The gig economy moved fast. Insurance moved slowly. Tapoly decided to close the gap. In this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VanderLinden speaks with Janthana Kaenprakhamroy, founder of Tapoly, about building an on-demand insurance platform for gig workers and micro-businesses that traditional insurers overlooked. The opportunity was obvious — if you were willing to look closely. Gig workers often hold multiple roles: delivery driver by day, fitness instructor on weekends, freelance consultant in between. Each role carries a different risk profile. Traditional annual policies weren’t built for that complexity. Tapoly’s answer? On-demand, usage-based insurance powered by automated underwriting and micro-premiums. Operating at micro-premium levels may not excite large incumbents. But with a fully digital process and scalable cost structure, Tapoly can underwrite smaller transactions efficiently. The economics change when automation drives pricing, policy issuance, and data capture. Customer segmentation sits at the heart of the model. Janthana and her team approach insurance from the lifestyle perspective first: what risks emerge from flexible work patterns? What core covers are mandatory (e.g., employer liability)? What add-ons — professional indemnity, public liability — vary depending on activity? This isn’t just product innovation. It’s mindset innovation. Building a lifestyle insurance brand means designing around customer reality — not policy convenience. Raising capital hasn’t been easy. Microinsurance margins are thin. As a first-time founder without deep insurance pedigree, Janthana faced skepticism. Many investors prefer mature, higher-margin businesses. Yet the long-term potential lies in platform scalability and market inclusion. Culture, she emphasizes, matters deeply. Tapoly hires for skill contribution, work ethic, and coachability — not necessarily industry experience. Early-stage teams must be adaptable, mission-driven, and free of legacy habits. The next frontier? A fully joined-up data system that tracks transactions across sources — enabling clearer risk assessment and seamless coverage. This episode is essential listening for: Founders building niche insurance platforms Insurers exploring gig economy opportunities Investors evaluating microinsurance scalability Leaders designing customer-centric business models Because serving underserved markets isn’t charity. It’s strategic expansion. And in a world where work is increasingly flexible, insurance must become equally adaptable. The question isn’t whether gig workers need protection. It’s who will build it at scale.