On this episode of FNO: Insuretech, hosts Rob Beller and Lee Boyd introduce a new voice to the podcast while sitting down with Joshua Frossell, Founder and CEO of Senen, for a discussion on how AI is transforming the claims function and why operational efficiency remains one of insurance’s most overlooked opportunities.

Broadcast across the U.S. and the UK, the episode blends global perspective with real world practicality. Josh brings a unique lens as an industry insider turned founder, grounding the conversation in both deep insurance experience and firsthand startup execution.

A new chapter for the podcast

The episode opens with a milestone moment for FNO: InsureTech as Rob and Lee welcome David Prejean as a new co host, bringing two decades of claims experience into the conversation.

David’s background across field work, leadership, and operations signals a deeper focus on claims going forward, setting the tone for a discussion centered on one of the industry’s most complex and underserved areas. His addition reflects the podcast’s continued evolution after more than 300 episodes and seven years on air.

Reimagining claims from first notice to settlement

The conversation quickly turns to Senen and its mission to modernize claims handling. Josh explains that the company is built around improving operational efficiency by reducing manual processes and augmenting decision making with predictive analytics.

Unlike point solutions, Senen engages the entire lifecycle of a claim, from first notice of loss through to settlement. This end to end focus allows insurers, brokers, MGAs, and TPAs to streamline workflows while improving consistency in decision making.

At its core, the platform combines automation and machine learning to:

• Eliminate repetitive data entry and processing

• Surface key insights at critical decision points

• Improve reserving accuracy through predictive modeling

• Support better outcomes in areas like litigation and subrogation

Tackling inefficiency at its source

A major theme throughout the episode is the persistence of manual work inside claims operations.

Josh highlights that claims handlers often spend the majority of their time on administrative tasks rather than high value decision making. These inefficiencies not only slow down outcomes but also limit the ability of experienced professionals to apply their expertise where it matters most.

Senen’s approach is to address these friction points directly by embedding automation into the workflow rather than layering on additional tools. The result is a system that supports handlers in real time, suggesting next actions, generating drafts, and surfacing missing information, all while keeping humans in the loop.

AI as a tool, not a headline

One of the more grounded perspectives in the episode comes from Josh’s explanation of what it means to be “AI native.”

Rather than framing AI as a differentiator on its own, he describes it as simply another tool in the toolbox, valuable when applied in structured, controlled ways within existing processes.

This pragmatic view reflects a broader shift happening across the industry. While executive teams are eager to adopt AI, operational teams are focused on outcomes. What matters most is not the technology itself, but whether it:

• Saves time

• Improves accuracy

• Reduces workload

• Enhances decision making

As Josh notes, users care less about how the system works and more about what it delivers.

From underwriting to insurtech

Another compelling thread is Josh’s personal journey from underwriting into entrepreneurship.

With a background spanning Allianz, Lloyd’s, and Accenture, he saw firsthand that claims remained underserved by innovation compared to other parts of the insurance value chain.

That realization, combined with emerging AI capabilities, led him to build Senen, not as a technologist, but as an insurance professional focused on solving real problems. His path underscores a broader trend: many of the most impactful insurtech solutions are being built by domain experts rather than pure technologists.

Bridging strategy and execution

The discussion also explores the gap between executive priorities and operational realities.

While leadership teams often push for AI adoption, claims handlers are primarily concerned with whether a solution actually improves their day to day work.

Senen addresses this by working closely with users to map workflows, identify pain points, and align solutions with tangible business outcomes. This human centered approach helps bridge the disconnect between strategy and execution, a common challenge across the industry.

Building credibility in a crowded market

As with many insurtech startups, early skepticism is part of the journey.

Josh notes that many organizations have been exposed to overpromising technologies, creating hesitation around new solutions.

The turning point comes during live demonstrations, when customers see the system’s ability to extract insights, flag missing conditions, and automate tasks in real time. That shift from skepticism to recognition of value is where adoption begins.

Momentum and ecosystem support

The episode also highlights Senen’s growing traction, including winning a major innovation competition at ITC and gaining acceptance into the Microsoft for Startups program.

These milestones not only validate the platform’s approach but also provide access to technical resources, infrastructure, and go to market support, accelerating development and scaling opportunities.

A fresh perspective on claims innovation

As the conversation wraps, a clear theme emerges: claims is no longer just a cost center it is becoming a strategic function where data, automation, and intelligence converge.

By focusing on operational efficiency, decision support, and real world usability, Senen represents a new wave of insurtech that prioritizes outcomes over hype.

Rob and David close the episode reflecting on the significance of founders like Josh, insurance professionals willing to step outside traditional roles to build something new.

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