ARIAN SIMONE
ARIAN SIMONE
FEARLESSLY
LEADING global CHANGE
As a Venture Capitalist, Entrepreneur, Ivorian Queen, Philanthropist, Author, and Board Director, Arian Simone’s life is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the transformative power of fearless leadership.
After receiving her Bachelor’s and MBA from Florida A&M University, she set out on a path that would disrupt the business world. As a proud alumna dedicated to uplifting and inspiring those embarking on a similar journey, Arian established the “Arian Simone Fearless Endowed Scholarship Fund” that will be awarded to eligible students throughout their 4 year matriculation through FAMU’s School of Business and Industry starting Fall 2026.
After graduation, Arian’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to found a successful PR and marketing firm, where she managed billion-dollar corporate clients like Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, and Walt Disney Pictures. In 2010, Arian launched Fearless Magazine and the Fearless Platform, aiming to inspire millennial entrepreneurial women. Arian’s work quickly gained traction, and she became a recognized figure in the entertainment and business industries.
After her tenure in the realm of PR Marketing and entertainment, Arian was ready to make an impact in Venture Capital and become the investor that she was always looking for. As the Founding Partner and CEO of the Fearless Fund, Arian has had the honor of leading the first venture capital fund designed by women of color for women of color, focusing on pre-seed, seed, and Series A investments. The fund has attracted prominent institutional investors such as J.P. Morgan Chase, Bank of America, demonstrating the power and potential of investing in diverse founders.
Today, as Queen Wa Arian Simone of the Village of Dawa Grand Bereby in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa, Arian collaborates with the Ivorian government to uplift under-resourced communities and drive sustainable development.
Through every experience, Arian remains committed to my fearless pursuit of justice, empowerment, and progress.
IMPACT
PIONEERING VENTURE CAPITAL FOR women OF COLOR
As the Founding Partner and CEO of the Fearless Fund, Arian is pioneering a new era of venture capital dedicated to women of color. The Fearless Fund addresses the glaring disparities in VC funding, with less than 1% going to businesses founded by women of color. By securing investments from major institutions like J.P. Morgan Chase and Mastercard, Arian is creating opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs to thrive.
INTERNATIONAL impact
Arian’s impact extends beyond the business world. Through her various philanthropic pursuits, Arian has built educational and residential infrastructure, provided essential technology, and empowered local economies.
A STORIED CAREER OF powerful CHANGE
2003
B.S. from Florida A&M University
2004
Launched AR PR Marketing Firm
2010
Launched Fearless Magazine and the Fearless Platform
2015
Authored her first book, My Fabulous & Fearless Journey: From Homeless to Hollywood
2018
Co-Founded Fearless Fund to help women of color-led businesses thrive
2019
Authored her second book, Fearless Faith and Hustle
2020
Authored her third book, The Fearless Money Mindset: Broke Doesn't Scare Me
2022
January: Announced as Board Director for Steve Madden
October: Crowned Queen Wa of the Village of Dawa Grand Bereby in Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa and opened The Arian Simone Fearless Leadership Academy
2023
August: American Alliance for Equal Rights (AAER) filed lawsuit against Fearless Fund and Fearless Foundation (full lawsuit)
2024
February: Named one of Time Magazine’s “Closers” for my work with the Fearless Fund
June: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit blocked a Black-owned venture capitalist firm from awarding grants exclusively to Black women entrepreneurs
September: Official Announcement of Case Dismissed for the American Alliance vs. Fearless Fund Lawsuit
Always
Continuing to fight for economic justice & empower women around the world to live fearlessly