Iman Gadzhi

Iman Gadzhi was born on January 3, 2000, in Dagestanskiye Ogni, Russia. His father left shortly after his birth, and he was raised primarily by his mother and grandmother. His mother worked multiple jobs, while Gadzhi has recalled spending time in libraries because his family could not afford books.

He moved to London with his mother after she began a relationship with his stepfather. Gadzhi later described his stepfather as controlling and said the household eventually lost that source of support. These experiences contributed to his early focus on financial independence and self-directed learning.

Gadzhi initially wanted to become a professional footballer, but he abandoned that goal during his teenage years. At 15, he began buying and selling Instagram accounts. He also developed an interest in fitness, studied the subject independently, and worked as a personal trainer.

After purchasing a camera, he persuaded the owner of his local football club to let him manage its content and social media presence. The club became his first recurring client, and the work helped him attract additional clients. He left high school at 17 to concentrate on entrepreneurship and digital marketing.

Gadzhi launched his YouTube channel in 2015 with a workout video titled Back and Bicep Workout with 15-Year-Old Iman G. His early uploads focused on exercise before his content expanded into digital marketing, online business creation, and motivation.

He established IAG Media in 2017. The agency initially provided Facebook advertising and social media marketing services, with a focus on coaching, e-commerce, and luxury clients. Gadzhi later created GrowYourAgency.com in 2019, an online education platform centered on building and scaling digital agencies. He also became associated with Educate.io, which offers instruction in skills including social media marketing, sales, and copywriting.

Amara Riva worked with Gadzhi as an assistant and creative director, handling scheduling, brand logistics, and creative projects. Their professional association has been featured in his online content.

Gadzhi continues to operate digital marketing and online education ventures while producing business-focused content for YouTube and social media. A recurring theme of his public work is criticism of conventional education and promotion of practical, self-taught skills.

Education and philanthropy are also central to his stated goals. He has directed part of his business profits toward school construction in developing countries, including Nepal, and partnered with Ladles of Love on a program providing nutritious meals to 100 children at early childhood development centres in South Africa.

YouTuber Spencer Cornelia examined Gadzhi's entrepreneurial history and questioned parts of his public business narrative. Cornelia highlighted the contrast between Gadzhi's account of a difficult upbringing and his attendance at a private school supported by his stepfather. He also discussed the early history of IAG Media and questioned how its performance had been presented.

Cornelia also criticized Gadzhi's involvement with the Gents Croquet Club NFT project. The project drew criticism from investors, including complaints about Gadzhi's level of participation, while the value of its NFTs fell sharply. These criticisms form part of the public debate surrounding Gadzhi's business claims and online courses.