Anzen, a name that translates to 'safety' in Japanese, embarked on its mission to reshape the executive risk insurance landscape in 2020. Founded by a team of seasoned insurance and technology executives, including CEO Max Bruner, who had collectively experienced the challenges and inefficiencies of the existing market, Anzen was born out of a desire to 'fix the pain points and inefficiencies no one else would'. This founding principle became the bedrock of the company's approach, driving their commitment to leveraging technology and deep industry expertise to create a better experience for brokers and policyholders alike.
The journey began with a clear vision: to modernize how brokers access and manage specialty insurance markets, particularly in the complex realm of executive liability. Recognizing that businesses, especially startups and small to medium-sized enterprises, faced significant hurdles in navigating D&O (Directors and Officers), Employment Practices, and Fiduciary insurance, Anzen set out to build a platform that would simplify these processes. The company understood that the traditional methods were often cumbersome, time-consuming, and lacked the proactive risk mitigation strategies that modern businesses require. By integrating with core HR and finance systems, Anzen aimed to provide not just insurance coverage, but also actionable insights and tools to help companies identify and proactively address potential risks before they escalate into costly claims. This proactive stance, combined with a commitment to using artificial intelligence and machine learning to better understand and underwrite risk, quickly set Anzen apart. The company's focus on creating a seamless, efficient, and 'practically pain-free' experience resonated with retail brokers across the United States, who were seeking a partner that understood both the nuances of retail distribution and the art of selling specialty lines. Backed by leading investors in technology and insurance, Anzen continues to innovate, driven by the belief that it's time for a fundamental shift in the industry—one that ultimately improves the experience for everyone involved, especially the policyholder.