Genasys has earned its place at the top of the InsurTech50 rankings, but CEO Andre Symes isn’t here to talk hype – he’s here to talk substance. While others might be chasing tech trends, Genasys has quietly built a reputation on something more enduring: a solid product powered by a team that cares. Their approach? Innovation that’s refreshingly no-nonsense, a transparent business model, and a drive to foster genuine client relationships.
In this exclusive chat, Andre shares the secret sauce behind Genasys’s success, from their “come for the tech, stay for the people” philosophy to a surprisingly human view of what makes for real innovation. He sheds light on Genasys’s unique approach to creativity, its insistence on accountability, and even calls out some of the industry’s favourite buzzwords – including “digital transformation.” for Andre, great tech is just part of the puzzle; building trust and longevity in InsurTech takes more than clever algorithms.
So, what really makes Genasys stand out? Dive into Andre’s candid take on what’s working, what isn’t, and why Genasys’s approach might just be what the industry needs right now…
Q1: Andre, congratulations on the win! In your view, what really set Genasys apart from the competition in this year’s InsurTech50 ranking?
A1: Thanks! Honestly, it’s not one big thing that put us ahead; it’s more like lots of little advantages all working together. We’ve built a product that really stands out compared to other challenger PAS systems in the mid-market, but more importantly, we’ve got a team that genuinely cares about our clients’ success. They’re passionate, knowledgeable, and they don’t just know insurance – they understand the challenges our clients face day-to-day. That combo of solid tech and a dedicated team creates real value, and I think that’s what’s setting us apart in the InsurTech space. Having great tech is essential, but it’s just like owning the best Formula 1 car – it’s useless if you don’t have the right driver behind the wheel. Our team are the “drivers,” in a way, who make our tech perform to its best. And sure, tech can do a lot on its own, but that human expertise and passion are critical, especially in a complex field like insurance. Our clients stick with us because they know we’re here for them and understand their needs. So yes, they come for the tech, but it’s the people who make them stay – they see the difference our team makes.
Q2: Innovation is central to the InsurTech50 ranking. Can you share how Genasys approaches innovation to keep pace with the market?
A2: Staying ahead in innovation means always thinking a few steps beyond where the market currently is. We stick to the 70-20-10 rule: 70% of our budget goes to incremental or horizon 1improvements based on real customer needs, 20% goes to near-term, horizon 2 innovations to stay ahead of industry trends, and 10% is for “blue sky” or horizon 3 projects that could shape the future, like AI or robotics.
We also believe in the power of bringing people together in the same room to brainstorm. There’s data showing that people working physically together are can be more innovative than fully remote teams. Remote work has huge productivity benefits, but when it comes to creativity and those lightbulb moments, there’s just something magical about bouncing ideas around a room with a whiteboard that’s hard to replicate online.
Q3: Do you think remote work could impact innovation?
A3: Yes, and research backs that up. A few studies, including some at Ivy League universities, show a noticeable drop in breakthroughs with fully remote teams compared to hybrid or in-office setups. It doesn’t mean remote work can’t be productive – far from it. But innovation often benefits from in-person collaboration. Remote meeting are intentional events, often creativity is unintentional. The key is finding the right balance for your team, your goals, and your industry. There’s just something about getting smart people in the same space, scribbling ideas together, that sparks creativity in a way screens Zoom or Teams meetings sometimes can’t.
Q4: The Genasys platform is known for its adaptability, connectivity, and speed-to-market. How do you see these qualities shaping the future of insurance technology?
A4: Flexibility is everything. Our platform has over 350 pre-configured products, covering everything from standard home insurance to more specialised products. That means if our clients decide to expand – say they want to add something niche like war and terror coverage – they can do it easily, all on the same platform.
And on connectivity, those 500+ API endpoints we offer allow clients to integrate with other tech seamlessly. It’s a bit like what Uber did; they didn’t invent new technology but combined existing tools to make something unique. With our APIs, clients can add whatever tools they need to create a solution that’s perfectly tailored for them. It’s about future-proofing and making sure they’re ready for whatever comes next. Systems with REST API’s means they can create working eco-systems cost effectively and allow organsiaiton to pivot and adapt their eco-systems quickly if needed, as Darwin didn’t say….
Q5: Genasys is built on values of transparency, honesty, and accountability. How does that culture contribute to the company’s success, and why is it so important in today’s insurtech landscape?
A5: Trust is everything in this industry. The fact is, clients are cautious these days because so many tech providers have over-promised and under-delivered, and that erodes trust. At Genasys, we’re upfront about what our product can do – and what it can’t. We don’t just hype our tech; we’re realistic about outcomes, challenges, and costs. This kind of transparency means we don’t win every deal, but the clients we do attract tend to share our values, which makes for strong, long-term relationships.
For us, transparency isn’t just a word; it’s about being honest from the get-go, so clients know exactly what they’re getting. We don’t want clients to feel they’re locked in with us but rather that they’re growing with us. We drive this ethos internally too, honesty is rewarded and commended, even if the message isn’t a positive one.
Genasys isn’t just another InsurTech company – they’re redefining what it means to truly partner with clients. With a stellar product, a team that’s as dedicated as they are knowledgeable, and a refreshing commitment to honesty and accountability, Genasys has built a platform where clients come for the tech but stay for the people.
In a world full of hype and empty promises, Genasys proves that real success is about more than flashy features and grand statements; it’s about building trust, delivering value, and always thinking a step ahead. If you’re ready to experience this kind of partnership and see what sets Genasys apart, contact us today – we’d love to show you the difference for yourself.
