Andrew Leal | Source | CEO and Founder at Waggel

Co-Founder & CEO of Waggel | Insurtech Innovator

Andrew Leal is the pioneering South African entrepreneur who co-founded and leads Waggel, the UK's breakthrough digital-first pet insurance company. Since launching Waggel in December 2018 alongside former BBC "The Apprentice" contestant Ross Fretten, Andrew has transformed the traditionally complex pet insurance landscape with a transparent, technology-driven approach.

Drawing from his entrepreneurial family background in Point of Sale solutions in South Africa, Andrew brings a unique perspective to financial technology. His vision for Waggel was crystallized during his MBA studies at London's Bayes Business School (formerly Cass), where he focused on building the network and skills that would later fuel Waggel's innovative business model.

Under Andrew's leadership, Waggel has achieved remarkable growth—expanding from 18,000 to 45,000 policyholders in 2020 alone, representing approximately 150% growth. This success stems from his commitment to reimagining the customer experience, including a streamlined platform that delivers insurance quotes in just 30 seconds and provides efficient claims management.

Andrew's customer-centric vision extends beyond traditional insurance coverage to create a comprehensive pet care ecosystem. His strategic partnerships, including the collaboration with FirstVet to provide free video consultations with UK-registered veterinarians, demonstrate his commitment to holistic pet wellness. Additionally, Waggel offers exclusive brand partnerships, behavior specialist consultations, and nutritionist access—all integrated into the insurance experience.

Recognizing the importance of data-driven decision making, Andrew spearheaded Waggel's collaboration with Sand Technologies to develop sophisticated data management systems that eliminate silos and empower teams to make informed choices at scale.

Through his innovative approach to insurtech, Andrew continues to position Waggel as a disruptive force that prioritizes transparency, accessibility, and comprehensive care for pets and their owners.