Entrepreneur, Investor & Technology Leader; Founder, Chairman & CEO at One Planet Group; Co-Founder of Autoweb.com; Author of "Crossing the Desert"
Payam Zamani Biography
Payam Zamani is an entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and the founder, chairman, and CEO of One Planet Group, a private equity firm that owns a portfolio of online technology and media businesses and invests in early-stage companies. Guided by principles from the Baha'i Faith, One Planet Group's mission is to support strong business ideas while fostering a corporate culture that aims to improve society and contribute to communities. The company's tagline, "innovation x intention," reflects its philosophy that impactful business requires alignment with ethical intentions.
Zamani's journey to entrepreneurship began after fleeing Iran as a member of the Baha'i Faith, escaping religious persecution. He traveled through the Emptiness Desert to Pakistan and was later granted asylum in the United States. Zamani earned a Bachelor of Science in environmental toxicology from the University of California, Davis.
After graduating, Zamani co-founded Autoweb.com, the first online car-buying service, which reached a market capitalization of $1.2 billion following its initial public offering. He received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in the e-commerce category for his work with Autoweb.com. Zamani has since built and owns multiple technology and media businesses, invested in more than 50 companies, and advocates for redefining capitalism to better serve humanity. Key companies within One Planet Group include Buyerlink, Autoweb, California.com, One Planet Media, and One Planet Studios. Zamani has served on the boards or as an advisor to several technology startups, including The RealReal, SoulPancake, Wayfarer Entertainment, and BestMile.
Zamani's life story is detailed in his memoir, "Crossing the Desert," which received the Axiom Business Book Awards Gold Winner in Memoir/Biography, was a National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist in Memoir, and became a USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller. The book explores how personal values and choices influence both financial and spiritual outcomes. Zamani also launched the One Planet Summit, an annual conference focused on navigating capitalism with a values-driven approach.
Zamani has been recognized as Best CEO for Diversity, received the Tahirih Justice Center's Hope Award, and was honored with an Award of Distinction from UC Davis. He mentors entrepreneurs, recent graduates, and youth, particularly those who have faced oppression. Zamani speaks globally on topics including the future of the automotive industry, online commerce, and the importance of a purpose-driven model of capitalism.
Payam Zamani Videos
From Heights to Hearts | Zhang Xin & Payam Zamani
Zhang Xin, once called “the woman who built Beijing,” rose from working in Hong Kong factories to co-founding SOHO China, one of the nation’s...
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What topics does Payam Zamani speak about?
Payam Zamani is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Author, Business Authors, Business Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Executive Leadership, Manufacturing, Philanthropy, Social Activism, Social Entrepreneurship, Storytelling, Technology -
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Payam Zamani is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Payam Zamani for your event is available upon request. Payam Zamani generally travels from Walnut Creek, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Allyson Kapin, John Wood, Gary Vaynerchuk, Dr. Trisha Bailey and Marla Blow. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Payam Zamani for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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