Taco van Wachem (Surebird): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Taco van Wachem is a prominent figure in the world of digital insurance, known for founding the innovative platform Surebird in 2022. Born from a need to simplify and optimize insurance management, Surebird serves as a digital intermediary for consumers looking to curate personalized insurance packages. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Taco van Wachem aims to revolutionize the insurance market by offering a streamlined, cost-effective approach to individual insurance needs. This article delves into the multifaceted aspects of van Wachem’s creation and its impact on the industry.

1. Early Life and Career

Taco van Wachem started his career in the finance sector, where he spent fourteen years honing his expertise in banking and corporate finance. After completing his Master’s in Business Administration with a specialization in Finance & Investments from Erasmus University Rotterdam, he demonstrated a penchant for entrepreneurial ventures. His financial background provided him with a unique perspective on the inefficiencies within the insurance industry, eventually leading to the establishment of Surebird.

2. Founding of Surebird

In 2022, van Wachem founded Surebird alongside his co-founder Daan Vroom in Amsterdam, Netherlands. The platform emerged from van Wachem’s personal experiences and observations regarding the opaque nature of traditional insurance practices. Surebird was designed to address these inefficiencies by offering a digital solution that empowers consumers to actively manage and compare their insurance policies.

3. Surebird's Business Model

Surebird functions as a comprehensive insurance management tool, allowing users to configure their insurance packages from a broad array of options. Notably, Surebird charges lower commissions compared to traditional brokers. By taking only 10% in commissions, compared to the industry standard of 20% or more, it challenges established practices and aims to build a sustainable model based on customer retention rather than high margins.

4. Technological Innovations

Surebird leverages advanced technologies such as AI and algorithms to provide a seamless user experience. Using React and Node.js for its software framework, along with PostgreSQL for data management, the platform offers real-time insurance insights with an automated approach to keep clients informed about the most suitable insurance deals.

5. Initial Market Reception

Since its launch, Surebird has been well-received, earning a Trust Pilot score of 4.5 out of 5. This score reflects its efficiency and user-centric approach in simplifying complex insurance decisions. Taco van Wachem’s platform has quickly gained traction among consumers looking for a hassle-free insurance management solution.

6. Competitors in the Market

Despite its innovative approach, Surebird faces competition from other insurtech companies such as Habit Factory and Patriot National. However, Surebird distinguishes itself by focusing on personalized service and continuous updates, giving it an edge in retaining customers through better value propositions and transparency.

7. Recent Developments

In 2025, Surebird announced raising over 1.1 million euros in a funding round led by Quantum Leap Capital, Dutch Operator Fund, and Bright Business. This capital injection is aimed at expanding the platform’s capabilities, including the integration of health and pet insurance plans and enhancing the user experience.

8. Strategic Partnerships

Surebird’s strategic partnerships play a crucial role in its development. Collaborating with EIT Digital, Europe’s leading digital innovation ecosystem, the company has positioned itself to lead advancements in digital insurance technologies. The partnership enhances Surebird's capabilities by fostering technological advancements and expanding market reach.

9. Future Plans

Looking ahead, Surebird intends to broaden its insurance offerings and optimize its platform for better user engagement. The company’s roadmap includes faster claim processing, improved AI-driven recommendations, and increased product diversity. Taco van Wachem envisions Surebird as a market leader in digital insurance advisory.

10. Personal and Professional Influence

Taco van Wachem's impact goes beyond just business metrics; he exemplifies the transformative potential of combining industry knowledge with technological innovation. His story is a testament to how personal experiences can lead to significant industry-wide changes, empowering consumers through smarter, more efficient insurance solutions.

Conclusion

Taco van Wachem’s journey with Surebird illustrates a promising future for digital intermediaries in personal finance management. By leveraging technology and transparent business practices, Surebird stands out in the insurtech sector. As the industry continues to evolve, Taco van Wachem's role as an innovator and thought leader in insurance will remain significant. Surebird’s commitment to consumer-centric service provides a template for future advancements in the insurance domain.