Simon Squibb On The Real Power of Digital and AI
I had the chance to join a Virgin StartUp roundtable with investor, entrepreneur and all-round business truth-teller Simon Squibb. Each founder got to ask one big question to help us take the next step in our business journeys – and the answers he gave were the kind that stay with you long after the call ends.
As I’m obsessed with all things digital and AI, here are the three biggest insights about the power of digital and AI in 2025 and why they matter for anyone building a business in the digital and AI age.
The Power of Social Media Is Still Massive
“Social media is the most exciting opportunity in any business right now.”
Simon didn’t hold back on this one: if you're not using social media to grow your business right now, you’re missing the biggest opportunity of our time.
“One post can change your life.”
You don’t need permission. You don’t need a huge team. With just your phone and a clear message, you can build a brand, a community and a business. And it doesn't have to be perfect - it just needs to be you.
“Social media is like free TV advertising right now. Don’t let fear or ignorance stop you from using it.”
There’s never been a time in history where every single business has the same opportunity. Right now, we do.
Make Buying Online Frictionless
Want to grow your online sales? Remove the steps. Take away the barriers. Make it effortless.
“Give customers a chance to buy your product without any of the fuss.”
Simon talked about how consumers just don’t have time anymore. Clicking through five pages, filling in forms - it’s a big no.
Instead, the new way to sell online is to build waitlists for upcoming product drops. When it’s time to launch, email your audience, direct them to a one-click checkout where they need to press just one button and then it’s sold out. The easier the journey, the faster the sale.
AI Is Not The Trend. It Is The Future.
And finally, my question was about what it really takes to build a successful AI-first business and how fast do you actually need to move.
It’s a hot topic right now – but Simon’s answer wasn’t the usual hype-filled response. It was calm, clear and focused on what really matters.
Simon’s take? Forget the buzz. AI isn’t a trend: it’s about to become as integrated into business as the word ‘online’ did back in 2000.
“AI will become like the word ‘online’ was in 2000. It’s not a trend, it’ll just be how we do business.”
He encouraged us to strip away the label and simply ask: How should you build a great business?
In a world obsessed with speed and scale, Simon’s advice was refreshing:
“The businesses that really do well are the ones that build a strong foundation and grow gradually step by step.”
He’s seen too many entrepreneurs skyrocket to success too quickly, only to crash just as fast. Instead, focus on getting really good at what you do. Build carefully and don’t rush it. Serve your first 10 clients well. Then your next 20. Integrate AI, but take the ‘AI-first’ label lightly. Grow with intention, not panic.
Simon’s words echo what we’re seeing and saying every day here with our work with SMEs across the world with Grow Global and Deserve Digital.
Yes - AI and digital tools are powerful. Yes - the opportunities are enormous. But it has to be tied in with firm foundations and a business based on vision and purpose. Your growth doesn’t have to be loud, frantic or investor fuelled. It can be steady, strategic and aligned to your values.
Whether you're just starting or scaling up, I hope this gives you a spark of inspiration and a few solid steps you can take right now.
And if you're an entrepreneur in the UK, I highly recommend joining the Virgin StartUp Community - the support, mentoring, networking and real-talk advice you get is second to none.