Chris Downer built his career around insurance technology, spending years at XL Innovate leading due diligence and investments in AI and data-driven insurance models, and even argued publicly that machines should replace human error in areas like auto, marine, and cyber risk—a more pointed view than the usual talk about AI helping insurance. Before venture capital he worked in Goldman Sachs' alternative investments group managing exposure across more than $100 billion in assets, and outside of investing he has served as a board observer for companies like Stonestep and Pillar Technologies while also being a minority owner of the New England Free Jacks rugby club.
About their Fund
Brewer Lane Ventures is led by John Kim, the former President and Chief Investment Officer of New York Life, and positions itself as an "operator-led" fintech and insurtech fund with operating partners from senior New York Life leadership who help portfolio companies access executives experienced in running cloud transformation, distribution, and digital programs inside major insurance carriers. The fund focuses specifically on B2B insurance infrastructure companies and conducts diligence using carrier-grade metrics like loss ratios and combined ratios, while leveraging relationships with insurance balance sheets and strategic institutions to offer founders direct access to customer pilots, distribution partnerships, and M&A dialogues with multiple carriers.
















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