Study goals
Investigate, at the early stage of a Brazilian insurance startup focused on microinsurance and corporate lines, the tension between financial goals and social mission by analysing governance, technology, and partnerships.
Relevance / originality
Originality lies in exposing the operational and strategic gaps of an emerging insurer striving to align ESG, technology, and financial inclusion, offering empirical evidence on business model hybridisation within the insurance sector.
Methodology / approach
Qualitative, exploratory research using a single case study design. Data were collected through participant observation, document analysis, and a semi structured interview; triangulated data underwent content analysis to elucidate tensions between financial performance and social mission.
Main results
Advanced digital infrastructure, profitable corporate partnerships, and an entrepreneurial culture coexist with traditional lines, manual processes, and limited social incentives, revealing tension between financial targets and inclusive purpose, and requiring governance, technological investment, and internal communication aligned with the declared social ambition.
Theoretical / methodological contributions
Applies an integrative model explaining the conflict between revenue concentration and inclusive mission in nascent insurers, advancing microinsurance theory. Demonstrates rigour by combining participant observation and multi source document analysis, enhancing reliability in studies of emerging insurtechs.
Social / management contributions
Identifies gaps which, if addressed, can reduce regulatory and operational risks, guiding policymakers in designing microinsurance incentives and helping managers adopt hybrid metrics that value both financial return and social benefit.