Enthovens bet on insurance disruptor
The investment in Simply is part of the plan which saw Yellowwoods put R20m into Naked, an online car insurer
Not all investment companies would fund a potential competitor to their core businesses, but this is exactly what Yellowwoods has done by taking 15% of insurtech firm Simply.Yellowwoods is the secretive SA holding company of the Enthoven family. Its main interests are Hollard, with about R24bn in premium income across short-and long-term insurance licences, and Clientèle, a highly profitable but niche life office with R2.1bn in premium income. Neither has been a slouch when it comes to innovation — Clientèle, in particular, was an innovator in the direct-to-consumer market through its cheesy but effective TV infomercials.But the Enthovens are always looking to the next generation.The founder of the dynasty, Robert, made his name in insurance broking. His son Patrick moved into underwriting when Hollard was formed in 1980. And more recently the family have moved outside their insurance comfort zone by financing Nando’s, run by Robby Enthoven in the UK — which has been highly profitab...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.