ManchesterStory Ventures

ManchesterStory Ventures is a venture capital firm based in West Des Moines, Iowa, specializing in early-stage investments in InsurTech, FinTech, and HealthTech sectors. The firm leverages its deep connections within the insurance industry to provide strategic capital and guidance to innovative startups. ManchesterStory Ventures operates two complementary funds: the Discovery Fund II, which focuses on a broad thesis spanning InsurTech, FinTech, and HealthTech, and the BrokerTech Fund, the first-ever venture fund specifically focused on insurance broker-centric technologies. The firm has made 42 investments, with notable exits including Betterview, Verikai, and Groundspeed Analytics. ManchesterStory Ventures is committed to partnering with diverse insurance and financial services carriers, aiming to be a lead investor in early-stage companies and leveraging its expertise and industry connections to help startups gain market position. The firm is actively investing via its two funds, Discovery Fund II and the BrokerTech Fund, and has a track record of supporting portfolio companies with capital, guidance, and strategic relationships to accelerate innovation. The team comprises experienced professionals with deep engagement and thought leadership in InsurTech, FinTech, and HealthTech, including Founding Partners Matt Kinley and Dave Miles, and Vice President, Head of Network, Sean Gilday. The firm's strategic approach to investing is shaped by 80 years of combined experience in these sectors, connecting innovative startups with strategic capital to drive market growth. ManchesterStory Ventures is based in Des Moines, Iowa, the epicenter of insurance with a thriving technology community, and operates in the United States. The firm is committed to partnering with a diverse set of insurance and financial services carriers, aiming to be a lead investor in early-stage InsurTech, FinTech, and HealthTech companies, and leveraging its expertise and industry connections to help startups gain market position. The firm is actively investing via its two complementary funds: the Discovery Fund II, which focuses on a broad thesis spanning InsurTech, FinTech, and HealthTech, and the BrokerTech Fund, the first-ever venture fund specifically focused on insurance broker-centric technologies. The BrokerTech Fund was developed with a consortium of brokers and wholesalers that created BrokerTech Ventures, and is backed by six leading commercial brokers. ManchesterStory Ventures has made 42 investments, with notable exits including Betterview, Verikai, and Groundspeed Analytics. The firm's most recent investment was on July 25, 2025, when Journey Live raised an undisclosed amount. The firm has raised a single venture fund, ManchesterStory Venture Fund, which was announced on April 30, 2019, and has made 6 diversity investments, with the most recent on January 12, 2023, when Joyn Insurance raised an undisclosed amount. The firm's portfolio includes companies such as Penguin Ai, which secured $29.7 million in venture funding, including a $25 million Series A led by Greycroft, and Journey, which raised $8 million to replace outdated EAPs with the first proactive mental health platform for workplaces. ManchesterStory Ventures is committed to partnering with exceptional entrepreneurs to accelerate innovation in the InsurTech, FinTech, and HealthTech sectors, leveraging its deep industry connections and expertise to drive market growth and transformation.