On this International Men’s Day, StartupTalky connects with Sajja Praveen Chowdary, Director of Policybazaar for Business. In this exclusive interaction, Chowdary sheds light on how technology is transforming business insurance, making it more accessible and affordable. He discusses the role of digital tools and data in changing the industry, while also offering insights into the future of insurance, including the shift towards preventive measures and tailored solutions. Chowdary also shares his perspectives on mental health and work-life balance, providing valuable advice for men in demanding roles.
StartupTalky: How has your experience in product and technology management influenced the development of business insurance solutions?
Mr. Chowdary: Coming from a tech-driven background, I’ve always approached problems with a solution-first mindset. I remember working on one of our earliest business insurance projects—it was eye-opening to see how fragmented the process was for business owners. It wasn’t about selling a product; it was about making their journey simpler. This experience reinforced the idea that technology isn’t just an enabler—it’s a bridge between businesses and the solutions they didn’t know they needed.
StartupTalky: How do digital tools and data analytics help you tailor products for businesses at Policybazaar for Business?
Mr. Chowdary: I’ll give you an example. A while back, we noticed a pattern: smaller firms were hesitant to buy employee health coverage because they assumed it was costly. Using data, we crafted scalable policies that addressed their affordability concerns while offering value. Digital tools help us listen to what our customers aren’t saying. They give us the power to fine-tune our offerings—making them practical, affordable, and relevant for each business type.
StartupTalky: What trends do you foresee in the Indian business insurance market over the next 5 years?
Mr. Chowdary: The next five years will see a fundamental shift from “reactive insurance” to “preventive insurance.” Businesses will lean on technology and insurance providers for predictive risk management. Cyber insurance, for example, will evolve from being optional to essential. Another key trend will be a rise in bundled offerings—tailored packages for specific industries like retail or logistics, where risk profiles vary significantly. Insurance will stop being a “purchase” and become a “partnership.”
ATHUL C K
StartupTalky: How does Policybazaar for Business simplify complex insurance products for business owners?
Mr. Chowdary: Simplification is about empathy. Imagine explaining a complex insurance term to someone who’s hearing it for the first time—that’s the challenge we solve every day. At Policybazaar for Business, we’ve built tools that make comparisons clear, language relatable, and the process frictionless. But the real differentiator is the human touch. I believe no technology can replace the comfort of talking to someone who genuinely wants to help you make the right decision.
StartupTalky: What sets Policybazaar for Business apart in providing a seamless insurance buying experience?
Mr. Chowdary: It’s the ecosystem we’ve built—a combination of cutting-edge technology and a team that understands the nuances of Indian businesses. From personalized consultations to real-time claim support, we’ve made it our mission to remove the usual headaches associated with insurance. Businesses trust us not just for what we offer, but for how we deliver it—with transparency, speed, and care.
StartupTalky: What are the most pressing risks that businesses face, and how do your products address them?
Mr. Chowdary: The risks businesses face are evolving faster than ever. Take cyber threats—just a decade ago, they were hardly a concern. Today, a single breach can paralyze an entire operation. Then there’s employee well-being, which directly impacts productivity and retention. At Policybazaar for Business, we constantly ask ourselves: “Are we building solutions that can keep up with these changes?” Our products, like Cyber Insurance and Group Health Insurance, are designed to provide security, so businesses can focus on their growth story.
StartupTalky: What marketing strategies have been most successful in reaching business clients with insurance solutions?
Mr. Chowdary: We’ve realized that education is the best marketing strategy. Businesses don’t wake up thinking, “I need insurance today.” What they do think about is protecting their people, their assets, and their reputation. Our campaigns focus on showing them how insurance solves real-life challenges—whether it’s through stories of claims we’ve processed or data-driven insights into their industries. The key is to build trust before trying to sell anything.
StartupTalky: On International Men’s Day, the focus is on mental health. How do you maintain work-life balance, and what advice would you give to men in demanding roles to protect their mental well-being?
Mr. Chowdary: At Policybazaar for Business, we often emphasize the importance of holistic well-being, and mental health is a crucial part of that equation. Balancing work and life in a leadership role can indeed feel like a tightrope walk. Personally, I try to prioritize non-negotiable family time every day and make room for short breaks to recharge—whether it’s a quick walk or stepping away from my screen.
To men in demanding roles, my advice would be: recognize that your mental health is as critical as any professional target you aim for. Just as you would strategize for business growth, plan for your mental well-being. Remember, you don’t always have to carry the ‘provider’ mantle; sometimes, simply being present for yourself is the greatest act of leadership.
Shubham Kumar
