Entrepreneur, author, investor, philanthropist, and now royalty, Arian Simone has never been one to fit neatly into a single title. As co-founder and CEO of the Fearless Fund, she’s championed women of color in venture capital, sparking a global conversation about equity and access. Her journey from public relations to private equity, from boardrooms to building schools in Côte d’Ivoire, is marked by resilience, purpose, and faith. But beyond the accolades and achievements, Simone defines herself by something far deeper: service. “Titles don’t define me,” she says. “It’s the responsibility and purpose behind them that truly matter.”
In this conversation, she reflects on fulfillment, leadership, faith, and the growing power of women entrepreneurs across Africa and beyond.
You’ve worn many hats, entrepreneur, author, philanthropist. How do you define yourself beyond the titles?
Yes, I wear many hats, but my favourite one is Queen. I describe myself as a servant leader in all the capacities I’ve worked in. Titles don’t define me; it’s the purpose behind them that truly matters. I’ve been called to serve the people I’ve been entrusted with through those titles. I’m also a devoted wife, mother, family member, and friend. I believe we’re all here to share our gifts with the world and make the impact we’re called to make, and I take that seriously. I live boldly and believe in pursuing dreams fearlessly.
You serve on the board of global companies like Steve Madden.. What perspectives do you bring into those rooms that you feel have been missing?
I am a board director for Steve Madden, an internationally publicly traded shoe company. I am the first African female to be appointed to their board. Our company has a strong presence in South Africa. I bring diversity of thought, shaped by my unique life and professional experiences. As an entrepreneur, I bring a practical, resourceful lens, one that focuses on maximizing opportunities even with limited resources. This perspective allows me to contribute insights on how to create catalytic impact, which is valuable even within a large, established organization.
The Fearless Fund has become a movement for women entrepreneurs. What was the hardest part about building something that didn’t exist before?
The hardest part was developing resilience through rejection. We had over 300 meetings that took three years, that kind of journey builds perseverance. Every stage of my career has been a stepping stone to the next. It’s all about elevation.
You’ve redefined venture capital by centering women of colour. What have been your biggest challenges and breakthroughs?
Our biggest challenge, and breakthrough, came with our court case. We were sued for alleged discrimination, but in reality, we were addressing disparities rooted in racism and sexism. That experience made our platform even stronger and brought greater awareness to our mission.
With growing global attention on diversity in business, how do you see the next decade of funding evolving in Africa?
I see the next phase of funding in Africa evolving with women receiving more opportunities. People are now more in tune with the contributions women are making in entrepreneurship and their careers in general. Statistics show that women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs across demographics and in Africa, I believe we will see more growth in microfinancing, women-focused banks, lending, and venture capital. I see the entire capital stack shifting more significantly toward women.
Can you share some of your Africa-focused projects?
We invest globally and have deployed grants across multiple African countries. As Queen of Dawa Grand Bereby in Côte d’Ivoire, I’m developing a large-scale real estate project for the Kingdom of Dawa. I’ve also built a school, provided Wi-Fi to an entire village, and housing for teachers and pastors. My three main focuses right now are: establishing demographic equity with government leaders, expanding funding programs for women, and advancing development in Dawa.
You’ve achieved a level of influence across business and culture. What keeps you grounded when life moves at that pace?
My faith and family keep me grounded, they are the foundation that keeps me centered no matter how fast life moves. I also practice mindfulness and maintain a strong sense of awareness to avoid getting caught up in distractions. Each day begins with prayer, meditation, and often a walk in nature. These practices help me stay present, focused, and aligned with my purpose.
You often speak about faith and intuition. How have they guided your biggest decisions?
My faith is my compass. As a Christian woman, I don’t make decisions based on public opinion or pressure. If God directs me to do something, I move forward in obedience. My faith and intuition have always guided me toward alignment and purpose.
What does success look like to you now compared to when you first started your career?
Success, to me, now means fulfillment. Early in my career, success was about achievement, hitting numbers, reaching goals, checking boxes. Today, I’ve learned that real success is about impact. There’s no joy in achieving something yet feeling empty. Fulfillment is the true measure of success.
You’ve already made a global impact. What’s next for Arian Simone?
Beyond growing as a wife, mother, and friend, I want to leave a legacy of someone who cared deeply about economic justice and prosperity for her people.
Credits:
Creative Director: MichaelDjaba of @ifactorylive
Photographer: Gilbert Asante @gilbertasante
Stylist: @Fiskanistyle of @theivyshowroom
Hair: Trudy Arnold @tru_arnold
Make up: Zulky @makeupbyzulky
