Richard Joffe
The tech entrepreneur has big ambitions to shake up the home insurance sector. He talks about founding his latest disruptor, Honey Insurance, and the lessons he learnt along the way, from Silicon Valley to Sydney. Honey uses artificial intelligence and smart sensors in the home to reduce premiums.
Q Tell us about your early years.
I grew up between South Africa and Canada, and my family has always been entrepreneurial. My grandfather was tinkering with electric car ideas in the 1980s and when I was a kid my mum created children’s games while my dad launched a business from home. From as far back as I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be an inventor.
What were your formative money experiences?
We moved to Canada when I was 12 and I had a typical immigrant experience. My parents were an amazing team, and they juggled long hours to pay the bills while raising three kids without any support.
