CEO

Ali Payani, CEO and co-founder of LookinLA—an award-winning growth agency in Los Angeles—positions great companies as industry authorities, starting with a deep-dive data assessment to architect an advanced digital marketing strategy. The fast success of LookinLA is driven by Payani’s success as a serial entrepreneur, innovative digital marketer, and strategic management consultant. He is a member of the Forbes Business Council and the Forbes’ Young Entrepreneur Council.
LookinLA provides clients with digital transformation, account-based marketing, design, and production. Additionally, the firm manages clients’ email and video marketing, social media, PPC advertising, influencer marketing, and experiential marketing, and bolsters marketing with public relations. Results are meticulously monitored, measured, and engineered to ensure real-time, outcome-driven, and optimized execution.

Payani came to the United States from Dubai in 2016, bringing vast experience in technology and business. His expertise in artificial intelligence gave him the adeptness and command of digital marketing. Data-driven marketing-generated rapid success for his clients, even amid the pandemic, allowed him to continue growing his firm in both revenue, clients, and staff.
Payani served as a teaching assistant at the University of Wollongong in Dubai and founded Fortment, Inc. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and digital systems security and a master’s degree in information technology management. He also earned international awards for his technology developments and was recognized for his automated phishing detector (Best Innovation Gitex Award in Dubai) and earned the Du InfoSec Award, and the AI Algorithm Gulf Programming contest.

Payani authored a research paper on a behavioral model to improve information security policies implantation and engineered an AI-based air quality measuring technology that is widely celebrated for the innovation’s life-saving potential among those who suffer from asthma.

Payani is often invited to speak at conventions and technology workshops about business growth, leadership, digital marketing, computer security, and AI. Past speaking engagements include the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce, Trinet, the Entrepreneur Podcast Network, and the Dubai Business Console. He is certified in Google Adwords, Y Combinator – Startup School, IT Security and Risk Management, and Robotics Programs. Outside of technology, Payani is a pianist, a former national basketball player, and a chess champion.