Join us for an in-depth exploration of innovation and resilience with Marnus van Heerden, co-founder and CEO of Pineapple, South Africa's pioneering peer-to-peer insurance platform. This session will delve into Marnus's journey from his early career to leading a startup that's redefining the insurance landscape.​

About Marnus van Heerden:

Marnus van Heerden's professional path began with a solid foundation in accounting and law, earning both a Bachelor of Accounting and an LLB from Stellenbosch University. His tenure as a trainee accountant at KPMG South Africa provided him with critical insights into the financial sector. However, driven by a passion for innovation and a desire to address systemic issues in traditional industries, Marnus co-founded Pineapple in 2017. ​

Pineapple emerged with a mission to revolutionize the insurance industry by addressing longstanding challenges such as lack of transparency, inefficiency, and eroding customer trust. By adopting a peer-to-peer model, Pineapple enables members to pool their premiums into a communal fund, fostering a sense of community and shared responsibility. This approach not only enhances trust but also ensures that unused premiums are returned to members, aligning the company's interests with those of its policyholders. ​

Leveraging cutting-edge technology, Pineapple offers a fully digital platform that allows users to obtain quotes, activate policies, and manage claims seamlessly through their smartphones. This digital-first strategy ensures accessibility and convenience, catering to the modern consumer's expectations. ​

Pineapple's innovative approach has garnered significant attention and investment. In 2021, the company secured R80 million in a Series A funding round, followed by a record-breaking R400 million Series B funding in 2023—the largest insurtech fundraiser in Africa to date. These milestones underscore investor confidence in Pineapple's vision and its potential to reshape the insurance landscape. ​

Discussion Highlights:

• Innovating for the Future: Marnus will share insights into building startups that are not only disruptive but also sustainable and forward-thinking.​
• Technology as a Solution for Africa's Challenges: Exploring how technological advancements can be harnessed to address unique challenges within the African context, particularly in the financial services sector.​
• Building Resilient Startups: Strategies for navigating the complexities of scaling a startup in a competitive and evolving market.​
• Marketing that Resonates: Techniques for crafting marketing campaigns that capture attention, build trust, and foster a loyal customer base.​

This fireside chat is essential for entrepreneurs, tech enthusiasts, and professionals interested in the dynamics of disruptive innovation and the future of insurtech in Africa. Gain firsthand knowledge from a leader who is at the forefront of transforming an industry through technology and innovative thinking.​

Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the Pineapple story and discover valuable lessons on building the startups of tomorrow.

Details:

• Date: 08 May 2025
• Time: 5 PM 
• Venue: AfricaWorks, Rosebanks