First Connect Insurance Services, a digital platform that provides independent agents with access to top insurance companies, has exceeded $500 million in gross written premium (GWP) by 2025.
This important milestone comes one year after Centana Growth Partners acquired a majority stake in the company, highlighting a year of meaningful expansion, product innovation, and expanded operator and agent relationships.
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 critical digital infrastructure, simplifying access to more than 130 insurance companies and managing general agents (MGAs).
For independent agents, the platform provides the necessary flexibility and a wider range of apparel solutions. For carriers, it provides a data-driven, cost-effective way to expand distribution without sacrificing underwriting discipline.
Aviad Pinkovezky, CEO of First Connect, said: “To reach $500 million in annual gross premiums in such a short period of time is proof that our model is working and we are just getting started. This growth reflects the trust we have earned from both sides of the market.
“In addition to those agents who recognize how easy it is to do business with us and keep coming back, new agents are joining us all the time. Carriers see us as a way to gain scalable, profitable distribution quickly and efficiently. This trust is creating a flywheel momentum that is accelerating our growth.”
First Connect began as a subsidiary of Hippo Holdings, Inc. and has grown into one of the fastest growing digital distribution platforms in the industry.
Since 2021, the company’s premium sales outside of Hippo have grown approximately 14x due to strong adoption by independent agents seeking technology-driven solutions.
Acquired by Centana, First Connect operates as an independent entity, leveraging its heritage to attract top talent and drive strategic investments backed by private support.
“We’re not just growing our business, we’re laying the foundation for a company that can grow sustainably,” Pinkovezky said. “As part of Hippo, our legacy gives us an advantage in access to top talent in insurance operations, sales, marketing, technology and design. As a privately-backed independent company, we have the focused focus and resources to accelerate our growth and better serve the independent agent channel.”
First Connect’s growth strategy is two-fold: expanding its technology capabilities and securing high-profile partnerships.
In terms of technology investments, the company is deploying artificial intelligence-driven tools to streamline underwriting and carrier matching. A new operator portal is currently being developed to increase transparency in the distribution process.
In 2025 alone, First Connect announced partnerships with major industry players such as AM Trust, Berkshire Hathaway GUARD, The Hanover and more.
“First Connect demonstrates what modern insurance distribution looks like,” said Sarah Kim, partner at Centana Growth Partners. “The team’s disciplined growth, strong fundamentals and technology-first approach set them apart in the market. We are excited to support the next phase as the company becomes a valued partner for independent insurance agencies and insurance companies in the United States.”
Additionally, the company released its first State of the Industry 2025 survey in October, showing that operators who succeed through technology investments gain significant market advantages over those who rely on traditional transactional relationships.
Crucially, First Connect stresses that its rapid growth has not come at the expense of quality. The platform uses data-driven matching to ensure operators are connected with high-performing agents.
“Our hands-on approach to managing loss ratios and controlling carriers helps them achieve premium and profitability goals,” said Pinkovezky. “For example, in two years, a large national personal lines operator quadrupled written premiums while maintaining an average loss ratio of 45%. This is the kind of sustainable, disciplined growth we aim to achieve across our network.”