James River Insurance Company has selected Kalepa’s AI platform to enhance its operating efficiency within the excess and surplus (E&S) market. A subsidiary of Nasdaq-listed James River Group Holdings, the insurer plans to deploy the platform to augment underwriting decisions, improve speed to market, and bolster portfolio management across its E&S business. The engagement aligns with James River’s strategic focus on utilising technology to improve competitive positioning and support long-term profitable growth. Kalepa’s ‘professional-grade’ AI is designed to support the end-to-end underwriting process. The platform automates submission intake, triages risks, and centralises risk-critical information from various sources to deliver decision-ready quotes. By combining automation with risk intelligence, the platform aims to enable underwriting teams to evaluate risks more thoroughly while reducing the time required for manual processes. Todd Sutherland, president at James River, says: “This investment directly supports our focus on disciplined underwriting and our commitment to providing our employees with state-of-the-art technology to deliver shareholder value.” He adds: “Kalepa will help our underwriters make faster, more consistent decisions with better insight, strengthening risk selection and portfolio performance.” Valdean Langenburg, group chief information officer at James River, comments: “Unleashing AI enabled technology and fostering a culture of continuous improvement is a winning formula and what we will be known for. Kalepa’s integrated platform, deep understanding of insurance underwriting and proven ability to drive measurable results were key in our selection process.” James River Group Holdings operates in two specialty property-casualty segments: E&S lines and specialty admitted insurance. Its regulated insurance subsidiaries currently hold an ‘A-’ (Excellent) rating from AM Best. Founded in 2018, Kalepa is backed by IA Ventures and Inspired Capital.
