ETF Partners leads €30M Series B in Hellas Direct to fund roll-out of enhanced insurance for growing climate risks

Athens, Greece, 29th February 2024

Hellas Direct, a rapidly growing, technology enabled insurance provider, proudly announces a substantial investment of €30m, led by London-based ETF Partners with participation from the company’s founders, alongside new and existing investors. Hellas Direct is a leading player in the central and southern European insurance markets today, serving over 900,000 customers with EUR 155m of premiums underwritten.

With the latest round of funding, Hellas Direct plans to develop insurance products to help customers in the central and southern European region begin to adapt to the increased risks associated with climate change, specifically brought on by growing seasonal threats, such as more severe wildfires or floods. In addition, Hellas Direct plans to develop a range of innovative products that will encourage policy holders to help mitigate climate change, such as through new products that will help homeowners secure financing to make their houses more energy efficient, or support car-owners as they switch to less polluting vehicles.

The central and southern European insurance market presents a remarkable opportunity for growth and innovation, with an accelerating demand for modern, customer-centric insurance solutions. As incomes and asset values continue to rise across the region, coupled with a heightened awareness of the benefits in having insurance to guard against risk, Hellas Direct expects to see further demand for its core products. Its deep regional knowledge, coupled with a nimble, tech-driven approach, allows Hellas Direct to meet the specific needs of these diverse markets effectively. By focusing exclusively on the region, Hellas Direct is not only primed to expand its footprint, but it will also seek to set new standards in excellence for the industry in the markets it serves.

Robert Genieser, Manging Partner at ETF Partners, commented, “Hellas Direct embodies the innovation and commitment to sustainability that we look for in our investments. They have developed a deep understanding of the insurance industry and demonstrated impressive growth through the deployment of their advanced technology platform and appreciation for the local markets. Developing and deploying insurance products that help people adapt to the effects of climate change will be increasingly important going forward.”

Alexis Pantazis, Co-founder, and Executive Director of Hellas Direct, stated, “We are thrilled to partner with ETF Partners. Their support will be crucial in accelerating our mission to integrate sustainability and resilience into our insurance products. As we look to the future, we are more committed than ever to innovating and delivering solutions that address the growing risks and urgent challenges of climate change. Now is the time for action!”

For more information about Hellas Direct’s initiatives and the impact of this investment, please visit https://hellasdirect.gr/en

About ETF Partners
Founded in 2006, ETF Partners supports talented entrepreneurs and management teams with investment capital and experience. Our funds come from institutional investors, global corporations, and family offices. We create value by investing in technology companies that make a difference. We call it Sustainability through Innovation.

About Hellas Direct
Hellas Direct is a next-generation, full-stack insurance company with more than 900,000 customers, offering car, motorbike, and home insurance as well as mobility financing solutions. Currently operating in three countries, Greece, Cyprus and Romania, the company is planning its next step in underserved markets across Europe.
Empowered by cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence, Hellas Direct is dedicated to innovating with purpose. The company always puts the customers at the centre of everything, providing exceptional service and personalized and affordable insurance solutions.

ETF Partners join a roster of all-star investors already backing Hellas Direct – among them Portage Ventures, the IFC (member of the World Bank Group), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the European Investment Bank (EIB). Hellas Direct has been listed 4 times as one of Europe’s’ 1,000 fastest growing companies by the Financial Times.

Notes to editors

For further information, please contact:
Courtney Glymph
[email protected]
Communications, ETF Partners
+44(0)7867488769