Key Takeaways
- • NMS Capital Group, a family office-backed private equity firm, launched Ascendra Specialty Inc., a technology-driven managing general agency (MGA) and program manager, announced October 19, 2026.
- • Ascendra will provide underwriting, delegated authority, and claims stewardship on behalf of carrier partners across approximately eight specialty lines.
- • Through a partnership with Moonshot Foundry Inc., Ascendra gains licensing and appointments to write business in all 50 states, relationships with multiple rated and alternative risk carriers, and access to more than 1,200 active retail and wholesale brokers.
- • The launch expands NMS's strategy of building dedicated investment platforms across targeted insurance and reinsurance segments.
Summary
NMS Capital Group, a private equity firm backed by the Saliba Family Office, has launched Ascendra Specialty Inc., a technology-driven managing general agency (MGA) and program manager focused on specialized insurance programs across multiple markets. The launch was announced October 19 and expands NMS's insurance sector platform. Ascendra will provide underwriting expertise, delegated authority, and claims stewardship on behalf of its carrier partners.
The company has partnered with Moonshot Foundry Inc. to access technology, distribution capabilities, and operational resources. According to the announcement, the partnership provides licensing and appointments to write business in all 50 states, along with relationships with multiple rated and alternative risk carriers and more than 1,200 active retail and wholesale brokers. Moonshot will serve as a capital, technology, and strategic partner. Moonshot CEO Jeff Brown said its Sherpa team is working directly with Ascendra through an accelerated launch program that includes an AI-enabled platform, digital distribution, operational assistance, financing, and captive management solutions.
Ascendra will initially focus on approximately eight business lines: professional liability, workers' compensation, transportation, cyber, construction, property, environmental, and small business and specialty insurance. Its proprietary technology platform is designed to support stakeholders from quoting through claims, and to give retail and wholesale brokers a streamlined interface throughout the sales cycle. The operating model pairs specialized underwriting knowledge with disciplined risk selection.
Trevor M. Saliba, founder, chairman, and CEO of NMS Capital Group, said the launch followed extensive market and industry research. The launch is part of NMS's strategy to develop dedicated investment platforms across targeted insurance and reinsurance segments, intended to complement existing portfolio companies while creating additional opportunities for Ascendra. Founded in 2010 as the investment arm of the Saliba Family Office, NMS has since expanded into private equity, venture capital, and structured finance, with investments spanning insurance, financial services, energy, infrastructure, real estate, manufacturing, sports, and technology.
Moonshot Foundry operates as an insurance venture studio providing technology, capital, licensing, distribution, and operational services. Its affiliates include BindDesk Insurance Services (distribution and MGA infrastructure), InsurEco System Inc. (insurance technology and digital platforms), InsureCap Insurance Solutions (captive insurance and alternative risk strategies), and PolicyPay (premium payment processing and financing).
The company has partnered with Moonshot Foundry Inc. to access technology, distribution capabilities, and operational resources. According to the announcement, the partnership provides licensing and appointments to write business in all 50 states, along with relationships with multiple rated and alternative risk carriers and more than 1,200 active retail and wholesale brokers. Moonshot will serve as a capital, technology, and strategic partner. Moonshot CEO Jeff Brown said its Sherpa team is working directly with Ascendra through an accelerated launch program that includes an AI-enabled platform, digital distribution, operational assistance, financing, and captive management solutions.
Ascendra will initially focus on approximately eight business lines: professional liability, workers' compensation, transportation, cyber, construction, property, environmental, and small business and specialty insurance. Its proprietary technology platform is designed to support stakeholders from quoting through claims, and to give retail and wholesale brokers a streamlined interface throughout the sales cycle. The operating model pairs specialized underwriting knowledge with disciplined risk selection.
Trevor M. Saliba, founder, chairman, and CEO of NMS Capital Group, said the launch followed extensive market and industry research. The launch is part of NMS's strategy to develop dedicated investment platforms across targeted insurance and reinsurance segments, intended to complement existing portfolio companies while creating additional opportunities for Ascendra. Founded in 2010 as the investment arm of the Saliba Family Office, NMS has since expanded into private equity, venture capital, and structured finance, with investments spanning insurance, financial services, energy, infrastructure, real estate, manufacturing, sports, and technology.
Moonshot Foundry operates as an insurance venture studio providing technology, capital, licensing, distribution, and operational services. Its affiliates include BindDesk Insurance Services (distribution and MGA infrastructure), InsurEco System Inc. (insurance technology and digital platforms), InsureCap Insurance Solutions (captive insurance and alternative risk strategies), and PolicyPay (premium payment processing and financing).
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