Corporate lawyers in the Bristol office of South of England law firm Thrings have advised an insurance market disrupter on its successful first-round funding.
Hampshire-based Guardhog specialises in providing ‘pay-per-stay’ cover to the short-term rental market for hosts with their properties on platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. 
Cover for hosts, deposits and comprehensive home insurance can be bought directly from Guardhog or through umbrella policies on platforms like trustedhousesitters.com.
Alongside capital from InsurTech Gateway, a business incubator for the insurance industry, Guardhog received investment under the government’s Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS).
Guardhog, which was launched three years ago, will use the funds to expand its services and software to keep up with the ever-changing shared economy, as well as to launch into the European market.
The business is in the process of launching two new products – Deposit Cover and Guest Cover – both developed in response to customer feedback. The firm said its nimble structure and innovative technology meant it could develop and launch new products within six weeks.
Andrew Boldt, who launched the business with Humphrey Bowles, pictured, said: “The sharing economy is constantly evolving, and we are really excited to play an important part in giving people the confidence to get involved.
“Our existing products are working well, but this is just the start. We believe our upcoming innovations will dramatically change the landscape of insurance in this sector.” 
Thrings corporate partner John Richardson and solicitor Lizzie King advised Guardhog on the investment.
John Richardson said: “Securing investment for relatively new businesses is never straightforward but it was clear from an early stage that InsurTech Gateway saw the potential of this brilliant enterprise.
“Guardhog is an exciting and ambitious business and we are looking forward to working with Andrew and his team over the coming months and years as they continue to explore further growth opportunities.”
Amy Reynolds from accountants Mazars’ Bristol office advised on the tax structuring elements of the deal while London-based tech accounting firm ihorizon provided support on the EIS relief scheme.
Guardhog recently moved from London to its base in Stockbridge, Hampshire.
Thrings also has offices in Romsey, Hants, Bath, Swindon and London.
