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Arian Simone
Co-Founder & CEO at the Fearless Fund | Board Director
Arian Simone is a prominent entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known as the Co-Founder and CEO of the Fearless Fund, the first venture capital fund established specifically by women of color for women of color. This fund aims to bridge the significant gap in venture capital funding for women-led businesses, particularly those founded by women of color, which historically receive less than 1% of total venture capital funding.123
Background and Education
- Education: Arian holds both a Bachelor’s degree and an MBA from Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she completed her studies between 1999 and 2003.13
- Professional Experience: With over 17 years of experience in entrepreneurship, Arian has built a successful public relations and marketing firm that served high-profile clients in the entertainment industry, including Sony Pictures and Walt Disney.23 She also founded Fearless Magazine and the Fearless Platform in 2010 to inspire millennial women entrepreneurs.3
Fearless Fund
Founded in 2018, the Fearless Fund focuses on investing in women of color-led businesses at various stages, including pre-seed and seed financing. The fund's mission is to empower these entrepreneurs by providing them with the financial resources necessary to grow their companies.25 Under Arian's leadership, the fund has garnered significant attention for its commitment to equity in venture capital, launching initiatives like a $200 million loan program aimed at supporting under-resourced entrepreneurs following a legal settlement concerning its grant program for Black women.46
Recognition and Impact
Arian Simone has been recognized as one of Entrepreneur Magazine's "100 Women of Impact" for her contributions to entrepreneurship and her advocacy for women of color in business. Her work continues to highlight the disparities faced by minority entrepreneurs and aims to create pathways for greater access to capital.56
In summary, Arian Simone stands out not only for her entrepreneurial success but also for her commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where women of color can thrive in business.
