Looking Back at the Creation of the Global Insurance Accelerator

It's not easy to take a vision and put it into action, but that's exactly how the Global Insurance Accelerator (GIA) came to fruition here in Greater Des Moines (DSM). By first appealing to community leaders who were eager to support the new initiative, the GIA fast became one of the region's top startup success stories, and in 2025 celebrated 10 years in DSM. Who were these key players who helped create the GIA? 

Check out a few of them below, or read the full Adding to the Cultural Record Substack story, Accelerating Entrepreneurship - Part I, originally published on Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2025, to learn how an influential entrepreneurial organization sparked innovation in the region.

• Christian Renaud and Tej Dhawan, launched the former tech-based incubator StartupCity Des Moines and explored fintech, insurtech and biotech concepts as accelerator opportunities
• Jay Byers, former CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership, went about opening doors to nearly 81 insurance CEO offices from the nearly 400 companies across Iowa
• Mike Colwell, former Executive Director of Entrepreneurial Initiatives at the Greater Des Moines Partnership, prepared a short deck for insurance company CEOs to consider the accelerator
• Larry Zimpleman, CEO of Principal Financial Group, committed $100,00 per year for three years as moves were being made to launch the GIA
• Jeff Russell, CEO of Delta Dental of Iowa, secured Delta Dental's support and helped bring five other leaders on board to launch the accelerator
• Brian Hemesath, the first Managing Director of the GIA, recognized the need for mentor influence, hiring Megan Brandt as the accelerator's first program manager

Learn More About the Global Insurance Accelerator

Website: globalinsuranceaccelerator.com
In-Person: 321 E. Walnut St., Suit 130 in Des Moines
Email: hello@globalinsuranceaccelerator.com