@clitsational , Try this:
Proposal Template for Crowdfunding an Insurance Venture
Project Title: [Choose a professional and inspiring title, e.g., "Main Street Mutual: Rebuilding Insurance on Trust" or "Capital First Assurance: An Insurance Company for Our Community"] -
If Riding with Keno is the name, the look and feel doesn't inspire trust across the board.
The insurance industry often feels impersonal and complex. We're building a new kind of insurance company right here in Washington D.C., founded on transparency, fairness, and a focus on the black community. Your support will help us clear the first legal hurdle: securing the state-required bond to begin operations.
Full Campaign Description
The Problem: An Industry That Has Lost Its Way
For too long, the insurance industry has felt like a maze. We pay our premiums faithfully, but when we need help the most, we're often met with confusing policies, slow claims, and a feeling that we're just a number in a spreadsheet. The focus has shifted from protecting people to maximizing profits, leaving many of us feeling underserved and undervalued.
Our Vision: A Return to Community-First Insurance
We believe it's time for a change. We are creating
[Your Insurance Company Name], a new insurance provider built from the ground up to serve the people of Washington D.C.
Our core principles are:
- Radical Transparency: Policies written in plain English, so you know exactly what you're covered for. No hidden clauses, no surprises.
- Technological Efficiency: By leveraging modern technology, we can cut down on administrative bloat, reduce overhead, and pass those savings directly on to our members through more competitive rates.
- Community Focus: We're not a faceless corporation in another state. We are building this in D.C., for D.C. Our goal is to reinvest in the community we serve and to be a trusted local partner.
About Me & Our Team
My name is Clitsational, and I am the founder of this initiative. My passion for this project stems from [briefly explain your personal motivation - e.g., "a frustrating experience with a claim," or "seeing my community struggle with inadequate coverage"].
My experience in the insurance industry is...
(This is the critical section. Be specific, honest, and confident. Here are prompts to help you fill it out):
- Example 1 (Direct Experience): "I have worked for X years as a [Your Role, e.g., Claims Adjuster, Underwriter, Broker] at [Previous Company]. In that time, I saw firsthand the inefficiencies and frustrations that customers face, which inspired me to design a better system."
- Example 2 (Adjacent Experience): "While my background is in [Your Field, e.g., Finance, Technology, Small Business Management], I have spent the last [Number] months/years intensively studying the regulatory landscape of the insurance market, working with industry mentors, and developing a comprehensive business plan to tackle its key problems."
- Example 3 (Limited Experience - Honesty is key): "I am a passionate entrepreneur who has identified a clear need in the insurance market. While I am not a veteran of the industry, I have built a team of advisors with deep expertise in insurance regulation, underwriting, and financial planning to guide this venture. Our lead advisor, [Advisor's Name], has over 20 years of experience with [Relevant Company/Field]."
The Plan: Phase 1 - Securing Our Legal Foundation
Starting an insurance company is a heavily regulated process, and for good reason—it ensures consumer protection. The very first official step in our journey is to secure a
surety bond as required by the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB).
This bond is not for operational costs; it is a financial guarantee held by the state to protect future policyholders. It proves we are serious, financially sound, and ready to comply with the law.
This is where we need your help.
Our initial funding goal of
$1 Million Fucking Dollars is dedicated solely to achieving this first critical milestone.
How the Funds Will Be Used:
- State-Required Bond for D.C.: $1 Million Fucking Dollars
- Legal & Filing Fees: $300,000 USD
- Platform & Processing Fees (Kickstarter etc.): [~5-10% of the total]
Our Roadmap to Launch
Securing this bond is just the beginning. Your support unlocks the next phases of our plan:
- Phase 2: Seed Funding & Regulatory Approval: With the bond secured, we can officially file our application with the DISB and begin conversations with seed-stage investors to fund our operational launch.
- Phase 3: Platform Development & Team Building: We will build our user-friendly online platform and hire a core team of licensed professionals.
- Phase 4: Go Live! Begin writing our first policies and serving our founding community members in Washington D.C.
Why We're Crowdfunding
We are turning to the community first because we want to build this company with the community. This isn't just about raising money; it's about building a coalition of founding supporters who believe in a better, fairer way to do insurance. Your $1, $5, or $50 contribution is a vote of confidence and a message to the old guard that it's time for a change.
Rewards for Your Support
Since we are a financial services company, we cannot offer equity or financial returns through this platform. Our rewards are about recognition and being part of the journey.
- Pledge $1+: A huge virtual thank you and your name included in our official launch announcement as a "Founding Supporter."
- Pledge $25+: All of the above, plus exclusive access to our "Founder's Circle" quarterly email newsletter with behind-the-scenes updates.
- Pledge $100+: All of the above, plus your name will be listed on a permanent "Founding Supporters" page on our future website.
- Pledge $500+: All of the above, plus a limited-edition company T-shirt once we're operational.
!! Important Legal Disclaimer !!
- This is a donation-based crowdfunding campaign. Contributions are considered gifts and are not an investment. You are not purchasing shares, equity, or a promise of financial return.
- The insurance industry is highly regulated. The successful acquisition of this bond is only the first of many steps. There are significant regulatory, financial, and market risks ahead, and there is no guarantee of a successful launch. Your contribution supports our attempt to meet these challenges. We strongly advise you to consult with your own legal and financial professionals before making any decisions.
www.indiegogo.com
