ZenBusiness is the all-in-one platform and trusted partner for small business owners, providing business formation, compliance, banking, bookkeeping, and marketing tools in an intuitive and personalized dashboard. Pulse 2.0 interviewed ZenBusiness co-founder and COO Shanaz Hemmati to learn more about the company.
Shanaz Hemmati’s Background
What is Shanaz Hemmati’s background? Hemmati said:
“I have over three decades of experience at the intersection of technology and entrepreneurship. My career has been marked by leadership roles in high-growth, innovative companies where I’ve spearheaded scalable, tech-driven solutions to transform businesses.”
“With a strong background in engineering and operations, I’ve navigated and excelled in industries where women are often underrepresented, breaking barriers and paving the way for others.”
“As the COO and co-founder of ZenBusiness, my focus is on making entrepreneurship accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or resources. My goal is to empower individuals to pursue their business dreams by providing practical, easy-to-use tools that simplify the process of starting and running a small business. I’m passionate about blending technical know-how with operational strategy to make this vision a reality.”
“Mentorship has always been an integral part of my journey. I’m deeply committed to supporting and guiding the next generation of entrepreneurs and professionals, especially women and underrepresented groups in tech. For me, it’s about challenging norms and inspiring others to imagine—and achieve—what’s possible.”
Formation Of ZenBusiness
How did the idea for the company come together? Hemmati shared:
“The idea for ZenBusiness was inspired by a deep desire to simplify and democratize the entrepreneurial journey. My co-founder and I saw firsthand how daunting and overwhelming it can be for aspiring business owners to navigate the complexities of starting and managing a company. We envisioned a platform that not only streamlines the process but also empowers people to take that leap with confidence.”
“ZenBusiness was built to remove the traditional barriers to entrepreneurship by providing all the tools, resources, and guidance an entrepreneur needs—conveniently in one place. Our mission is to make entrepreneurship accessible to everyone, turning what might seem like an intimidating dream into an achievable reality.”
Favorite Memory
What has been your favorite memory working for the company so far? Hemmati reflected:
“Helping more than 700,000 entrepreneurs build their own businesses has been nothing short of inspiring. Each milestone reminds us of the power of entrepreneurship to change lives, empower communities, and spark innovation. Knowing that ZenBusiness has played a role in turning so many dreams into thriving realities is deeply rewarding. It fuels our passion to keep breaking down barriers for even more aspiring business owners.”
“One of my favorite memories was when we reached the incredible milestone of helping our first 100,000 entrepreneurs start their businesses. It was a defining moment that brought the team together in celebration and reflection. Hearing the stories of how ZenBusiness empowered people to take that leap and pursue their dreams was incredibly moving. It was a reminder of why we do what we do—to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Moments like that continue to inspire me every day.”
Core Products
What are the company’s core products and features? Hemmati explained:
“ZenBusiness is more than just a platform—it’s the operating system for small business success. We provide an easy, all-in-one solution to help entrepreneurs navigate every stage of their business journey, from formation to growth and scaling. Our comprehensive suite of products and services includes:
— Business Formation Services: Simplifying the process of forming LLCs, corporations, and other business entities with guided, step-by-step support.
— Compliance Management: Ensuring businesses stay legally compliant with automated reminders and filing tools.
— ZenBusiness Money Pro: A robust financial management tool integrated with Stripe, saving entrepreneurs thousands annually by streamlining invoicing, payments, and bookkeeping.
— Website-Building Tools: Enabling businesses to establish a professional online presence effortlessly.
— AI-Powered Guidance: From choosing the perfect business name to developing marketing strategies, our AI solutions reduce complexity and empower intelligent decision-making.
By consolidating all the tools, services, and expert support small business owners need into one trusted platform, we’ve redefined what it means to support entrepreneurship. Customers can protect their liability, manage finances, build their brand, and grow their customer base—all from one place.
Social Impact and Commitment to Inclusion
Beyond empowering over 700,000 entrepreneurs, ZenBusiness is deeply committed to creating meaningful social impact. Since 2020, we’ve awarded $650,000 in grants to underrepresented business owners, addressing systemic inequalities and leveling the playing field for all entrepreneurs.”
In partnership with organizations like Synergies Work, Inmates to Entrepreneurs, and VentureLab, we’re expanding resources and opportunities for those who’ve traditionally been left out of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Our collaboration with the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks Business Mav’s Assist Program has provided free resources to 100 diverse entrepreneurs, further amplifying our mission of accessible and inclusive entrepreneurship.
Internally, our dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion has resulted in a leadership team that is nearly 40% female-led, with women comprising 45% of our total workforce. This commitment reflects our belief that innovation thrives in diverse and inclusive environments.
