Trusted triggers and real-time data are transforming how communities prepare for and respond to floods.
Bessie Schwarz Co-founder & CEO, Floodbase
Severe flooding in Northern Italy this fall triggered a nationwide parametric flood policy protecting more than 25,000 churches across 107 regions. Powered by Floodbase and underwritten by Generali, the policy delivered rapid, transparent support—demonstrating how data‑driven triggers can reshape disaster response at scale.
This milestone builds on the leadership of Bessie Schwarz, Co‑Founder and CEO of Floodbase and a 2020 WE Empower Awardee, alongside Beth Tellman, Co‑Founder and Chief Science Officer. Together, they have developed one of the world’s most advanced and cost‑effective flood‑data platforms, enabling insurers and governments to protect communities facing escalating climate risks.
As heavy rainfall swept across Northern Italy, the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI) and Generali monitored daily flood statistics through Floodbase’s FloodView app, gaining real‑time transparency as the event unfolded. When flood levels surpassed the policy’s payout thresholds, settlement updates were delivered continuously, providing predictability and confidence for all stakeholders. The CEI program demonstrates how parametric insurance can simplify risk transfer for complex, multi‑location assets and ensure fast, reliable liquidity when disasters strike.
Floodbase also recently released its next‑generation continuous, near‑real‑time flood‑mapping system, which tracks the extent and severity of local to multi‑state flood events on a per‑event basis nationwide. Featured in The New York Times, CNN, NPR, and more, this technology equips governments, insurers, media, and other decision‑makers with rapid situational awareness—enabling faster, more confident action during flood events.
From nationwide church coverage in Italy to municipal programs in the United States and agricultural protection in Colombia, Floodbase is demonstrating how parametric solutions can deliver speed, predictability, and equity in moments when communities need it most.
WE Empower is proud to spotlight women entrepreneurs like Bessie Schwarz, whose innovative, scalable solutions are reshaping climate resilience around the world.
By Liz A. Dorn, Senior Research Project Consultant