First Connect Insurance Services, a digital platform for independent agents to provide access to top carriers, has surpassed $500 million in gross written premium (GWP) in 2025.
The company’s momentum comes as independent agencies continue to gain market share, an important industry trend.
As the insurance market becomes more fragmented, First Connect serves as a critical digital infrastructure, streamlining access to over 130 carriers and managing general agents (MGAs).
For independent agents, the platform offers necessary flexibility and a wider range of solutions for costumes. For carriers, it provides a data-driven, cost-effective method to expand distribution without sacrificing underwriting discipline.
Aviad Pinkovezky, CEO of First Connect, said: “Reaching $500 million in annual gross written premium in such a short time is validation that our model is working—and we’re just getting started. This growth reflects the trust we’ve earned from both sides of our marketplace.
“We’ve got new agencies joining us all the time, in addition to the agencies that recognize how easy it is to do business with us and keep coming back. Carriers see us as a way to access scalable, profitable distribution quickly and efficiently. That trust is creating a flywheel dynamic that’s accelerating our growth.”
Originally a Hippo Holdings, Inc. subsidiary, First Connect has evolved into one of the industry’s fastest-growing digital distribution platforms.
Since 2021, the company’s premium volume outside of Hippo has increased approximately 14x, driven by strong adoption from independent agents seeking technology-driven solutions.
Following the acquisition by Centana, First Connect has operated as a standalone entity, leveraging its heritage to attract top-tier talent, supported by private backing to fuel strategic investments.
“We’re not just growing our business – we’re building the foundation of a company that can scale sustainably,” said Pinkovezky. “Our heritage as part of Hippo has given us an advantage in accessing top-tier talent across insurance operations, sales, marketing, technology, and design. As a standalone company with private backing, we have the dedicated focus and resources to accelerate our growth and better serve the independent agency channel.”
First Connect’s growth strategy has been two-fold: expanding its technological capabilities and securing high-profile partnerships.
Regarding tech investments, the company is deploying AI-driven tools to streamline underwriting and carrier matching. A new carrier portal is currently in development to bring greater transparency to the distribution process.
In 2025 alone, First Connect announced partnerships with major industry players including AM Trust, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD, The Hanover, and more.
“First Connect is showing what modern insurance distribution can look like,” said Sarah Kim, Partner, Centana Growth Partners. “The team’s disciplined growth, strong fundamentals, and tech-first approach set them apart in the market. We’re thrilled to support the next stage as the company becomes a key partner for independent insurance agencies and carriers across the U.S.”
Additionally, the company released its inaugural 2025 State of the Industry Survey in October, revealing that carriers investing in agent success through technology are gaining significant market advantages over those relying on traditional transactional relationships.
Crucially, First Connect emphasises that its rapid growth has not come at the expense of quality. The platform uses data-driven matching to ensure carriers connect with high-performing agents.
“Our hands-on approach to managing loss ratios and keeping carriers in control helps them achieve both premium and profitability goals,” said Pinkovezky. “For example, over a two-year period, one large national personal-lines carrier saw a 4x increase in written premium while maintaining an average loss ratio of 45%. That’s the kind of sustainable, disciplined growth we aim to deliver across our network.”
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