About Us

Launch Underwriters was established in 2023 to serve as a program administrator with direct access to A+ carriers and top tier reinsurers providing a broad array of insurance products for both commercial and personal lines. The Launch platform has been developed to attract best in class underwriting teams allowing entrepreneurial minded individuals to easily build their own programs without the necessary time and required capital. Launch offers a unique and competitive compensation framework for accomplished underwriting teams who are industry leaders in their disciplines.

Launch has assembled a centralized state-of-the-art technology stack infused with data-powered insights with no legacy challenges, efficient back office, and an industry leading team allowing programs to grow successfully and profitably with our partners.

Erik Matson

BOARD MEMBER

Mr. Matson is the co-founder of Transverse Insurance Group and a seasoned insurance executive with a proven track record of building profitable insurance operations in MGA-centric and program-led sectors; as well as significant underwriting intensive operations. He has extensive experience as a senior executive in select P&C re/insurance companies, as well as a senior executive operating and board experience across over 55 countries running Specialty Insurance entities. Mr. Matson also brings a wealth of operating and governance experience for start-up companies over the past 25 years.

Dave Paulsson

BOARD MEMBER

Mr. Paulsson is the co-founder of Transverse Insurance Group and has 18 years’ experience as an investor in the alternative assets sector, which includes insurance companies and insurance linked securities (ILS). He has invested millions of dollars into insurance companies such as SAC Re / Hamilton Re, as well as in insurance risk structures such as ILS. In addition to investing capital, Mr. Paulsson has overseen the creation and ongoing management of companies in the insurance, investment, and specialty finance sector.

Cynthia Tatham

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Ms. Tatham is the Senior Vice President at Launch Underwriters and has 19+ years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Launch, she was a Partner at Paragon Outcomes, a private investment firm focused on real estate, specialty finance and real asset opportunities, most recently serving as its Chief Operating Officer. She has held several positions in investment management at UBS Financial Services and Lehman Brothers. Ms. Tatham is an implementation specialist, highly skilled at creating efficiencies firmwide and has extensive experience across finance, operations, legal and compliance.

Bob Matthaei

VICE PRESIDENT — OPERATIONS

Mr. Matthaei is the Vice President of Operations at Launch Underwriters and has over 20+ years of experience in the insurance and financial services industry. Prior to joining Launch, he held leadership positions in the Insurance Operations domain with AIG and Allianz, as well as management roles in the retail banking industry at Fleet Bank and Chase. Mr. Matthaei has extensive experience in building and managing high-performing operations and customer service teams both on and offshore, and has developed and implemented enterprise workflow tools, KPI’s, quality programs, and numerous process optimization and data analysis efforts.

John O’Brien

HEAD OF ENVIRONMENTAL

John O’Brien is an industry veteran and environmental professional with over 30+ years of experience. He has consistently demonstrated his expertise in protecting insureds’ assets, utilizing his vast understanding of environmental risk along with his background in engineering. He served as President of AIG Environmental, expanding the environmental business to $1.5B, and was the creator of both Ironshore Environmental (now part of Liberty Mutual) and Ascot Environmental. He is a frequent expert panelist at industry, legal, and collegiate conferences and is hyper-focused on growing a profitable business and nurturing the next generation of underwriters. Beyond his professional pursuits, John is a dedicated Philadelphia sports fan and family man. John is a graduate of Villanova’s College of Engineering.

Ray Bustamante

HEAD OF OWNERS AND CONTRACTORS

Ray Bustamante has had a distinguished career serving the construction professional industry since the mid-80’s and is the originator of protective concepts that have evolved into industry-leading products widely embraced by owners and contractors alike. Ray has consistently furthered the interests of his insureds, driving significant improvements to his products, ultimately contributing to the success of many enterprises. Ray is a coveted speaker at industry gatherings and author of numerous articles further establishing his reputation in the field. He is fluent in Spanish, an avid traveler and soccer enthusiast. He is married and has two daughters, three grandchildren and resides in Florida. Ray is a graduate of Valparaiso University with a B.A. in International Economics and International Studies.

About Us

Erik Matson

BOARD MEMBER

Dave Paulsson

BOARD MEMBER

Cynthia Tatham

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT

Bob Matthaei

VICE PRESIDENT — OPERATIONS

Executive Program Leaders

John O’Brien

HEAD OF ENVIRONMENTAL

Ray Bustamante

HEAD OF OWNERS AND CONTRACTORS