Hartford Business Journal

HartfordBusiness.com | January 11, 2021 | Hartford Business Journal 7 accelerator program, … and the fact that we're working with one of the big insurers in Hartford," said Smith, referring to the reason he plans to open a Capital City office. Pineapple has also been taking meetings with other large Hartford- based insurers interested in its technology, Smith said. Smith, who launched Pineapple in Johannesburg with co-founder Marnus Van Heerden a little over two years ago, said he'd originally planned to establish a U.S. base STARTUPS, INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY "I think it's sort of a combination of us being welcomed into the ecosystem [in Hartford] through an accelerator program,… and the fact that we're working with one of the big insurers in Hartford." Matthew Elan Smith Learn more at hartford.edu/your-future Whether you are looking for your next promotion, changing careers to better support your family, or making your goals a reality, the University of Hartford is here to help you. With more than 60 different graduate offerings and many certificate and part-time degree programs, you are able to find a program that aligns with your schedule and career goals. Make your dreams for personal and professional growth a priority today! YOUR FUTURE. YOUR WAY. in Hartford in the middle of 2020. However, when the pandemic hit, he flew back to South Africa. But that hasn't derailed Pineapple's Hartford ambitions, Smith said. The company now plans to establish a Hartford office in the first quarter of this year, and hire up to five people, mainly in marketing roles, he said. Pineapple's team of about 20 programmers in Johannesburg will continue developing and testing products there. Smith said he first considered Hartford as a locus for U.S. expansion when he was approached by a recruiter from the city's Insurtech Hub accelerator. After traveling to Hartford and completing that business- development program, Pineapple won first prize and $1.5 million at Connecticut Innovations' 2019 VentureClash pitch competition. Then it participated in Hartford's Nassau REimagine accelerator. Smith said he's bullish about Pineapple's future in Hartford. The startup could be an attractive partner to large insurance companies, since it is able to test products in South Africa, and work out the kinks before introducing them to the U.S. market, he said. "I think [Hartford] makes the most sense for us," Smith said. PHOTO | CONTRIBUTED Pineapple's technology helps support Travelers Cos.' new insurance app.

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