Simon Tian says growth comes from bold moves, a mindset that has shaped his journey as an entrepreneur in the global telecom space. In this interview, Simon Tian shares how stepping away from conventional paths and taking calculated risks helped him build innovative solutions like a borderless wireless network. He explains that real progress often begins where comfort ends, encouraging founders to act decisively even in uncertain conditions. Simon Tian also highlights the importance of learning quickly, adapting to change, and staying committed to a long-term vision while navigating the challenges of building and scaling a global business.
Interviewer: Can you start by introducing yourself and your journey so far?
Simon Tian: I’m Simon Tian, a Canadian businessman, inventor, entrepreneur, and investor. I was born and raised in Montreal, and at 17, I made the bold decision to leave pre-university college to start Neptune, a wearable technology company. That early step shaped my mindset toward risk and innovation. Later, I founded Fonus, a global wireless carrier focused on simplifying connectivity. Over time, I’ve raised millions through private investors and crowdfunding, always driven by building impactful solutions that challenge traditional industries and improve how people stay connected globally.
Interviewer: What does “Growth Comes from Bold Moves” mean to you?
Simon Tian: To me, growth has always been tied to stepping outside comfort zones. Leaving school at 17 to build Neptune was a bold move that forced me to learn quickly and adapt. It showed me that real progress happens when you take action despite uncertainty. When I later built Fonus, I followed the same principle. Bold moves create momentum, open new opportunities, and push you to think bigger. Growth doesn’t come from waiting, it comes from doing, experimenting, and embracing challenges head-on.
Interviewer: How did your early decision to leave school influence your path?
Simon Tian: Leaving school early gave me a head start in real-world experience. Instead of following a traditional route, I immersed myself in building Neptune from the ground up. Growing up in Montreal, I wanted to create something meaningful early on. That decision taught me resilience, problem-solving, and leadership. It also helped me understand that learning by doing can be far more powerful. This mindset carried forward when I launched Fonus, reinforcing my belief that bold early decisions can accelerate both personal and professional growth significantly.
Interviewer: Simon Tian, how did becoming a Thiel Fellow shape your journey?
Simon Tian: Becoming a Thiel Fellow in 2015 was a defining moment. Receiving $100,000 from Peter Thiel’s foundation validated my unconventional path and gave me the freedom to focus fully on building. It wasn’t just about funding, it was about confidence and community. Being surrounded by ambitious thinkers pushed me to think bigger and take even bolder steps. That experience strengthened my belief that growth comes from bold moves and encouraged me to pursue large-scale ideas like building a global wireless carrier with Fonus.
Interviewer: What role does risk play in building successful ventures?
Simon Tian: Risk is a fundamental part of entrepreneurship. Starting Neptune and later Fonus involved stepping into uncertainty without guarantees. Raising millions through private investors and crowdfunding required belief and persistence. Risk pushes you to innovate, make decisions faster, and adapt to changing situations. Without taking risks, it’s difficult to create something truly impactful. I’ve learned that calculated risks are essential for growth, and the willingness to embrace uncertainty often leads to the most meaningful breakthroughs in business.
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6. Interviewer: Simon Tian, what inspired your shift from wearable tech to telecom?
Simon Tian: After Neptune, I wanted to address a problem that affected people globally. Connectivity stood out as something essential yet complicated. I saw an opportunity to simplify it through Fonus. Moving into telecom was a bold decision because it’s a highly competitive and regulated space. However, my experience as an inventor and entrepreneur helped me approach it differently. I focused on creating a solution that removes barriers and makes global wireless access easier, aligning with my belief in building technology that serves modern lifestyles.
Interviewer: How do you define bold decision-making in business?
Simon Tian: Bold decision-making is about acting with confidence even when the outcome is uncertain. It’s not about being reckless but about having clarity in your vision. When I built Fonus, I knew I was entering a challenging industry, but I believed in the idea. Bold decisions require responsibility and commitment. They push you to move faster and think creatively. Growth comes when you’re willing to step into the unknown and take ownership of turning your ideas into reality through consistent effort.
Interviewer: What challenges did you face while building Fonus?
Simon Tian: Building Fonus came with many challenges, especially entering a complex telecom industry. There were regulatory hurdles, technical challenges, and strong competition. Coming from a wearable tech background, I had to learn quickly and adapt. Raising funds and building trust were also critical steps. However, each challenge strengthened my approach and reinforced my belief that growth comes from bold moves. Facing these obstacles helped shape Fonus into a global wireless carrier focused on simplifying connectivity for users worldwide.
Interviewer: Simon Tian, how important is innovation in your journey?
Simon Tian: Innovation has always been central to my journey. From Neptune to Fonus, I’ve focused on solving real problems in new ways. Being named one of Quebec’s Top 30 Under 30 by Les Affaires in 2014 was an early recognition of that mindset. Innovation isn’t just about ideas, it’s about execution and impact. It requires challenging traditional systems and continuously improving solutions. This approach has helped me build ventures that not only grow but also create meaningful change in the tech industry.
