Shanaz Hemmati the COO and Co-Founder of ZenBusiness, a software and services platform company dedicated to helping aspiring entrepreneurs start, grow, and manage their businesses. She oversees the day-to-day operations of this fast-growing company, which has become one of Austin’s most successful entrepreneurial ventures, recently raising $205 million in a series C round at a $1.7 billion valuation.
Shanaz is renowned for driving exponential business growth through data, systems, and tools. She excels at identifying and nurturing talent, helping others navigate their career paths. A staunch supporter of diversity, she implemented a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategy at ZenBusiness, achieving 45% female representation in staff and management.
As a non-native English speaker and a woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, Shanaz often had to speak loudly to be heard. Her unique background and the encouragement she received helped shape her into a highly sought-after business growth strategist and mentor, known for her listening skills and problem-solving abilities.
Shanaz Hemmati’s story is one of resilience, passion, and dedication. Her journey from a young girl in Iran to a successful technology executive and mentor in the U.S. serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders everywhere.
"Find people who know things you don’t, complement each other, and follow the mantra—be fearless, be ethical, be passionate—and your journey will be incredible."
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