Business insurance • Company review
Founder Shield Reviews: Now The Baldwin Group’s Innovation Practice
Founder Shield, a broker for startups and high-growth companies, joined The Baldwin Group in 2021 and in October 2026 began retiring its brand to become The Baldwin Group Innovation Practice. It places coverage with more than 200 carriers, takes applications online in under 15 minutes, and reports claims 24/7 through its portal.
Here is what Founder Shield sells, who stands behind its policies, and how claims and service work. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency, and a licensed agent can compare the options we offer in your area.
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Founder Shield at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| What it is | Broker for startups and high-growth companies; not an insurer |
| Owner | The Baldwin Group, since 2021 |
| Carriers | A network of more than 200 carriers |
| Coverages | D&O, E&O, cyber, EPL, fiduciary, crime, general liability, property, workers’ comp, plus specialty lines such as digital asset and Gen AI liability |
| Customers | Fintech, Web3, tech, media, life sciences, services, and retail companies, from pre-seed to IPO |
| How you apply | Online application in under 15 minutes, then broker service |
Sources: Founder Shield: about; Founder Shield: startups; Founder Shield: claims; Insurance Edge: rebrand (Oct. 2026); Insurance Journal: Baldwin go-private deal (Sept. 2026).
How buying from Founder Shield works
Apply online through Founder Shield’s portal in under 15 minutes; a broker then shops your coverage with its carrier network and services your account. You manage policies and claims in the same online portal.
Claims and customer service
- Report claims 24/7 through the claims portal, or report directly to the insurer using the first notice of loss contact in your policy. An in-house claims team, including lawyers, helps with the process.
- Call 646-854-1058 or email innovation@baldwin.com; office at 416 West 13th Street, New York, NY 10014. Clients may receive email from an @baldwin.com address.
Recent changes at Founder Shield
- Founder Shield joined The Baldwin Group in 2021 and on October 20, 2026 began retiring its brand in favor of The Baldwin Group Innovation Practice.
- On September 14, 2026 The Baldwin Group agreed to be taken private in a $7.7 billion deal expected to close in the first quarter of 2027.
Who Founder Shield fits, and what to watch
Good fit if
- Your startup or fintech needs D&O, cyber, and E&O placed by a specialist broker.
- You expect your coverage to grow from seed stage through later funding rounds.
Watch for
- The brand is changing, so emails and documents may come from The Baldwin Group.
- As a broker, it doesn’t issue policies; your insurer is named in your policy.
How to compare it with other options
- Line up the same coverages, limits, and deductibles on every quote, including any additional insured or waiver wording your contracts require.
- Check which insurance company actually issues the policy and its AM Best rating, which can differ from the brand you buy through.
- Ask how claims are reported and who handles them.
- Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency, not Founder Shield. We can compare quotes from the insurers we offer in your state at 888-387-3687.
Before you get a Founder Shield quote
- Your business type and a short description of what you do
- Annual revenue, payroll, and number of employees
- Coverage your leases or client contracts require, including limits and additional insureds
- Your claims history for the past three to five years
- Any current policies and their renewal dates
Founder Shield review FAQs
What happened to Founder Shield?
In October 2026 it began rebranding as The Baldwin Group Innovation Practice; it has been part of Baldwin since 2021.
Is Founder Shield an insurance company?
No. It is a broker that places coverage with more than 200 carriers.
How do I file a claim with Founder Shield?
Use its 24/7 claims portal or report to the insurer named in your policy.
How do I contact Founder Shield?
Call 646-854-1058 or email innovation@baldwin.com.
Is Blake Insurance Group part of Founder Shield?
No. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency. We can compare quotes from the insurers we offer, but for an existing Founder Shield policy, contact Founder Shield.
Related guides
Partner quote options
Sponsored
Blake Insurance Group works with the partners below. Each link opens the partner's own website, where its terms, eligibility rules, and privacy policy apply. Blake Insurance Group may be compensated if you buy through these links.
- First Connect application: Start an application through our First Connect portal, which we use to quote coverage from multiple insurance carriers.
- ERGO NEXT Insurance (formerly NEXT Insurance): Online quotes for small business coverage, including general liability, workers’ compensation, business owner’s policies, professional liability, and commercial auto.
- Coterie small business insurance: Online quotes for business owner’s policies and general liability from Coterie, a managing general agent that also offers professional liability, cyber, and employment practices liability.
Important information
Compensation. Links in the partner section of this page are sponsored, and Blake Insurance Group may be paid if you make a purchase. Sponsored placement does not affect the other information on this page.
Independent agency. Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16117464. Licensed states: AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV, IL, NJ, PA, TN, and WA. Which insurance companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, the product, and your state. Mentioning a company on this page does not mean we represent it.
Business coverage. State requirements on this page were checked against official sources in October 2026 and can change; confirm with the agency named. Coverage depends on the policy, insurer, and underwriting.
Company names. Company names are trademarks of their owners. Blake Insurance Group isn’t affiliated with the companies described unless a partner link says so, and a company named here may not be available through us. Facts checked October 2026.
Coverage terms. Descriptions are general. The policy contract controls what is covered.
Availability. Coverage, prices, and eligibility vary by company, state, and applicant, and are subject to underwriting. The issued policy controls.
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