Interviewer: What lessons did crowdfunding teach you?
Simon Tian: Crowdfunding taught me the importance of trust, communication, and community. It’s not just about raising money but about validating your idea with real people. When individuals invest in your vision, it creates accountability and motivation to deliver results. I learned how to present ideas clearly and build credibility. This experience played a key role in shaping my approach to future ventures like Fonus, where connecting with users and building trust remains essential for long-term success and growth.
Interviewer: Simon Tian, how do you stay focused during uncertainty?
Simon Tian: Staying focused during uncertainty comes from having a clear vision. When I started Neptune at 17, I didn’t have all the answers, but I had direction. The same applies to Fonus. Challenges are inevitable, but a strong sense of purpose keeps you grounded. I focus on long-term goals while adapting to short-term changes. This balance allows me to stay consistent and continue making progress even in unpredictable situations, reinforcing my belief that growth comes from persistence and clarity.
Interviewer: What motivates you to keep building new ventures?
Simon Tian: My motivation comes from solving meaningful problems and creating impact. I’ve always been driven by the idea of improving how people interact with technology. From wearable devices to global connectivity, my focus has been on innovation and usability. Growth comes from exploring new ideas and pushing boundaries. That constant curiosity keeps me moving forward and looking for opportunities to build solutions that make a difference in people’s lives and reshape industries in meaningful ways.
Interviewer: Simon Tian, how do you approach leadership?
Simon Tian: Leadership is about setting direction and empowering others to succeed. I believe in building strong teams and creating an environment where innovation can thrive. As an entrepreneur and investor, I’ve learned that collaboration is key to success. Leadership also involves making difficult decisions and taking responsibility for outcomes. Growth happens when leaders are willing to take bold steps and inspire their teams to do the same, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Interviewer: How did early recognition influence your mindset?
Simon Tian: Early recognition, like being named among Quebec’s Top 30 Under 30, was encouraging but also motivating. It pushed me to keep improving and not become complacent. Success is not a one-time achievement, it requires consistent effort and growth. That experience taught me the importance of staying focused and continuing to evolve. It reinforced my belief that bold moves must be followed by sustained commitment to achieve long-term success in any industry.
Interviewer: Simon Tian, what advice would you give to young entrepreneurs?
Simon Tian: I would advise young entrepreneurs to start early and take action. I left college at 17 to build Neptune, and that decision shaped my journey. You learn much more by doing than waiting for the perfect moment. Take risks, but be thoughtful and strategic. Focus on solving real problems and stay committed to your vision. Growth comes from experience, and the sooner you begin, the faster you develop the skills needed to succeed in business.
Interviewer: How do you balance innovation with execution?
Simon Tian: Balancing innovation with execution is essential. Ideas are important, but execution is what brings them to life. With Fonus, the goal was not just to rethink telecom but to deliver a functional global solution. Execution requires discipline, planning, and persistence. It’s about turning vision into reality. Growth happens when you can consistently transform ideas into tangible outcomes while maintaining quality and focus throughout the process.
Interviewer: Simon Tian, what does success mean to you today?
Simon Tian: Success has evolved over time. While financial milestones, like an estimated net worth of $58 million as of 2020, are significant, they’re not everything. For me, success is about impact and creating meaningful solutions. It’s about building something that lasts and improves people’s lives. That perspective keeps me focused on long-term goals rather than short-term gains, ensuring that growth remains sustainable and purpose-driven.
Interviewer: How do you handle setbacks in business?
Simon Tian: Setbacks are a natural part of building any venture. I’ve faced many challenges while developing Neptune and Fonus. The key is to learn quickly and adapt. I see setbacks as opportunities to improve and refine strategies. Growth comes from how you respond to difficulties. Staying resilient and focused helps turn obstacles into valuable lessons that contribute to future success and stronger decision-making.
Interviewer: What role does vision play in scaling a company?
Simon Tian: Vision plays a critical role in scaling any company. It provides direction and aligns teams toward a common goal. With Fonus, the vision was to simplify global connectivity, and that clarity guided every decision. A strong vision helps attract investors, motivate teams, and maintain focus during growth. Without it, scaling becomes inconsistent. Clear vision combined with bold execution is what drives sustainable expansion and long-term success.
Interviewer: As we close, what message would you like to share with our audience?
Simon Tian: My message is simple, don’t be afraid to take bold steps. Growth comes from action, not hesitation. From leaving school at 17 in Montreal to building Neptune and later founding Fonus, every step required courage. If you believe in your vision, pursue it fully and stay committed. Challenges will come, but they are part of the journey. Keep learning, keep building, and embrace bold moves because that’s where real growth begins.
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