
I’m an award-winning tech CEO, founder of four organisations, and a mother of five. My success comes from relentless persistence—and a long list of failures. Here are five things I’ve majorly FAILED at: Failed as a founder of three prior startups Failed to get my PhD (to my parents’ disappointment) Failed at 'family'—divorced single mum by 30 Failed at pitching VCs—800 NOs before my first YES funding Zamna Failed to ask for help—was briefly homeless These failures shaped me as a first-generation immigrant turned CEO and humanitarian. I share them in keynotes and workshops that inspire action, blending lessons from: Leading Zamna, the AI company revolutionising global aviation Founding Sunflower Relief, which raised £3M+ for life-saving aid in Ukraine Balancing five kids while breaking barriers in male-dominated industries Audiences leave moved and motivated. As one organiser put it: “Irra’s energy is unmatched—her story stays with you long after she’s off the stage.” Want me to speak at your event? Get in touch: www.irraariellakhi.com Represented by London Speaker Bureau: https://lnkd.in/eJZKQSM8 Irra Ariella Khi is an award-winning CEO. Named Most Influential CEO 2024 and Private Equity Software CEO of the Year 2023, she’s also a winner of Pitch@Palace royal competition and one of Management Today’s ‘35 Women Under 35’. Irra has been selected as ComputerWeekly’s ‘Most Influential Women in IT’ for 5 years in a row 2020-2025. Recognised for her impact in tech, investment, and security, she’s secured UKBAA awards for Disruptive Tech and Female Founder Innovation—all while scaling a VC-backed company and raising five children. Now, for the part where I have NOT failed (yet!). As CEO of Zamna AI and Sunflower Relief, I lead two organisations leveraging data to transform aviation and humanitarian aid. With 20 years of experience in founding, financing, and scaling data-driven startups, I’ve built expertise in venture fundraising, identity verification, web3, and blockchain. I believe in using data as a force for good—and I’m grateful to work with a diverse, talented team that shares this vision.
londonspeakerbureau.com
ellevatenetwork.com
astia.org
iata.org
London Area, United Kingdom
Speaker
All American Speakers
Mar 2025 - Present
Speaker
London Speaker Bureau
• www.linkedin.com/company/the-london-speaker-bureau
Mar 2025 - Present
London Area, United Kingdom
Keynote and Workshop Speaker
MicDrop
• www.linkedin.com/company/micdroppublicspeakingclub
Dec 2024 - Present
London Area, United Kingdom
CoFounder | CEO
Zamna.
• www.linkedin.com/company/zamna
Jan 2016 - Present
London, United Kingdom
Communities Committee Member
The Harpur Trust
• www.linkedin.com/company/the-harpur-trust
Oct 2024 - Present
United Kingdom
Co-Founder | CEO of Non-Profit Social Enterprise
Sunflower Relief
• www.linkedin.com/company/sunflower-relief
Mar 2022 - Present
London, England, United Kingdom
CoFounder | Digital Platform Soul of Fashion
SoF Digital Platform
Oct 2008 - Sep 2014
London - Paris - Milan