Azhar Iqubal Co Founder of Inshorts Success Story

Azhar Iqubal’s journey from a curious child fascinated by technology to becoming the founder of one of India’s most innovative news platforms, Inshorts, is a story of ambition, innovation, and perseverance. Born in Aligarh, India, in 1991, Iqubal’s early years were marked by an innate curiosity and a deep interest in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. This early passion laid the groundwork for his future endeavors, leading him to a path of remarkable achievements and challenges that eventually shaped the media industry in India​​.

Early Inspirations and the Leap of Faith

Iqubal’s educational journey led him to the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he embarked on a course that would initially seem traditional but soon took a groundbreaking turn. In 2013, alongside his peers, Anunay Arunav and Deepit Purkayastha, Iqubal founded Inshorts (initially known as News in Shorts) on a simple yet revolutionary idea: condensing news into 60-word snippets for a generation overwhelmed by information overload​​.

From Facebook Page to Media Giant

The inception of Inshorts was a response to the challenge of information saturation in traditional news outlets. What started as a Facebook page rapidly transformed into a sensational app, capturing the attention of readers and investors alike. This digital platform redefined news consumption with its succinct content, making it a beloved app among millions​​.

Overcoming Challenges and Milestones

Transitioning from a novel idea to a successful app was not without its hurdles. Iqubal and his team faced skepticism and operational challenges. Yet, their resilience paid off as Inshorts became a user-friendly interface for efficient news delivery, gaining widespread popularity and securing significant investments. By 2023, Inshorts raised over $119 million across multiple funding rounds, highlighting its impact and value in the digital news space​.

Beyond News: The Creation of Public App

Iqubal’s innovative streak didn’t stop with Inshorts. In 2019, he launched ‘Public,’ a location-based social network that rapidly gained traction, becoming India’s largest location-centric social hub. This diversification showcased Iqubal’s ability to identify and cater to the evolving needs of India’s digital audience​.

Accolades and the Entrepreneurial Spirit

Iqubal’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized with several awards, including Forbes India 30 under 30 and the Business World Young Entrepreneur Award, acknowledging his significant contributions to the digital media landscape and his role as a visionary entrepreneur​.

A Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Iqubal’s journey is far from over. His continuous pursuit of innovation and his vision for a more connected and informed society drive his ventures. With Inshorts and Public App, Iqubal is not just delivering news; he is shaping the future of how information is consumed and interacted with in India.

Azhar Iqubal’s story is a testament to the power of dreaming big, challenging the status quo, and relentlessly pursuing those dreams. His journey from a tech-enthusiast kid to a leading figure in India’s digital revolution serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

Interesting Facts About Azhar Iqubal

• Motivated by the success of companies like Snapdeal and Flipkart.
•  Faced challenges from family after dropping out of IIT Delhi​.
•  Co-launched Public app, a platform to connect local communities in India​.
•  Invested in startups like TURMS (apparel) and Mintree (body care)​​.
•  Gained popularity and received fan appreciation from Shark Tank India appearance​​.
•  Enjoys adventure sports like sky diving and scuba diving​.
•  Received numerous awards including Forbes 30 under 30​​.
•  Aimed to make news more accessible to millennials with Inshorts.
•  Started Inshorts without an initial focus on earning money.
•  Pursued Mathematics and Computer Science at IIT Delhi before dropping out​​.