Success Stories: Simon Squibb

Early Life and Entrepreneurial Success

Born and raised in the UK, Simon’s early life wasn’t defined by wealth. At just fifteen years old, Simon became homeless following the sudden death of his father. Faced with the challenge of being too young to secure a job, he started his first business. Thirty years later, he’s a self-made multimillionaire, having launched 19 companies and invested in over 70 start-ups. From sleeping rough to selling his agency, Fluid, to PwC, Simon’s journey is one of resilience and reinvention. He is also a No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller for his first book, What’s Your Dream, which has consistently ranked on the Sunday Times bestseller list. The book offers valuable insights on how to discover your dream business, get started, break free from limiting beliefs, find your first customers, and build on small victories. Today, as the founder of HelpBnk, Simon is on a mission to help 10 million people start their own businesses, aiming to challenge the myth that entrepreneurship is too difficult to pursue.

The Rise of a Serial Entrepreneur

Simon’s first significant success came when he co-founded his digital marketing agency, Fluid. With a clear vision and a drive to deliver results for clients, the agency quickly gained recognition for its innovative strategies and commitment to excellence. This initial success provided Simon the opportunity to expand his entrepreneurial pursuits.

Rather than sticking to a single industry, Simon explored various sectors, including technology, retail, and even real estate. His ability to scale businesses and identify profitable niches quickly set him apart as a serial entrepreneur. Through each venture, Simon refined his approach to business, focusing on building long-term value and creating companies that could stand the test of time.

A notable achievement in Simon’s career was when he successfully scaled a tech startup, which was later acquired by a larger company. This acquisition not only solidified his status as a successful entrepreneur but also opened the doors to a new chapter in his professional journey: that of an investor and advisor.

Transitioning to Investment

After achieving success in his own businesses, Simon turned his attention to investing. Realising that he could use his expertise to help other entrepreneurs achieve their dreams, Simon began investing in promising startups. His investment strategy focuses on providing more than just capital. Simon is deeply involved in the companies he invests in, offering guidance and mentorship to ensure their growth and long-term success.

What sets Simon apart from other investors is his hands-on approach. He doesn’t just provide funding; he rolls up his sleeves and works alongside the startups he backs. Whether it’s helping to refine business strategies, build strong company cultures, or overcome operational hurdles, Simon’s experience as a founder enables him to offer invaluable support to the entrepreneurs he partners with.

His portfolio of investments spans a variety of industries, including tech, healthcare, and consumer goods, but Simon is particularly passionate about supporting startups that have the potential to make a positive impact on society. He believes in investing in businesses that not only aim for financial success but also have a mission to create meaningful change.

Mentorship and Giving Back

As Simon’s career evolved, so did his passion for mentoring and giving back to the entrepreneurial community. He embraced the notion that his own success was not just the result of his individual efforts, but also of the guidance and mentorship he had received along the way. Now, Simon is dedicated to paying it forward by helping young entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing businesses.

Simon actively mentors entrepreneurs, providing them with practical advice and emotional support to help them stay focused and motivated. He works with a variety of startup accelerators, offers coaching sessions, and participates in events where he can share his experiences and insights with others.

His mentorship isn’t just about offering business advice — Simon is committed to helping entrepreneurs develop a growth mindset and the resilience needed to overcome obstacles. He understands that entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, and he strives to create a supportive community where founders can collaborate, learn from each other, and thrive.

Simon’s commitment to helping others extends to his active involvement in educational programs that aim to make entrepreneurship accessible to a wider audience. He works with organisations that support underrepresented groups in business, ensuring that more people have the opportunity to start their own ventures and succeed.

Empowering the Next Wave of Entrepreneurs

Today, Simon Squibbs is not only a successful entrepreneur and investor but also a respected mentor who is dedicated to helping the next generation of business leaders. His approach to entrepreneurship is grounded in the belief that success is not just about building profitable businesses, but about creating value, fostering innovation, and making a positive impact on society.

Through his mentorship, investments, and involvement in startup accelerators, Simon is helping entrepreneurs overcome the challenges they face as they build and scale their businesses. He continues to focus on startups with a mission to change the world for the better, supporting founders who are passionate about solving real-world problems.

With his authentic persona, Simon has garnered a massive following on social media and built a strong connection with young people in particular. Reaching them through his popular video series like "What's Your Dream" and "Elevator Pitch" he encourages random people to pursue their vision, by giving them some form of assistance for extra encouragement.

An Ongoing Mission of Empowerment

Simon Squibbs’ journey from a curious young entrepreneur to a successful investor and mentor is a story of grit, growth, and giving back. Through his ventures, investments, and mentorship, Simon has built a lasting legacy as someone who not only understands the challenges of entrepreneurship but also sees the bigger picture of helping others overcome those challenges.

As he continues to inspire and empower the next generation of entrepreneurs, Simon Squibbs proves that success is not just about building profitable businesses — it’s about making a positive impact, sharing knowledge, and helping others achieve their dreams. His story serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to make their mark in the world of entrepreneurship - and he's well on his way to reaching his goal of empowering 10 million entrepreneurs.

We'd all do well, to do as Simon says: "Helping without expecting returns is liberating—it reconnects us with true happiness, purpose, and community."