Transformative talks that move founders & shape the future
Book Ali Parandeh for keynotes that inspire action, unlock potentials & shift perspectives
Virtual & In-Person Engagements | Custom talks available upon request | Languages: Spanish / English / Persian










Why book Ali?
Because audiences deserve more than hype - they need insight, true stories of the tough days, and real tools to create change
Ali is a startup mentor, pitch coach, and keynote speaker who brings the raw reality of entrepreneurship to life.
From startup failures and hard-won exits to the power of immigrant entrepreneurship, Ali has delivered keynotes that are unforgettable, practical, and purpose-driven.Why book Ali
Because audiences deserve more than hype - they need insight, true stories of the tough days, and real tools to create change
Ali is a Keynote Speaker, startup mentor who brings the raw reality of entrepreneurship to life.
From startup failures and hard-won exits to the power of immigrant entrepreneurship, Ali has delivered keynotes that are unforgettable, practical, and purpose-driven.
Keynote Topics
The Entrepreneur’s Journey:
FROM DEATH VALLEY TO EXIT
Hard Truths, Big Wins & What Founders Really Learn on the Way to Success
Building a startup isn’t as glamorous as the exit stories make them out to be. This keynote strips back the myth of overnight success and reveals the emotional and strategic highs and lows every founder will face at some point in their journey and provides insight, tips and tools on how to overcome those challenges.
Building a startup isn’t as glamorous as the exit stories make them out to be. This keynote strips back the myth of overnight success and reveals the emotional and strategic highs and lows every founder will face at some point in their journey and provides insight, tips and tools on how to overcome those challenges.
Perfect for: Startup events, incubators, university programs
Audience Takeaways:
- How to stay motivated through failure
- What to do when your startup hits rock bottom
- Redefining success beyond the exit
- Real founder stories that resonate, educate & energize
- The habits and mindset of successful founders
Fundraising:
THE ART OF CRAFTING A COMPELLING STARTUP PITCH
Speaking the Language of VCs, Angels & Startup Competition Judges
Most pitches fail because they are not built for the stage or the investor. Often entrepreneurs fall into the trap of reading from a pitchdeck, going over time, focusing on the product and failing to answer the investors questions.
In this high-impact keynote, founders learn how to craft and deliver pitches that speak to what investors actually care about — and how to own the room with confidence.
Most pitches fail because they are not built for the stage or the investor. Often entrepreneurs fall into the trap of reading from a pitchdeck, going over time, focusing on the product and failing to answer the investors questions.
In this high-impact keynote, founders learn how to craft and deliver pitches that speak to what investors actually care about — and how to own the room with confidence.
Perfect for: Startup competitions, accelerators, pitch bootcamps
Audience Takeaways:
- Investor psychology: What they are looking for and how to gain their trust
- The biggest mistakes founders make in their decks (and how to fix them)
- Turning Maybe’s into “I want to know more”
- How to handle Q&A, objections
- Tips and Tools for Speaking Professionally
The Economic Power of Refugees & Immigrants
How Displaced People Are Fueling Innovation, Startups & Growth
What if the next unicorn founder is a refugee? And what if I told they already exists. This keynote dives into the plight of immigrants and refugees and the hardship they have to endure crossing borders and getting residence or citizenship.
Yet at the same time it highlights the importance & spark they bring to the local economies, their resilience against failure, and their drive to succeed. Thinking of refugees and immigrants as a key to revitalizing entire industries / economies when given the chance should be a way forward for all countries.
What if the next unicorn founder is a refugee? And what if I told they already exists. This keynote dives into the plight of immigrants and refugees and the hardship they have to endure crossing borders and getting residence or citizenship.
Yet at the same time it highlights the importance & spark they bring to the local economies, their resilience against failure, and their drive to succeed. Thinking of refugees and immigrants as a key to revitalizing entire industries / economies when given the chance should be a way forward for all countries.
Perfect for: Economic forums, policy summits, global startup events, DEI initiatives, Refugee and Immigration summits and conferences
Audience Takeaways:
- The untapped startup potential of immigrant communities
- Policy and ecosystem shifts that benefit everyone
- How diversity leads to innovation, not disruption
- The cultural resilience and adaptability that make immigrants strong founders
Reviews

Anna Cantle, Marbella International University College
Ali is a highly talented keynote speaker who possesses the unique ability to captivate his audience with engaging stories, insightful perspectives, and actionable advice. His presentations are always well-prepared, thought-provoking, and tailored to the interests of his listeners. Ali’s dynamic speaking style and profound knowledge of the startup ecosystem make his sessions both informative and inspiring.
I wholeheartedly endorse Ali Parandeh for any speaking engagements or educational initiatives related to startups and entrepreneurship. His expertise, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in helping others make him an invaluable asset to any organisation
I wholeheartedly endorse Ali Parandeh for any speaking engagements or educational initiatives related to startups and entrepreneurship. His expertise, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in helping others make him an invaluable asset to any organisation

Eric Fingerhut, Career Coach
Ali Parandeh was the closing keynote speaker for our Conference in Istanbul. Closing a conference is never easy and I must say Ali impressed us! He came with a strong and beautiful message that really resonated with the audience & incorporated the previous day and half of interventions into the fabric of his message. No surprise there was a standing ovation from the full room!

Scott Fifer, Remote FP&A Analyst
I had the honour of hearing Ali deliver his keynote at a recent event.
What stood out was his ability to take such a heavy, emotionally charged topic and deliver it with clarity, humility, and purpose. He created space for reflection without overwhelming the audience, and was inviting us to stay open and to stay curious.
If you're looking for a keynote speaker who can speak truth with grace, ignite empathy, and inspire change...Ali definitely delivers.

Elena Grammenou, Strategy and Project Manager
I am thrilled to share my admiration and gratitude for Ali Parandeh Zandpour, who delivered an outstanding keynote speech at our recent Conference. His speech and passion truly captivated the audience and left a lasting impression. His ability to blend profound knowledge with engaging storytelling created an inspiring and thought-provoking atmosphere.
His contribution significantly elevated the quality of our conference and left us all with a renewed sense of purpose and motivation.
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