Shahrzad Rafati: Shaping the Future of the Creator Economy

Shahrzad Rafati, Founder and Chairperson of RHEI, has transformed the creator economy through innovative media technology and visionary leadership.

With over 20 years of experience at the intersection of technology and entertainment, Rafati has helped reshape how digital content is managed, distributed, and monetized. Her pioneering approach enabled major studios, including Sony Pictures and Warner Music Group, to claim and monetize fan-uploaded videos through proprietary technology, creating new opportunities for content owners and creators.

Under her leadership, RHEI, formerly known as BroadbandTV (BBTV), has grown into a global media technology company encompassing intellectual property management, creator development, and advanced artificial intelligence solutions. Its Made platform, designed as a creative operating system, uses AI-powered tools to support creators throughout their creative processes while expanding their commercial potential.

Rafati’s influence extends across the global entertainment and business sectors. She has been named one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business and included in The Hollywood Reporter’s Most Powerful Women in Entertainment. She was also recognized as a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. Beyond her business achievements, she advocates for gender equality and digital empowerment, representing Canada on the G20 Business Women’s Leaders task force following an appointment by the Prime Minister of Canada. She also serves on the boards of Bjarke Ingels Group and Invest in Canada.

As RHEI advances its AI-driven vision, Rafati continues to champion technology that supports human creativity and opens new possibilities for the next generation of creators and media companies.

Through her pioneering contributions to media technology, sustained business leadership, and commitment to industry advancement, Shahrzad Rafati has been named the winner of the Outstanding Female Entrepreneur and Legacy Business Over 10 Years categories, recognizing her lasting impact on the global digital media landscape.