Shahrzad Rafati Biography: Age, Ethnicity, Birthday, Husband, Net Worth, Education, Business, Family

Early Life and Education

Birth and Family Background

Born in 1979 in Tehran, Iran, Shahrzad Rafati grew up amidst the tumult of the Iranian Revolution and the subsequent Iran-Iraq War. Her parents, Hourah Moslehi and Iraj Rafati, were entrepreneurs; her mother founded a textiles company, while her father established a real estate firm. Despite their professional success, the family faced the challenges of war and political unrest, which deeply influenced Rafati’s worldview and aspirations.

Immigration to Canada

At the age of 17, Rafati made the bold decision to leave Iran in search of greater opportunities. Arriving in Vancouver, Canada, with limited English proficiency and no computer experience, she enrolled at the University of British Columbia (UBC). Her passion for mathematics and technology led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. Additionally, she studied French at the Université Paris-Sorbonne and completed the Young Global Leaders Oxford Module in Transformational Leadership at the University of Oxford.

Career Trajectory

Founding BroadbandTV

In 2005, at the age of 26, Rafati founded BroadbandTV (BBTV), aiming to provide technology solutions for media companies to manage and monetize user-generated content. Under her leadership, BBTV rapidly expanded, becoming one of the largest multi-platform networks globally. The company collaborated with major entities such as the NBA, Sony Pictures, and Paramount Global, offering services that bridged the gap between traditional media and the burgeoning digital content landscape.

Transition to RHEI Holdings

In 2024, BBTV rebranded to RHEI Holdings, reflecting its expanded focus on artificial intelligence-driven solutions for the media and entertainment industry. RHEI’s offerings include the “Made” platform, an AI-powered tool designed to assist creators in content development, and RHEI Data Pro, a data licensing solution. These innovations underscore Rafati’s commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the digital media space.

Business Ventures and Investments

Co-Founder of Chopra Yoga Centers

Beyond her work in digital media, Rafati co-founded the Chopra Yoga Centers with Dr. Deepak Chopra. The centers are rooted in Chopra’s philosophy of the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, offering programs that integrate wellness and personal development. This venture reflects Rafati’s holistic approach to business and her dedication to promoting well-being.

Other Ventures

Rafati is also the founder of Risetech Capital Corp., a capital pool company that focuses on identifying and evaluating assets or businesses for potential transactions. Her diverse portfolio showcases her entrepreneurial acumen and ability to identify opportunities across various sectors.

Net Worth and Financial Milestones

At the height of BroadbandTV’s success, Rafati’s net worth was estimated at $1.1 billion in early 2021. However, following a significant decline in the company’s stock value, she initiated a process to take the company private again in 2023. Despite these financial fluctuations, Rafati’s leadership and vision have solidified her status as a prominent figure in the tech industry.

Personal Life

Family

Rafati comes from a family of entrepreneurs. Her mother, Hourah Moslehi, built her own textiles company; her father, Iraj Rafati, founded a real estate company. They had a comfortable life in Tehran before the Iranian Revolution. But they were not immune from the harsh realities of war.

Husband

There is no publicly available information regarding Rafati’s marital status or spouse. She maintains a private personal life, focusing public attention on her professional endeavors and advocacy work.

Leadership and Advocacy

Board Positions

Rafati serves on several influential boards, including:

• Invest in Canada: As Vice Chair, she contributes to attracting foreign investment to Canada.

• Bjarke Ingels Group: A Danish architecture firm, where she holds a directorial position.

• Vancouver Economic Commission: She has been a director since 2014, promoting economic development in Vancouver.

• Hootsuite: She served on the board from 2017 to 2021, advising on social media management strategies.

Advocacy for Women’s Empowerment

In 2018, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed Rafati to represent Canada on the G20 Business Women Leaders Task Force. Later, she became Canada’s representative for G20 EMPOWER, an initiative aimed at advancing women’s representation in leadership roles within the private sector. Additionally, she has been involved with the Vancouver Economic Commission and the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs.

Awards and Recognition

Rafati’s contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including:

• Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2018): Pacific Technology Category

• Canadian Innovation Awards (2018): Entrepreneur of the Year

• Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 (2017): Recognized for leadership and innovation

• Hollywood Reporter’s 20 Most Powerful Women in Global Television (2016): Named Person of the Year by the British Columbia Technology Association

• Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business (2011): Acknowledged for pioneering digital media strategies

Conclusion

Shahrzad Rafati’s journey from a young girl in Tehran to a leading figure in the global media-tech industry is a testament to her vision, resilience, and commitment to positive change. Through RHEI Holdings, she continues to empower creators and shape the future of digital media. Her story serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and advocates for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.

FAQ

What is Shahrzad Rafati known for?

• Shahrzad Rafati is known for founding and leading RHEI Holdings (formerly BroadbandTV), a global media-tech company that provides AI-driven solutions for content creators and media companies.

Where was Shahrzad Rafati born?

• She was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1979.

What is RHEI Holdings?

• RHEI Holdings is a media-tech company that offers platforms like “Made” for AI-assisted content creation and RHEI Data Pro for data licensing solutions.

What are some of Rafati’s notable achievements?

• She has been recognized as Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (2018), named to Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 (2017), and included in Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People in Business (2011).

Has Rafati served on any government boards?

• Yes, she has served on the boards of Invest in Canada, the Vancouver Economic Commission, and was appointed to the G20 Business Women Leaders Task Force.

What is Rafati’s educational background?

• She holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of British Columbia and has studied at the Université Paris-Sorbonne and the University of Oxford.

Is Rafati married?

• There is no publicly available information regarding Rafati’s marital status.

What is Rafati’s net worth?

• Her net worth was estimated at $1.1 billion in early 2021, but following a decline in her company’s stock value, she initiated a process to take the company private again in 2023.