Secrets to Success: How Prudential Built a Thriving Innovation Ecosystem
Member showcase
Ashlyn Lackey is a Director on the Emerging Technology team at Prudential, where she collaborates with business units to identify and partner with innovative technologies and startups. With a wealth of experience in the fintech and insurtech sectors, Ashlyn has previously held roles on the Startup Partnerships team at Citi and at New York Life Ventures.
What is this session about?
Over several years, Prudential has taken a deliberate, multi-pronged approach to building its venture ecosystem: combining internal capabilities, external partnerships, and structured programs to source, test, and scale innovation beyond the core business.
A key component of this broader ecosystem is Prudential’s participation in NJFAST, a New Jersey–based innovation program delivered in partnership with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) and Stevens Institute of Technology. NJFAST complements Prudential’s wider venture-building efforts by providing a structured mechanism to collaborate with startups, test emerging solutions, and strengthen ties within the regional innovation landscape.
Why you should join
Most innovation ecosystem conversations stay at the level of aspiration. This one doesn't. If you're navigating multi-stakeholder partnerships, trying to build external credibility for your unit, or looking for models beyond the standard accelerator playbook, this session gives you a real case to stress-test your thinking against.