Sign In

Shanaz Hemmati

Co-Founder & COO at ZenBusiness | Board Member, Advisor, & Mentor ➤ Helping entrepreneurs start, run, and grow their businesses

Shanaz Hemmati is a prominent technology executive and entrepreneur based in Austin, Texas. Here's an overview of her background and accomplishments:

Professional Experience

Shanaz Hemmati is currently the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Co-Founder of ZenBusiness, a software company that helps entrepreneurs start, grow, and manage their businesses.1 In this role, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the fast-growing company, which recently raised $205 million in a Series C round at a $1.7 billion valuation.1

Prior to ZenBusiness, Shanaz had over 30 years of experience in technology:

  • She served as the Global VP of Information Systems for HomeAway (NASDAQ: AWAY), where she joined at an early stage and helped with the build-out through the IPO and acquisition by Expedia (NASDAQ: EXPE).2
  • At HomeAway, she led a global team responsible for data infrastructure and engineering, data tools and products, data science, analytics, CRM, and ERP systems.2

Education and Expertise

Shanaz holds a B.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin.2 She is known for:

  • Driving exponential business growth through data, systems, and tools
  • Identifying and nurturing talent
  • Implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategies

Mentorship and Community Involvement

Shanaz is actively involved in mentoring and supporting entrepreneurs:

  • She serves as a Mentor at Capital Factory, an entrepreneurship hub in Texas.23
  • Shanaz counsels entrepreneurs on strategy and operations.5
  • She has held board positions with various organizations, including the Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce.5

Awards and Recognition

Shanaz's contributions to business and technology have been recognized:

  • She received a Bronze Stevie Award for Woman of the Year in Business and Professional Services from the American Business Awards in April 2021.4

Shanaz Hemmati's journey from a young girl in Iran to a successful technology executive in the U.S. serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.1

Highlights

Sep 1 · atxwoman.com
Woman to Watch: Shanaz Hemmati - Austin Woman Magazine
Woman to Watch: Shanaz Hemmati - Austin Woman Magazine

Related Questions

What inspired Shanaz Hemmati to transition from HomeAway to ZenBusiness?
How did Shanaz Hemmati's background influence her approach to mentoring?
What are some key strategies Shanaz Hemmati uses to drive business growth?
How has Shanaz Hemmati's leadership impacted ZenBusiness's culture?
What challenges did Shanaz Hemmati face while building HomeAway?
Shanaz Hemmati
Shanaz Hemmati, photo 1
Shanaz Hemmati, photo 2
Add to my network

Location

Austin, Texas, United States