Azhar Iqubal Biography: CEO & Founder of Inshorts, Age, Height, Family, Wife, Girlfriend, Net Worth, Career & More

Azhar Iqubal is a name that resonates within the tech and entrepreneurial world, especially when it comes to how we consume news today. Imagine a world where news is no longer overwhelming, but simplified into bite-sized, digestible chunks that fit perfectly into your busy life. That’s the world Azhar Iqubal helped create with InShorts, a revolutionary news aggregation app that condenses the latest headlines into quick, 60-word summaries. It’s a game-changer for anyone who finds themselves caught in the whirlwind of a busy schedule and still wants to stay informed.

Azhar Iqubal Biography

Born on October 7, 1992, in India, Azhar’s journey from a determined IIT Delhi student to becoming one of the most influential entrepreneurs in the country is a story of innovation, risk-taking, and relentless perseverance. In 2013, alongside his IIT classmates, he launched InShorts, initially starting as a simple Facebook page before evolving into a full-fledged app. The rest, as they say, is history. Not only has the app become one of India’s highest-rated news apps, but it also reflects Azhar’s deep understanding of the digital age’s thirst for speed and simplicity.

But wait—Azhar’s journey doesn’t stop there. As a judge on Shark Tank India, he’s now making waves in the business world in an entirely different way—investing in young entrepreneurs and nurturing innovative ideas that can change the game. His entrepreneurial journey, marked by creative vision and impressive leadership, speaks volumes about his role in shaping India’s digital media landscape.

Azhar Iqubal Biography Details

Physical Appearance

Family and Relatives

Personal Life

Azhar Iqubal is known for his private nature. While his professional life is highly visible, he keeps details about his family and personal relationships under wraps. In a world where privacy is becoming increasingly rare, Azhar’s choice to maintain a low profile in his personal life is a refreshing contrast to the often overshared world of social media. This balance between professional and personal life shows Azhar’s focus on what truly matters—his work and his vision for the future.

Azhar Iqubal’s Early Life and Education

Azhar Iqubal’s story is the perfect example of how a blend of curiosity, technology, and the willingness to break the norm can lead to monumental success. He was born in Aligarh, India, and from the get-go, his intellect and ambition were apparent. He pursued his studies at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, where he enrolled in Mathematics and Computer Engineering. But unlike many of his peers, Azhar’s journey wasn’t about following a prescribed path; in 2012, he decided to leave IIT and set off on his own entrepreneurial adventure. This bold move was driven by a desire to create something meaningful—something that would have a lasting impact.

Azhar’s decision to leave IIT Delhi wasn’t easy. After all, it’s a place that churns out some of the brightest minds in the country. But his drive to innovate, to build something of his own, was greater. It was this mindset that led him and his partners, Deepit Purkayastha and Anunay Pandey, to launch InShorts—a decision that would later turn out to be a game-changer for India’s digital media landscape.

Education

Career Highlights

The Rise of InShorts

In 2013, Azhar and his team took a leap of faith. They started InShorts, initially a Facebook page that offered bite-sized news updates, perfect for a mobile-centric audience. The concept? A summary of the most important news stories, condensed into just 60 words. In a country with millions of people on the go, InShorts found its niche. News consumers no longer had to sift through lengthy articles or tune into traditional news sources. Instead, they could get a snapshot of the day’s top stories in a fraction of the time.

The app’s appeal grew quickly—InShorts became one of India’s highest-rated news apps, with millions of active users. The beauty of InShorts wasn’t just its simplicity, but its understanding of what modern users needed: quick, clear, and concise updates, all packed into an easy-to-consume format. The app offered news across various sectors—politics, sports, entertainment, and more—allowing users to stay up-to-date without feeling overwhelmed.

Azhar’s Next Big Move

While InShorts was thriving, Azhar didn’t rest on his laurels. In 2019, he co-founded the Public App, a location-based social networking platform designed to connect local communities in India. With an active user base exceeding 100 million, the Public App blends social networking with local information. It allows people to stay informed about events in their area, all while breaking down language barriers by offering content in multiple regional languages.

The app’s growth highlights Azhar’s deep understanding of the need for localized and relevant information. By focusing on local communities, Azhar wasn’t just creating another app; he was creating a platform that brought people together, fostering real-world connections through digital means.

Shark Tank India

Azhar’s success in the digital space has also made him a prominent figure on Shark Tank India. Joining the panel of investors for the show’s third season, Azhar stepped into a new role: that of a mentor and investor, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs and giving them a platform to present their ideas. As a judge, his expertise in digital media, entrepreneurship, and scaling ventures has made him an invaluable asset to the show.

Azhar’s presence on Shark Tank India further solidifies his position as one of the leading business figures in India. His ability to identify promising business ideas, coupled with his experience in growing startups like InShorts, positions him as a crucial figure in fostering India’s next wave of entrepreneurs.

Awards and Recognition

Azhar’s accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed. He’s earned a slew of accolades, including recognition in Forbes 30 Under 30 for both India and Asia, Fortune India’s 40 Under 40, and the Leaders of Asia Award. These honors highlight his contributions to the digital and tech landscape, recognizing him as one of the most influential young entrepreneurs in Asia.

Furthermore, his Aegis Graham Bell Award for Innovative Mobile App in 2022 speaks to his ongoing commitment to driving innovation in the tech space. These accolades, while impressive, are only a glimpse into the impact Azhar Iqubal continues to make in shaping the future of digital media and entrepreneurship in India.

Net Worth

As of 2023, Azhar Iqubal’s net worth stands at an impressive Rs 500 Crore (approx.). His wealth comes primarily from the success of InShorts and Public App, but it’s clear that his entrepreneurial ventures extend far beyond these apps. Through his ventures, Azhar has built a solid foundation that has not only led to financial success but also to global recognition.

The $64 million in funding raised by InShorts, along with the $35 million secured in 2020, underscores the confidence investors have in his vision. Azhar’s ability to create scalable, successful businesses in the highly competitive digital media space is a testament to his foresight and leadership.

Social Media

Summary

Azhar Iqubal, born on October 7, 1992, is a prominent Indian entrepreneur who co-founded InShorts, a revolutionary news aggregation app that transformed how people consume news in India. A graduate of IIT Delhi, Azhar left his studies in 2012 to pursue his entrepreneurial vision, leading to the creation of InShorts alongside his peers Deepit Purkayastha and Anunay Pandey. InShorts condenses news into bite-sized formats, which became a hit among millennials. The app rapidly gained popularity, and in 2019, Azhar expanded his entrepreneurial portfolio by founding the Public App, a location-based social networking platform with over 100 million users. Azhar’s impact in the digital space has been immense, leading to recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Fortune India’s 40 Under 40 lists. His current net worth is estimated at Rs 500 Crore, and he continues to inspire with his innovative approach to technology and media. In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Azhar now appears as a judge on Shark Tank India, where he offers valuable insights to budding entrepreneurs. His success and accolades stand as a testament to his foresight and leadership.

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