Columbus unicorn Branch is building its next-generation insurance technology from a home base in an historic downtown Columbus building.
The startup, whose founders chose Columbus based on an objective analysis of every U.S. city with a population greater than 150,000, leased 4,300 square feet on the 12th floor of The Hayden in 2021. The Broad Street building, built in 1901, neighbors the Rhodes Tower and offers sky-high views of the state capital.
While much of the 500-employee company's staff works remotely across the country, about 10 people regularly go into the office, a spokeswoman said. And about 30 to 40 employees gather in the space every month or so for manager meetings and new hire orientation.
There are also design connections between the physical space and the largely remote team. Each new employee's name is embossed on a leaf hung on the space's wall and employees also receive a matching framed leaf for their home offices.
Check out the leafy wall and more in this slideshow:
Branch office tour
(Having trouble with the slideshow? Slideshows on this page automatically scroll through. Or you can click through via the small white arrow on the right side of the picture, about halfway down.)
About Branch: Founded by Steve Lekas and Joe Emison, Branch uses technology to streamline home and auto insurance administration. It works with mortgage lenders, auto dealers and home security services to present bundled home and auto quotes at the time people are actively shopping for insurance.
The company was valued at $1 billion in June 2022 with a $147 million private equity round that was the largest in Central Ohio for the year. The company also recently landed B Corp certification for its mission to restore insurance as a "force for communal good."
About the contest: Throughout the month of March, Columbus Inno will run slideshows of local offices, in the hunt for the region's coolest. At the end of the month, we'll hold a vote to determine our winner.
