale culture, capital, and connectivity simultaneously will define that future.