Coffee Chat with Jason Havinga, Driverly Investor and Board Advisor

Driverly hit an important milestone by closing its most recent funding round with the backing of recognised institutional and Welsh angel investors. Personal relationships played an important role in the investors’ trust in the Driverly team.

Jason Havinga, one of Driverly's new investors and an advisor of the board, explains how he knows the Driverly leadership and why we decided to get involved.

Hi Jason! Tell us a little about yourself.

 I’m a finance and strategy professional specializing in tech financial due diligence, M&A, and corporate finance. I’ve spent years working with businesses of all sizes—from startups to companies with over $2 billion in revenue—helping them navigate complex financial landscapes, drive growth, and create value. I split my time between North America and Europe and enjoy working with innovative companies and individuals who are shaping the future of their industries.

You are one of Driverly’s new angel investors. Why did you decide to invest in Driverly?

I was drawn to Driverly because it’s challenging the traditional auto insurance model with a more data-driven, customer-centric approach. But what really stood out was the team—their ability to pivot, adapt, and execute as the market evolves is what sets them apart. Beyond insurance, I see significant potential for Driverly’s technology to expand into other industries. The same machine learning-driven approach could be applied to mobility services, fleet management, financial risk assessment, or even smart city planning. That broader potential makes this an even more exciting opportunity.

You did your MBA at the same business school as Armin Kia, Driverly co-founder and CEO.  How did that background help?

Going through the same MBA program as Armin at Alliance Manchester Business School, I know firsthand how much it pushes you to think critically, adapt quickly, and lead with a strategic mindset. It’s an environment that challenges you to approach problems from different angles and work with people who push you to be better. That kind of foundation is invaluable when building a company like Driverly. Seeing how Armin and the team apply that same approach—staying adaptable, thinking ahead, and executing with precision—gave me even more confidence in where they’re headed.

You have also joined Driverly’s advisory board. What does it entail, and how are you going to help Driverly achieve its ambitious goals?

My role is to help the team think through strategy, financial planning, and how to scale effectively. With my experience in M&A and financial due diligence, I can provide insight into expansion opportunities, capital structuring, and navigating growth challenges. Driverly is in a fast-moving industry with a lot of room for disruption, so having the right financial and strategic foundation will be key. I’m excited to be part of that journey.  

Any thoughts on the future of Driverly in the Insurtech space?

The insurtech industry is evolving rapidly, and Driverly is well-positioned to be a leader in that shift. What sets it apart is how it’s leveraging machine learning—not just to personalize pricing but to improve risk assessment, fraud detection, and the overall customer experience. I also see a huge opportunity for Driverly to expand its technology beyond auto insurance into other areas that rely on smart risk management. It’s an exciting space, and I’m thrilled to be part of the journey.