New funding to support Collective Benefits in expanding insurance and benefits to reach more independent workers 

LONDON —3 November 2021 — Collective Benefits, an insurance and benefits marketplace for independent workers, today announced a US $10 million investment from Prosus Ventures, the venture investing arm of Prosus, one of the largest technology investors in the world. Collective Benefits offers much-needed insurance and benefits for independent workers across sectors. This includes sick pay, accident and injury insurance, wellness, financial and education support, as well as a perks marketplace. This new funding will allow Collective Benefits to expand its suite of products and services for independent workers, as well as continue to expand its presence as the market leader across Europe and beyond.  

Prosus has been investing in and operating platforms that depend on independent workers for nearly a decade, including ride sharing, food delivery and home services. This investment highlights the industry’s increasing focus on worker wellbeing and social impact in building a more sustainable future for independent workers.    

“We’re delighted to welcome Prosus Ventures as an investor in Collective Benefits,” said Anthony Beilin, CEO and co-founder at Collective Benefits. “They have significant expertise investing in and operating platforms that work with independent workers, and are an ideal partner to set the stage for Collective Benefits’ next phase of growth. We are transforming a hundred-year-old industry to finally serve the real needs and wants of the growing independent workforce. With this fresh funding, we’re one step closer to realising our vision to create valuable benefits for independent workers.” 

The only provider focused exclusively on insurance and benefits for independent workers, Collective Benefits has experienced solid traction since launching less than 18 months ago and is now live in over 20 markets, serving more than 200,000 members. The company’s vision is two-fold: to be the marketplace for independent workers, allowing them to enjoy all the benefits that employers would traditionally offer to full-time employees, and be the go-to partner for independent worker platforms, giving them a tangible solution to provide these protections and benefits to their workers.   

“The pandemic has accelerated the momentum of flexible and independent work,” said Sandeep Bakshi, Head of European Investments for Prosus Ventures. “Collective Benefits is in a unique position at the forefront of the demand for independent worker benefits. The company’s mission fits well within our investment thesis to find transformational technology solutions that create a meaningful impact by addressing large societal needs. We see clear opportunities for expansion across the independent economy and we’re excited for what’s to come.”

A significant and increasing portion of the workforce is employed through independent work. Currently, 96% of independent workers are without any form of income protection and over 50% have less than £200 in savings. In the European Union alone, nearly 24 million people, or 11% of the EU workforce, have provided services for a digital platform at least once. This vulnerability creates an unsustainable situation, not just for the workers, but also the companies that depend on them. As such, platform companies are looking for sustainable business solutions from which all parties can benefit. Offering more inclusive workplace benefits are a necessary next step, enabling platform companies to scale, attract and retain the best talent.  

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About Collective Benefits

Collective Benefits has rewritten the rulebook to make insurance fit for independent work. Its unique set of products is designed to cover life’s ups and downs, twists and turns, sorrows and surprises, expanding the safety net for independent workers so they feel secure and valued.    

Having launched only last year, it has built a robust insurance and benefits platform for independent workers, bringing a full range of protections together, all in one place and all at the click of a button. Collective Benefits  is now providing insurance and benefits to over 250,000 members across 20 countries, partnering with leading on-demand platforms to provide their independent workers with the protections they need and deserve. To find out more, please visit www.collectivebenefits.com

About Prosus

Prosus is a global consumer internet group and one of the largest technology investors in the world. Operating and investing globally in markets with long-term growth potential, Prosus builds leading consumer internet companies that empower people and enrich communities. The group is focused on building meaningful businesses in the online classifieds, food delivery, payments and fintech, and education technology sectors. 

Through the Prosus Ventures team, the group invests in new technology growth opportunities within logistics, fintech, health, blockchain, social and ecommerce platforms, agriculture and more. The team actively backs exceptional entrepreneurs who are using technology to improve people’s everyday lives. 

Each month, more than 2 billion customers across the globe use the products and services of companies that Prosus has invested in, acquired or built. To find out more, please visit www.prosus.com.