We’re also proud of our exceptional customer service, as evidenced by 16,000+ glowing Trustpilot reviews with a 4.8-star rating and recognition with a prestigious Silver Stevie Award for Front-Line Customer Service in Technology.
At ZenBusiness, our mission goes beyond products and services—it’s about empowering people to turn their ideas into reality and fostering a more equitable future for entrepreneurship. Whether helping a first-time entrepreneur form an LLC or mentoring a founder through their next big milestone, we’re here to make business ownership accessible, affordable, and achievable for everyone.”
Challenges Faced
What challenges have Hemmati and the team faced in building the company? Hemmati acknowledged:
“For small business owners, keeping up with the ever-changing regulatory landscape can be daunting. Many entrepreneurs worry about missing deadlines or falling out of compliance, which could result in costly fines and setbacks. We recognized this as a significant pain point for our customers and made it a priority to simplify these challenges.”
“To ease this burden, we developed automated compliance features that take the guesswork out of staying on top of regulatory requirements. These tools ensure that important filings—like annual reports or the new Beneficial Ownership Filing Service (which recently changed from being mandatory to optional for example) —are completed on time, giving business owners peace of mind and the freedom to focus on growing their businesses.”
“Our approach has always been customer-first. By listening closely to their concerns, we’ve been able to anticipate issues and adapt quickly, ensuring that we’re not just keeping up with regulatory changes but staying ahead of them to protect our customers and their businesses from potential risks.”
Evolution Of The Company’s Technology
How has the company’s technology evolved since launching? Hemmati noted:
“ZenBusiness has seen significant technological growth since its inception. While we initially focused on simplifying business formation, we’ve evolved into a comprehensive platform that supports entrepreneurs through every stage of their journey.”
“Our integration of AI, automation, and machine learning has allowed us to go beyond formation and address key challenges in business management. Tools like our AI Business Plan Generator and Automated Website Builder make traditionally time-consuming and technical tasks more accessible, enabling business owners to create detailed plans and professional websites with ease.”
“We’ve also expanded into compliance management, financial tools like ZenBusiness Money Pro, and marketing support, offering solutions that adapt to the unique needs of each entrepreneur. Drawing on insights from over 700,000 customers, we’ve tailored our platform to deliver personalized, scalable services that simplify operations and reduce complexity.”
“This evolution reflects our commitment to providing small business owners with the tools they need to focus on running and growing their businesses efficiently and confidently.”
Significant Milestones
What have been some of the company’s most significant milestones? Hemmati cited:
“ZenBusiness has achieved several key milestones that reflect our growth, innovation, and commitment to empowering entrepreneurs:
1.) Series C Fundraising Success: Our $200 million Series C funding round was a transformative moment, enabling us to accelerate our growth and expand our product offerings. This funding has allowed us to innovate rapidly, enhancing our platform to better serve the diverse needs of small business owners.
2.) Research-Driven Insights: We’ve conducted groundbreaking research to better understand and support our customers, including:
a.) Neurodiversity and Entrepreneurship: Our 2023 study revealed that 92% of respondents view neurodiversity as a strength in leadership, with Gen Z poised to become the most entrepreneurial generation in U.S. history.
b.) Gen X’s Entrepreneurial Spirit: In 2024, we uncovered that 45% of Gen Xers see business ownership as a path to retirement stability, highlighting a growing demand for entrepreneurial solutions among this demographic.
3.) Supporting Over 700,000 Businesses: By the first half of 2024, we reached the milestone of supporting more than 700,000 small businesses, providing them with the tools, guidance, and technology needed to thrive.
4.) Diversity and Inclusion Milestones: We’ve awarded over $650,000 in grants since 2020 to diverse entrepreneurs and partnered with organizations like Synergies Work and Inmates to Entrepreneurs to ensure business ownership is accessible to everyone, regardless of background.
5.) Award-Winning Customer Support: Our dedication to exceptional service has earned us accolades like the prestigious Silver Stevie Award and a 4.8-star rating from over 16,000 Trustpilot reviews.
These milestones reflect not only our rapid growth but also our unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive, supportive environment for entrepreneurs from all walks of life. Through innovation, research, and community-focused initiatives, ZenBusiness continues to redefine what’s possible for small business owners.”
Customer Success Stories
When asking Hemmati about customer success stories, she highlighted:
“One story that perfectly embodies what ZenBusiness is all about is the entrepreneurial journey of Keith Amaker, ZenBusiness’s Director of Human Resources. Keith joined ZenBusiness because of its entrepreneurial spirit, and during his time with the company, he turned his passion for spicy food into a thriving side hustle—Precise Heat Pepper Sauce.”
“Keith’s story began during the pandemic when he planted a garden and grew an abundance of peppers. Motivated by his son, he crafted his first batch of hot sauce, which quickly became a hit with friends and family. Inspired by the demand, he decided to make it official—and ZenBusiness helped him every step of the way. From forming his LLC to managing day-to-day business tasks like invoicing and expense tracking, the ZenBusiness platform provided Keith with the tools and guidance to turn his idea into a reality.”
