Frequently AskedQuestions
Everything you need to know about Moonshot Foundry, the LaunchPad Process, our Sherpa mentorship model, and how to get started launching your insurance venture.
About Moonshot Foundry
What is Moonshot Foundry?
Moonshot Foundry is a venture studio for insurance. We build, fund, and scale insurance businesses by providing entrepreneurs with everything they need to launch — licensing in all 50 states, battle-tested technology, payment infrastructure, capital access, regulatory support, and expert Sherpa mentorship. We're not consultants — we co-build and co-invest alongside you.
What types of insurance ventures does Moonshot support?
We support MGAs (Managing General Agents), captives, embedded insurance products, and specialty programs across a wide range of verticals — including cyber & tech E&O, real estate, cannabis, commercial auto, professional liability, workers compensation, parametric insurance, restaurant insurance, and more. If you have deep expertise in any insurance line, we want to hear from you.
How is Moonshot different from an insurance accelerator or incubator?
Unlike accelerators that offer mentoring and networking, Moonshot provides the full infrastructure stack — licensing authority through BindDesk, technology through RaterSpot/insurEco, payments through PolicyPay, and capital structuring through InsureCap. We don't just advise; we provide the operational backbone so you can write business from Day 1.
Who are the people behind Moonshot?
Moonshot is led by operators with decades of insurance and technology experience. Derek Lovrenich (CEO, InsurEco System Inc) built the tech stack and platform framework. Phil Duncan (CEO, BindDesk Insurance Services) manages the MGA with full U.S. licensing authority. Dan Duncan (CEO, InsureCap Insurance Solutions) leads payment rails and captive strategy. Jeff Brown (CEO, Moonshot Ventures) brings deep InsurTech and startup expertise.
LaunchPad Process
What is the LaunchPad Process?
The LaunchPad Process is our structured 6-phase journey from idea to market: (1) Screening & Prep — initial vetting and preparation, (2) Auditions — a 20-minute pitch plus Q&A, (3) Sherpa-Guided Assessment — in-depth evaluation across 7 key tracks, (4) Terms & Decision — negotiate and commit, (5) Sherpa-Guided Launch — build your MVP and integrate with our platform, and (6) Scaling & Success — grow with distribution, capital, and ongoing platform improvements.
How long does the process take from application to launch?
The full process from application to launch typically takes 6-12 weeks, depending on the complexity of your venture and how prepared you are for each phase. Some entrepreneurs move faster if they come in with strong existing materials and a clear business thesis.
What does it cost to apply to the Foundry?
There are no upfront fees to apply or go through the assessment process. We invest in ventures we believe in and share in the success through equity participation and platform fees. The infrastructure — technology, licensing, payments — is provided as part of the Foundry model.
Do I need to have an existing business to apply?
No. We work with entrepreneurs at all stages — from those with just an idea and deep industry knowledge to experienced underwriters looking to launch their own program. What matters most is your insurance expertise and the market opportunity you've identified.
What makes a strong candidate for the Foundry?
The strongest candidates have deep insurance expertise or underwriting experience, a clear market opportunity, commitment to building a real business, and openness to mentorship and guidance. We're looking for people who bring the expertise while we provide the infrastructure.
What happens during the audition?
You'll have 20 minutes to pitch your idea to the Moonshot team (without reading directly from your deck), followed by a 10-minute Q&A session. The team then discusses and makes one of three decisions: Ready, Not Sure, or Not Ready Yet. You'll receive feedback and next steps regardless of the outcome.
Sherpa Program
What is a Sherpa?
A Sherpa is an experienced insurance professional who provides personalized, expert mentoring to Foundry entrepreneurs. Unlike traditional consultants, Sherpas have equity in your success — they earn ownership stakes in the ventures they help launch. They guide you through a comprehensive 7-track assessment covering technology, business model, market analysis, capital strategy, regulatory compliance, distribution, and personal journey.
What are the Sherpa core principles?
The Sherpa model is built on four principles: (1) You are the hero — this is your business and your vision, (2) We are the guide — we've navigated these challenges before, (3) Plant seeds, don't dictate — we influence through wisdom, not commands, and (4) Skin in the game — Sherpas earn equity and participate in your success.
How do Sherpas get compensated?
Sherpas are compensated through a three-tier model: direct fees for their time and expertise during the Foundry process, equity stakes in the businesses they help launch, and the opportunity to build reusable innovation tools that create ongoing value across multiple ventures.
Can I become a Sherpa?
If you have 10+ years of deep insurance expertise (in underwriting, operations, technology, or distribution), a proven track record of building or scaling successful insurance programs, and a passion for mentorship — we'd love to hear from you. Sherpas guide multiple ventures, earn equity, and build a portfolio of successful businesses. Contact us at [email protected] to express interest.
Ecosystem
What is the Moonshot ecosystem?
The Moonshot ecosystem is a vertically integrated network of four member companies that together provide the complete infrastructure for launching insurance ventures: BindDesk (MGA licensing and underwriting authority across all 50 states), InsurEco/RaterSpot (full-stack technology platform with no-code rating engine), PolicyPay (premium billing, collections, and financing), and InsureCap (captive structuring and reinsurance placement).
What technology platform does Moonshot use?
Our technology is powered by InsurEco and RaterSpot — a full-stack insurance platform that includes a no-code rating engine, policy administration, API-first architecture, and AI-enablement capabilities. The platform has processed over $100M in premiums, generates 10,000+ monthly quotes, and connects to 80+ insurance markets.
How does licensing work?
Through BindDesk Insurance Services, Moonshot ventures get Day 1 licensing authority across all 50 states via a rent-a-MGU model. This means you can start writing business immediately without the typical 12-18 month wait to obtain your own licenses. BindDesk has 50+ active products and full U.S. coverage.
How are payments handled?
PolicyPay handles all payment infrastructure — premium billing, collections, installment plans, and premium financing arrangements. It's the financial rails powering every Moonshot venture, so you don't need to build payment systems from scratch.
Investment Questions
How can I invest in Moonshot ventures?
We offer multiple pathways: Thematic Pools (focused JV funding around specific verticals like auto fleet, cannabis, or dental), Multi-JV Fund (diversified exposure to multiple incubated ventures), and Direct Participation (LP, equity, or token-based investment in specific ventures). Contact us at [email protected] for investor materials.
How does Moonshot generate revenue?
The Moonshot Ecosystem generates revenue at every layer of the insurance value chain: policy tech fees (RaterSpot/insurEco SaaS), payment processing (PolicyPay), premium financing, MGA revenue (BindDesk override and underwriting fees), risk and compliance fees, reinsurance margin (InsureCap), and IP licensing. Each venture generates 6-10 revenue streams.
Is information on the site investment advice?
No. Nothing on the site constitutes investment advice, a solicitation to invest, or an offer to sell securities. All information regarding investment opportunities is for informational purposes only. Prospective investors should conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified financial, legal, and tax advisors. All investments involve risk, including potential loss of principal.
Still Have Questions?
We're happy to answer any questions you have about Moonshot Foundry, the process, or your specific opportunity.
Ready to Get Started?
Now that you know how it works, take the first step toward launching your insurance venture.