Azhar Iqubal
| Azhar Iqubal | |
|---|---|
| |
| Born | 7 October 1992 Kishanganj, Bihar, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Investor |
| Known for | Co-founder of Inshorts |
| Education | IIT Delhi (Mathematics and Computing – dropped out) |
| Position | Co-founder and Chairman, Inshorts |
| Years active | 2013–present |
| Net worth | ₹500 crore (approx.) |
Azhar Iqubal (born 7 October 1992) is an Indian entrepreneur and investor best known as the co-founder and chairman of the news aggregation platform Inshorts. He is also known for appearing as a judge on the business reality television show Shark Tank India.
Iqubal gained recognition for creating a platform that delivers news summaries in 60 words or less, changing the way young audiences consume news content.
Early Life and Education
Azhar Iqubal was born on 7 October 1992 in Kishanganj, Bihar, India. He spent his early years in Bihar and later moved to pursue higher education.[1]
He enrolled at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi to study Mathematics and Computing. During his time at IIT Delhi, he developed a strong interest in entrepreneurship and technology.
However, he eventually decided to drop out of college to focus on building a startup.[2]
Career
Founding Inshorts
In 2013, Azhar Iqubal, along with his IIT Delhi classmate Anunay Pandey and IIT Kharagpur student Deepit Purkayastha, launched a Facebook page called News in Shorts.[3]
The page summarized news articles into short and easy-to-read formats. It quickly gained popularity among young readers who preferred brief updates instead of lengthy news reports.
The idea soon evolved into a mobile application called Inshorts. The app provides users with concise news updates, typically limited to about 60 words.
Over time, Inshorts grew rapidly and became one of India's most widely used news aggregation apps.[4]
Public App
In 2019, Iqubal co-founded another platform called Public App. The application focuses on providing local news and updates, enabling communities to share information about events, services, and announcements within their regions.
Public App gained significant popularity and reached millions of users within its first year.
Leadership Role
Azhar Iqubal served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Inshorts for over a decade. In April 2024, he stepped down as CEO after leading the company for eleven years and transitioned to the role of Chairman.
His co-founder Deepit Purkayastha then took over as CEO of the company.
Shark Tank India
Azhar Iqubal became widely known to television audiences after joining the panel of investors on Shark Tank India.
As one of the judges on the show, he mentors young entrepreneurs and invests in promising startups. His appearance on the show has made him a role model for many aspiring entrepreneurs in India.
Challenges
Like many startups, Inshorts faced challenges during its growth, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company had to adapt to changing user behavior and market conditions.
Despite these challenges, the platform continued to grow and remained among the popular news apps recommended for reliable updates.
Investments
Azhar Iqubal has invested in several startups. One notable investment includes:
- QuickReply.ai – Seed round investment in 2023
Through his investments and mentorship, he actively supports innovation and entrepreneurship.
Awards and Recognition
Azhar Iqubal has received several awards and recognitions for his entrepreneurial achievements, including:
- Forbes India 30 Under 30
- Forbes Asia 30 Under 30
- Fortune India 40 Under 40
- Business World 40 Under 40
- Business World Young Entrepreneur Award
- Leaders of Asia Award
These honors highlight his contributions to the technology and startup ecosystem.
Personal Life
Azhar Iqubal is known to maintain a relatively private personal life. He enjoys traveling, driving, and going on road trips with friends.
His journey from an IIT student to a successful entrepreneur has inspired many young people to pursue innovative ideas and startup ventures.
Legacy
Azhar Iqubal is regarded as one of the prominent young entrepreneurs in India. Through platforms like Inshorts and Public App, he has played an important role in transforming digital news consumption.
His story—from dropping out of IIT to building a successful technology company—continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs across the country.
References
- ↑ https://businessconnectindia.in/success-story-of-azhar-iqubal/
- ↑ https://mainmedia.in/azhar-iqbal-becomes-the-new-judge-of-shark-tank-india/
- ↑ https://hindi.news18.com/news/bihar/kishanganj-azhar-iqubal-joins-shark-tank-india-season-3-know-his-journey-7748379.html
- ↑ https://arisetimes.in/startups/azhar-iqubal-inshorts-founder-and-shark-tank-india/