“This journey reflects the heart of ZenBusiness’s mission: empowering entrepreneurship. As a fully remote company, ZenBusiness encourages its employees to explore side hustles, viewing them as an opportunity to better understand and engage with the platform they help build. Employees even get free access to ZenBusiness tools, ensuring they can experience firsthand how the platform simplifies and supports small business ownership.”
“Keith’s side hustle not only fuels his personal happiness but also enhances his work at ZenBusiness. By engaging with his own entrepreneurial journey, he brings deeper empathy and understanding to his role, inspiring others within the company to pursue their passions. His story also highlights ZenBusiness’s broader commitment to fostering innovation, trust, and ownership among its employees—many of whom are entrepreneurs themselves.”
“For ZenBusiness, this approach isn’t just about creating a great product; it’s about creating a culture that celebrates and supports entrepreneurship, making it accessible for employees and customers alike. Keith’s success is a testament to how ZenBusiness empowers individuals to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams while strengthening the community of small business owners it serves.”
Funding
When asking Hemmati about the company’s funding details, she revealed:
“Over the past six years, ZenBusiness has achieved remarkable revenue growth of 14,900% and customer growth of 3,316%, supporting over 700,000 businesses by the first half of 2024. Additionally, we’ve improved customer support response times by an impressive 95.5%, demonstrating our commitment to delivering exceptional service alongside our rapid expansion.”
Total Addressable Market
What total addressable market (TAM) size is the company pursuing? Hemmati assessed:
“The total addressable market) we’re targeting is immense. In the U.S. alone, there are over 30 million small businesses, with millions more entrepreneurs launching new ventures each year. Globally, the opportunity expands exponentially as small businesses form the backbone of economies worldwide.”
“We’re not only focused on helping new entrepreneurs take their first steps but also on empowering established small business owners seeking a comprehensive, all-in-one platform to manage and scale their operations efficiently. By addressing the diverse needs of this vast and dynamic market, ZenBusiness is positioned to support millions of small business owners at every stage of their journey.”
Differentiation From The Competition
What differentiates the company from its competition? Hemmati affirmed:
“ZenBusiness is deeply committed to supporting entrepreneurs from all walks of life, striving to make small business ownership accessible and equitable. As a Public Benefit Corporation, we integrate social responsibility into our core operations, ensuring that our mission to empower diverse entrepreneurs is reflected in tangible actions.”
“Grant Programs: Since 2020, ZenBusiness has awarded over $650,000 in grants to small businesses, with a focus on underrepresented groups such as mothers, neurodivergent individuals, and those affected by layoffs. In 2024 alone, we plan to distribute $5,000 in grants to more than 40 different businesses, providing essential capital to help them thrive.
— Strategic Partnerships: To amplify our impact, we collaborate with organizations that share our commitment to inclusivity:
— Mavs Business Assist: Partnering with the Dallas Mavericks, we empower 100 diverse entrepreneurs by providing access to knowledge, tools, and support essential for business success.
— Synergies Work: Supporting the only U.S. incubator/accelerator dedicated to helping people with disabilities create sustainable businesses, we offer mentoring, workshops, and ongoing support.
— Inmates to Entrepreneurs: Assisting individuals with judicial involvement in starting their own businesses, we help them overcome systemic discrimination through free programming and mentorship.
— DivInc: Collaborating with this nonprofit, we bridge the gap between underrepresented entrepreneurs and the resources they need to build profitable, high-growth companies.”
Future Company Goals
What are some of the company’s future company goals? Hemmati concluded:
“At ZenBusiness, our future goals are centered on strengthening our position as the ultimate resource and support system for small business owners. We are committed to expanding our product offerings to cover even more aspects of business growth and management, ensuring that entrepreneurs have access to the tools and technology they need at every stage of their journey.”
“A key focus for us is continuing to provide best-in-class education, guidance, and community support for small business owners. We aim to further develop resources that not only simplify business operations but also empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and confidence to succeed. From AI-driven innovations to personalized support, we’re dedicated to making entrepreneurship more accessible, intuitive, and efficient.”
“We’re also deeply invested in fostering inclusivity and diversity in the entrepreneurial landscape. By expanding our initiatives to support underserved communities, we hope to remove barriers and create opportunities for entrepreneurs from all walks of life.”
“In addition, we plan to grow our presence in new markets, bringing ZenBusiness’s comprehensive platform to an even broader audience globally, all while maintaining our focus on providing the best tools, technology, and community for small business success.”
“Through these goals, we aim to not only simplify entrepreneurship but also inspire and support the small business owners who are shaping the future of their communities and industries.”
