Aon, a global leader in professional services and risk management, has unveiled the Accelerate Programme, a tailored service aimed at helping fast-growing UK businesses, particularly those in the tech sector, navigate complex risk and insurance challenges.
Targeted at startups and scale-ups working on cutting-edge solutions in artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, the programme addresses the critical need for specialized risk guidance in high-growth, high-risk industries.
Designed for the Digital Economy
While traditional insurance might cover physical assets and basic liability, today’s digital-first businesses operate in environments where intellectual property (IP) is often their most valuable asset. However, this comes with significant exposure to theft, misuse, or infringement.
Recognizing this shift, Aon’s Accelerate Programme goes far beyond off-the-shelf insurance policies. It integrates risk management strategies tailored to support the unique needs of businesses, driving innovation in technology.
According to Aon, “The Accelerate Programme offers more than standard insurance cover,” and instead, “combines the firm’s global solutions to deliver risk management support that can help businesses address threats which might hinder their growth plans.”
Related: Aon Q2 2025 Market Insights: Softening Insurance Prices Amid Mounting Global Risks
Expertise Backed by Global Insights
One of the key strengths of the programme is its access to Aon’s expansive network of over 1,500 risk professionals worldwide. These experts leverage advanced data analytics, sector-specific insights, and real-time market intelligence to help startups anticipate and mitigate evolving risks, from cyberattacks to IP litigation.
Steve Wilson, head of Aon’s Accelerate Programme, emphasized the high-stakes environment that tech entrepreneurs operate in.
“When operating in hi-tech and innovative environments such as AI, there are possible risks—especially around IP, which is vulnerable to theft and infringement—and these can threaten the future viability of a business,” Wilson said.
Risk Can Consume Up to 3.5% of Revenue
Startups often face intense pressure to scale rapidly, sometimes making bold moves that increase their risk exposure. Aon has previously pointed out that the total cost of unmanaged risk can reach up to 3.5% of annual revenue for some clients. Clearly, this level of impact can significantly disrupt growth trajectories if not properly managed.
This is where proactive risk planning becomes essential—not only for survival but for sustainable expansion.
Related: Aon CEO Calls for $1 Trillion in Private Capital to Transform Global Insurance Market
Aligned with Aon’s Digital Economy Strategy
The Accelerate Programme complements Aon’s broader strategy to support the digital economy. The company’s Digital Economy team already works with businesses in areas like platform services, future mobility, and remote work models, helping them handle regulatory shifts, intangible asset valuation, and data privacy concerns.
By integrating the Accelerate Programme, Aon ensures that startups in AI and automation can access a holistic ecosystem of risk support, not just insurance.
New Solutions for Emerging Technology Risks
The rollout of Accelerate builds on several recent initiatives by Aon that focus on risk in the tech space. For example, the company recently launched a data centre insurance programme tailored to the unique challenges posed by AI infrastructure, cloud computing, and critical IT systems. This initiative was specifically developed to offer tailored protection for companies handling vast amounts of sensitive digital information.
Aon’s Broader Commitment to Workforce Development
In addition to risk advisory and insurance, Aon is also involved in workforce development through programmes like the Work Insights Programme, which has already reached more than 1,500 students in the UK. These initiatives aim to expand professional career access, particularly in digital and financial sectors, and help build strong talent pipelines for the future.
Related: Aon Announces Funding the World’s Largest Capacity for Intellectual Property Insurance Policy
Final Thoughts: A Much-Needed Solution for High-Growth Tech Startups
As innovation accelerates, so do the risks that come with it. For UK-based startups operating in AI, automation, and other emerging technologies, having a robust strategy for protecting intellectual property and managing operational risk is no longer optional, it’s essential.
The Accelerate Programme by Aon fills a critical gap, offering strategic support, customized insurance, and access to world-class expertise. Whether you’re a founder just launching or a scale-up pushing for global reach, this initiative could be the missing piece in your risk strategy.
