About Ross Buhrdorf, CEO and Founder
Ross Buhrdorf is a serial entrepreneur and the Founder of ZenBusiness, a $1.7 billion company providing software and services to help over 500,000 entrepreneurs make the leap from their day jobs and start their businesses.
Ross Buhrdorf is the CEO and Founder of ZenBusiness, a software company focusing on making entrepreneurs successful.
In 2017, Buhrdorf co-founded ZenBusiness to help small businesses get off the ground and a particular aim to serve aspiring entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds. ZenBusiness is now a global company with a fast-growing customer base and an IPO set to launch in 2026.
Through ZenBusiness, and his success at launching prior ventures including HomeAway (sold to Expedia in 2015), Buhrdorf has deep insights into entrepreneurs’ aspirations, fears, and dreams. He recently commissioned the Entrepreneurs Empowerment Study, an empirical study of more than 2,000 aspiring and newfound entrepreneurs, the first and most extensive of its kind, to uncover the fears and myths that would-be entrepreneurs face as they start a business.
In 2023, Buhrdorf was named Entrepreneur of the Year by Ernst & Young. He is a member of the Santa Fe Institute, a pioneering research institute that attempts to answer humanity’s biggest questions. An active mentor and angel investor in the technology community, Buhrdorf is a Partner at Capital Factory, a globally recognized accelerator program and investment fund.
"Fear is a liar that holds us back, convincing us to stay in our comfort zones and avoid taking risks. True success comes from recognizing this deception and taking bold leaps to pursue our goals. By embracing the truth and actively listening to our customers, we identify problems, uncover opportunities, and continuously improve. Don't let fear dictate your actions—go for it, and face challenges head-on."
Ross Buhrdorf, CEO of ZenBusiness, on what makes small business owners successful
Ross Buhrdorf in the News and Press
A CEO Who Runs a Fully Remote Company Has an Unusual Take on Employees Starting Side Hustles: ‘We Have to Be Honest With Ourselves’ – Entrepreneur.com
ZenBusiness Believes Anyone Can Become an Entrepreneur – Interview with Ross Buhrdorf on Cheddar Media
Entrepreneurial Mindset with Ross Buhrdorf – Podcast interview with The Chris Hood Digital Show
Want $100m in Revenue? Copy These Lessons from ZenBusiness CEO Ross Buhrdorf – FounderPath Saas Open Conference Interview with Nathan Latka
How Side Hustles Are Creating Happier, More Creative Employees – Interview with WorkLife.com
EY Announces Ross Buhrdorf of ZenBusiness as an Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2023 Gulf South Award Winner
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