Simon La Barrie is a technology entrepreneur, inventor, and AI pioneer recognized for his early work in live commerce, immersive shopping systems, and AI-integrated streaming technology. As founder and CEO of KokuaLive, Simon has spent years developing innovative “I Am There” technology — a system designed to merge live video interaction, streaming payments, ecommerce, and AI into a unified shopping experience.

Born in London, Simon’s early life was shaped by significant family transitions. Following the passing of his twin sister, his family relocated to California before eventually settling in Adelaide, Australia, where he spent most of his upbringing. Raised between multiple cultures and environments, Simon developed an independent mindset early in life.

After the passing of his mother, Simon left school at the age of 15 to help support his father and family. Rather than following a traditional educational path, he became entirely self-taught, learning through entrepreneurship, mentorship, and direct business experience. Influenced heavily by both his grandfather and father, Simon developed a strong fascination with innovation, business systems, and emerging technology.

During visits to California in the early 2000s, Simon became deeply interested in the internet and digital business opportunities long before many mainstream companies fully understood their potential. By 2010, he began developing technology concepts centered around live video interaction, digital retail experiences, and real-time ecommerce systems. At a time when artificial intelligence and immersive commerce were still largely undeveloped in consumer markets, Simon and his small team in the United States were already building systems that anticipated many of today’s AI-driven shopping experiences.

His work evolved into KokuaLive’s “I Am There” platform — a patented live commerce technology combining elements of FaceTime, Amazon Live, QVC, and China’s WeChat ecosystem into a unified digital retail experience. The technology enables immersive shopping interactions through live video, AI integration, streaming payments, and smart commerce tools.

Simon’s innovation work has earned him international recognition, including the Australian Innovation Award, as well as multiple issued patents across the United States, Singapore, Australia, and China. Industry observers have described his work as an early example of AI-powered retail and interactive commerce technology.

In 2026, Simon and his company generated major attention during a PR showcase demonstration in Singapore, where KokuaLive presented what was described as one of the first live video shopping experiences using META smart glasses technology integrated with AI commerce functionality.

Outside of technology, Simon enjoys surfing, fitness, tennis, mentoring young entrepreneurs, and building future-focused projects. He has also supported charitable initiatives including Make-A-Wish Foundation events and pediatric cancer support programs in Los Angeles, while mentoring students in Singapore interested in entrepreneurship and innovation.

Simon La Barrie continues to position himself at the forefront of AI-integrated commerce, immersive digital retail, and future consumer technology — driven by a belief that innovation should create more connected, human-centered experiences.