Cary, North Carolina – 101 Weston Labs, an InsurTech accelerator focused on innovations for independent insurance agents, has announced a new model for their 2024 program. The accelerator, which is a project of the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC), is moving to a rolling admissions model for accelerator participants. This new model will provide year-round access for startups to apply and connect to advisors, independent agents, and potential investors.

Pat Cline, Managing Director of the accelerator’s operations, had this to say about the change, “Being a startup ourselves, we want to constantly evolve to meet the needs of the companies in our vertical. Rest assured that the core elements will remain intact: companies in our program will still have access to our consulting, education, and introductions to agents that will act as a source of feedback and pilot testing.”

The program has made this change to:

• Provide more flexibility and opportunities for applicants. With rolling admissions, faster feedback can be provided and startups can be onboarded quickly, rather than waiting for a specific application period.
• Allow 101 Weston Labs to more easily adjust its resources to meet the needs of the startups it is working with by providing a tailored experience for each company.
• Be beneficial to startups at different stages of development and with a wider range of projects. This can help create a more vibrant and diverse community of startups, which can lead to more collaboration and innovation.

The program’s inaugural cohort has thrived since their Demo Day in August 2023, and the 101 Weston Labs team is continuing to support those companies in 2024 and beyond. (https://www.101westonlabs.com/inaugural-cohort/)

Aubie Knight, CEO of IIANC, added, “We believe that this new model will enhance our ability to support innovation in our industry. It’s exciting to see what these companies are accomplishing already, and we feel this change will only enhance our progress in 2024.”

The rolling admissions window is open now, and more information may be found at 101WestonLabs.com or by contacting Pat Cline at pat@101WestonLabs.com.

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Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina (IIANC) empowers its members to rise above the competition by offering them the tools and resources to succeed in today’s insurance industry. IIANC is proud to serve as the unrelenting advocate and strategic business partner for nearly 1,000 Trusted Choice® independent insurance agency members across the state. IIANC member agencies represent more than one insurance company, and as a result, can offer clients a wider choice of auto, home, business, life, and health coverages while providing valuable guidance and advocacy. For more information, visit www.iianc.com.

101 Weston Labs is an InsurTech accelerator founded by IIANC to help develop technology advancements for the independent insurance agency community nationwide. The accelerator supports a cohort of technology companies innovating in areas like AI and data science, advancing their efforts with access to funding, agent product testers, advisors, and consulting from program stakeholders.