Murray Simser

Personal Information

Murray Simser is the Founder and CEO of CITIZN, a groundbreaking societal network that’s all about boosting democratic engagement. With over 20 years of experience, including significant time in Silicon Valley, Murray has held roles in both the public and private sectors, including stints at Microsoft and various tech startups. His software has been used by millions of people, showcasing its widespread impact. He’s a serial entrepreneur who loves using tech to tackle big societal issues.

Murray kicked off his career in politics, working at Parliament, but soon made the leap to tech, blending his political smarts with tech know-how. One of his standout achievements was co-founding one of the first-ever cloud-based CRM software companies. This game-changing CRM was snapped up by big names like British Telecom, the Canadian Government, and loads of Fortune 1000 companies. It even powered Service Canada, reimagining digital government services. Murray has successfully raised significant funding for his startups and the companies he has led, demonstrating his ability to attract investment and drive growth.

Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Murray was the Worldwide Director of Incubation for Microsoft Services, where he led a team to integrate new acquisitions into Microsoft’s ecosystem, including what became Teams. Murray’s Silicon Valley experience further honed his skills, giving him a unique edge in the tech world. He has also served as CEO and on the boards of several public companies, leading significant reorganizations and recapitalizations.

At CITIZN, Murray’s innovative approach uses societal networks to drive positive policy changes and address core human needs. His vision? To make decision-making more inclusive through tech. He holds a Bachelor of Social Sciences in Economics from the University of Ottawa and is big on mentoring startups and teaching as an adjunct professor at IE Business School.

Murray frequently speaks about politics, entrepreneurship, and AI at universities, sharing his insights and inspiring the next generation of leaders. As a leader of startup incubators, he is dedicated to nurturing new ventures and fostering innovation. His commitment to using tech for societal good continues to fuel his work at CITIZN, where he’s on a mission to empower democracy and tackle capitalism-induced inequalities.