Business

The story of Tiziano Motti: From Outsider to Member of Parliament

Published

6 years ago

September 1, 2019

In our current social climate, it would seem that only the well-connected secure power in politics. It takes significant resources of time and money to manage a campaign, and getting voted into office is no guarantee. This can make it hard for citizens of any country to feel like they have a say in their leadership. Frustrated by the lack of voice for everyday people, citizens often feel disillusioned by the political process convinced that it is a place only for the wealthy and powerful. In Italy, one man sought to change all that and won. Tiziano Motti did not have the most conventional rise to political success.

As a waiter, an entrepreneur, artist, DJ, and musician, Tiziano worked very hard all his life but had what you might say an unexpected background for a politician. Believing this to be an asset for him, Tiziano pursued a place in political leadership in 2009 elections to lend his voice to those who felt they weren’t being heard. His unique background gave him an edge in the elections, and the people quickly embraced him as someone who would serve them well.

Following compulsory school, Tiziano enrolled in a university like most people his age to study Industrial Electronics, but the loss of his father at age 18 made it difficult to continue. At a time when most future politicians are polishing up their resumes and networking through elite schools, Tiziano was forced into the workforce at a young age. Tiziano worked as a waiter during the weekends, produced a record with songs played by others, worked as a DJ in some radio stations, and wrote about music and entertainment on a generalist magazine as well as on some local papers. In 1986 he joined the Army and served in a mobile anti-aircraft artillery unit and finally the Infantry.

Tiziano began to pursue more entrepreneurial activities in the 1990s operating successful advertising and communications companies, including publishing the newspaper “Vivia la Città.” A very successful entrepreneur, Tiziano, looks back on this time with tremendous gratitude. “The fact that I had to abandon a more traditional path and truly get out there in the workforce and society put me directly in touch with the people I serve,” explains Tiziano. “It may have made me an outsider politician, but it made me an insider with the people.” Tiziano is also the producer behind the insightful TV show “Noi Cittadini” which broadcasted to over 7 million viewers on 30 stations.

Inspired by his experience in reaching people and the ability to advocate for change, Tiziano was elected to Parliament in 2009. Not unlike his unique background, Tiziano entered the elections as an Independent with no party ties only days before the close of the elections. On the inside, Tiziano worked hard at protecting citizens cultural rights. He served on seven different assemblies and was a driving force behind the European Rapid Alert System against pedophiles and sexual harassers, launched in 2010. Tiziano Motti, once an outsider has changed the face of European politics through understanding, dedication, and cooperation.

Business

Derik Fay and the Quiet Rise of a Fintech Dynasty: How a Relentless Visionary is Redefining the Future of Payments

Published

3 hours ago

October 17, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Long before the headlines, before the Forbes features, and well before he became a respected fixture in boardrooms across the country, Derik Fay was a kid from Westerly, Rhode Island with little more than grit and audacity. Now, with a strategic footprint spanning more than 40 companies—including holdings in media, construction, real estate, pharma, fitness, and fintech—Fay’s influence is as diversified as it is deliberate. And his most recent move may be his boldest yet: the acquisition and co-ownership of Tycoon Payments, a fintech venture poised to disrupt an industry built on middlemen and outdated rules.

Where many entrepreneurs chase headlines, Fay chases legacy.

Rebuilding the Foundation of Fintech

In the saturated space of payment processors, Fay didn’t just want another transactional brand. He saw a broken system—one that labeled too many businesses as “high-risk,” denied them access, and overcharged them into silence. Tycoon Payments, under his stewardship, is rewriting that narrative from the ground up.

Instead of the all-too-common “fake processor” model, where companies act as brokers rather than actual underwriters, Tycoon Payments is being engineered to own the rails—integrating direct banking partnerships, custom risk modeling, and flexible support for underserved industries.

“Disruption isn’t about being loud,” Fay said in a private strategy session with advisors. “It’s about fixing what’s been ignored for too long. I don’t chase waves—I build the coastline.”

Quiet Power, Strategic Depth

Now 46 years old, Fay has evolved from scrappy gym owner to an empire builder, founding 3F Management as a private equity and venture vehicle to scale fast-growth businesses with staying power. His portfolio includes names like Bare Knuckle Fighting Championships, BIGG Pharma, Results Roofing, FayMs Films, and SalonPlex—but also dozens of companies that never make headlines. That’s by design.

Where others seek followers, Fay builds founders. Where most celebrate their exits, Fay reinvests in people.

While he often deflects conversations around his personal wealth, analysts estimate his net worth to exceed $100 million, with some placing it comfortably over $250 million, based on exits, real estate holdings, and the trajectory of his current ventures.

Yet unlike others in his tax bracket, Fay still answers cold DMs. He mentors rising entrepreneurs without cameras rolling. And he shows up—not just with capital, but with conviction.

A Mogul Grounded in Real Life

Outside of business, Fay remains committed to his role as a father and partner. He shares two daughters, Sophia Elena Fay and Isabella Roslyn Fay, and has been in a relationship with Shandra Phillips since 2021. He’s known for keeping his personal life private, but those close to him speak of a man who brings the same intention to parenting as he does to scaling multimillion-dollar ventures—focused, present, and consistent.

His physical stature—standing at 6′1″—matches his professional gravitas, but what’s more striking is his ability to operate with both discipline and empathy. Fay’s reputation among founders and CEOs is not just one of capital deployment, but emotional intelligence. As one partner noted, “He’s the kind of guy who will break down your pitch—and rebuild your belief in yourself in the same breath.”

The Tycoon Blueprint

The playbook Fay is writing at Tycoon Payments doesn’t just threaten incumbents—it reinvents the infrastructure. This isn’t another “fintech startup” with a flashy brand and no backend. It’s a strategically positioned venture with real underwriting power, cross-border ambitions, and a founder who understands how to scale quietly until the entire industry has to take notice.

In an age where so many entrepreneurs rely on noise and virality to build influence, Fay remains a master of what can only be called elite stealth. He doesn’t need the spotlight. But his impact casts a long shadow.

Conclusion: The Empire Expands

From Rhode Island beginnings to venture boardrooms, from gym owner to fintech force, Derik Fay continues to build not just businesses—but a blueprint. One rooted in resilience, innovation, and long-term infrastructure.

Tycoon Payments may be the latest chess piece. But the game he’s playing is bigger than one move. It’s a long game of strategic leverage, intentional legacy, and generational wealth.

And Fay is not just playing it. He’s redefining the rules.