In a world filled with the hustle and bustle of life, staying updated with the latest news can be quite a task. But what if we told you there’s a way to get all the important news in just 60 words?
Meet Azhar Iqubal, the brain behind the revolutionary news app, InShorts.
Azhar, a 31-year-old entrepreneur hailing from Bihar, had a simple idea – to make news brief and accessible to everyone. Together with his classmates Deepit Purkayastha and Anunay Arunav, Azhar started “News in Shorts” as a humble Facebook page in 2013. Their mission? To summarize news stories in just 60 words.
Their idea struck a chord with millions, and soon they launched the InShorts app in 2014. Within no time, InShorts became one of India’s most popular news apps, with millions of users relying on it for their daily news dose.
Despite dropping out of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Azhar’s determination and business acumen led him to immense success. He was even recognized by Forbes India in their prestigious “30 Under 30” list in 2016.
Azhar’s journey wasn’t without its challenges, but his belief in himself and his idea propelled him forward. His confidence, coupled with smart business decisions, helped him turn a small Facebook page into a multi-million-dollar company.
In 2021, InShorts raised a whopping $60 million in funding, bringing its total valuation to $165 million. Azhar’s net worth soared to a staggering INR 500 crore, solidifying his position as one of India’s most successful entrepreneurs.
Recently InShorts has undergone a significant leadership reshuffle. Co-founder Azhar Iqubal is transitioning from the role of CEO to Chairman, with fellow co-founder Deepit Purkayastha set to become the new CEO.
He also joined as the new Shark on the show Shark Tank Season 3. “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,” Iqubal said on joining the popular show.
Azhar’s journey tells us that success isn’t determined by our background or qualifications; it’s driven by passion, determination, and a belief in oneself.
