In the world of entrepreneurship, few stories captivate and inspire like that of Azhar Iqubal. A first-generation Indian entrepreneur, Azhar’s journey from a dropout of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology to being one of the prominent figures in the startup ecosystem is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and innovation.
Born and raised in the Indian state of Bihar, Azhar had decided to leave the life of traditional academia in pursuit of entrepreneurship. Today, Azhar stands at the helm of two of India’s most innovative and impactful startups, with Inshorts boasting over 10 million active users and Public App emerging as the largest location-based social network in the country.
Now, as a judge on Shark Tank India, Azhar continues to pay it forward, offering guidance and mentorship to the next generation of aspiring entrepreneurs, cementing his legacy as a true pioneer in the world of business and innovation. Through triumphs and challenges, Azhar’s story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere, showcasing the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and determination.
Early Beginnings
Studying at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Azhar Iqubal, along with his fellow classmates Anunay Arunav and Deepit Purkayastha, embarked on a journey that would redefine news consumption in India. Their venture started in 2013 with the inception of a Facebook page titled “News in Shorts.” The concept was refreshingly simple: to provide news summaries in easy-to-understand language, accompanied by links to original sources. What started as a humble experiment soon caught the attention of readers seeking a more efficient way to stay informed amidst the deluge of information.
“The idea of Inshorts is to re-connect the generation with the habit of reading news. Knowing that this generation is always on the go, we make sure that the user stays updated,” Azhar said.
A pivotal moment in their journey came when they were accepted into the startup accelerator program, TLabs, backed by the Times Internet group. Here, they were able to learn more about entrepreneurship and the tricks behind building a successful company. Armed with newfound knowledge and guidance, the trio started on their vision, transforming “News in Shorts” into what would later become known as Inshorts. As the app started gaining interest from readers because of the efficient process, it also helped the platform to solidify its status as a game-changer in the world of news delivery.
“I started my entrepreneurial journey in 2013 along with my Indian Institute of Technology classmates Anunay Pandey and Deepit Purkayastha. We observed that Millennials were increasingly distancing themselves from the concept of reading news and the major hindrance was the long and bulky nature of the content and lack of reading time. Realising the issue, we decided to create a Facebook page called News in Shorts which focused on giving the readers quick summaries of news stories within the limit of 60 words. Today, Inshorts is India’s highest-rated and #1 English news app with more than 10 million active users.” Said Azhar Iqubal.
Today, with over 10 million downloads, Inshorts stands as a testament to the power of simplicity and innovation, captivating audiences with its concise and informative format. The success of Inshorts not only transformed the landscape of news consumption in India but also served as a source of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs nationwide.
Inception of Inshorts
Following their success at TLabs, Azhar Iqubal and his co-founders decided to turn their idea into a real business by officially launching Inshorts. Building upon the foundation laid by “News in Shorts,” the new platform offered users a streamlined and efficient way to access news updates. With a commitment to providing comprehensive coverage in a concise format, Inshorts quickly gained attention among users who wanted to stay informed in the middle of their busy lives.
During the initial years, Inshorts secured notable funding rounds, including ₹10 lakh in 2013 from TLabs with substantial investments raising over ₹25 crore in 2015 and $60 million in 2021 according to Stars Unfolded.
“Ten years ago, as I was stepping into my 20s, I took a leap of faith and dropped out of IIT Delhi to start Inshorts. The last decade has been a wild ride, full of excitement. Those tireless nights resulted in making a mark in the social media industry. A decade later, as I step into my 30s, we are today one of the largest players in our space with 1.2 crore Indians using our apps every day.“ Azhar said in an article published in Metastory.
The hallmark of Inshorts’ success lies in its ability to filter complex information into small bits which do not contain more than sixty words. This unique approach to news delivery was a blockbuster success with audiences, who preferred the app instead of traditional news outlets for a hassle-free news experience. As word of mouth spread and user numbers surged, Inshorts emerged as a frontrunner in the competitive landscape of news aggregation.
The app later evolved into India’s premier English news app, boasting over 10 million active users. Achieving operational profitability within five years of its inception, Inshorts has gained the trust of over 500 brands for its innovative marketing campaigns and content partnerships. Not content with just one success, Azhar ventured into new territory in 2019 with the launch of Public App, a location-based social network. This platform quickly surpassed expectations, amassing over 50 million active users and becoming a cornerstone of digital community engagement in India.
Innovative Approach to News Delivery
Inshorts’ innovative approach to news delivery has changed the way millions of users consume information on a daily basis. By providing news updates in a concise and summarized format, the app addressed a fundamental need for efficiency and convenience in an increasingly fast-paced world. Unlike traditional news outlets, which often overwhelm readers with lengthy articles and long coverage, Inshorts offers a refreshingly streamlined alternative that allows users to stay informed without sacrificing precious time.
“Our vision is to make news and information accessible to everyone in real-time, which our users can consume on the go investing a minimum of their time. We started with Inshorts, a news application, which curates the most significant daily news of the day in just 60 words. The idea of Inshorts is to re-connect the generation with the habit of reading news. Knowing that this generation is always on the go, we make sure that the user stays updated.” Said Azhar in an interview with Asia Tech Daily.
The app’s success lies not only in its shortness but also in its ability to curate content from a diverse range of sources, ensuring that there is full coverage of global events and topics. By using algorithms and user preferences, Inshorts consistently tries to deliver personalized news which suits the individual interests of different people making the user experience even better. It does not matter if it is a breaking news alert or an in-depth analysis, Inshorts always tries to give a short yet well-informed overview of news that keeps users engaged and informed.
Inshorts’ innovative approach to news delivery has earned it accolades from users and industry experts alike, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in the field of media and technology. As the app continues to evolve and adapt to changing consumer preferences, its commitment to delivering high-quality content in a concise format remains unwavering. With Azhar Iqubal at the helm, Inshorts is poised to redefine the future of news consumption, one short news article at a time.
Shark Tank India and Beyond
In October 2023, Azhar Iqubal was appointed as one of the esteemed judges on the show which marked a significant milestone in Azhar’s entrepreneurial journey. As a judge on Shark Tank India, Azhar will be bringing invaluable insights and experience to the table, offering guidance and mentorship to budding entrepreneurs seeking investment opportunities for their innovative business ideas.
Azhar’s involvement in Shark Tank India shows his commitment to nurturing the startup ecosystem in India and fostering entrepreneurship among aspiring founders. His journey from a dropout of the Indian Institute of Technology to a prominent figure in the startup ecosystem serves as an inspiration to countless individuals aspiring to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Through his role on Shark Tank India, Azhar continues to empower and support the next generation of innovators, providing them with a platform to showcase their ideas and secure vital funding for their ventures.
With awards like the Business World Young Entrepreneur Award as well as recognition from prestigious publications like Forbes, Azhar’s entrepreneurial journey has shown resilience, vision, and determination. As he continues to chart new territories and redefine the boundaries of success, Azhar remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.
“On Shark Tank India Season 3, I want to convey to the youth of India that your background and whether you possess a degree are not significant; what matters is your hunger, discipline, and focus. If you have these qualities, I am here to support you in achieving your entrepreneurial dream,” Azhar said.
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