Blog Highlights
- Early Life and Education
- The Birth of Inshorts
- Expansion of the Digital Footprint
- Net Worth of Azhar Iqubal
- Investments and Shark Tank India Journey
- Awards and Recognitions
- Future Vision and Entrepreneurial Impact
Azhar Iqubal Net Worth: The Business Strategy Behind His Success
Azhar Iqubal’s journey from an IIT dropout to a celebrated entrepreneur and investor is an inspiring tale of innovation, resilience, and business acumen. As the co-founder and CEO of Inshorts, a revolutionary news aggregation platform, he has not only reshaped the way people consume news but has also cemented his position as a successful businessman.
His meteoric rise in the digital media space, coupled with his strategic investments, has contributed significantly to his net worth, which is estimated to be around Rs 500 Crores. This blog delves into Azhar Iqubal’s entrepreneurial journey, his rise to fame, and how he built a multi-million-dollar empire.
Early Life and Education
Azhar Iqubal was born in 1992 in Kishanganj, Bihar, India.
Despite hailing from a lower-middle-class background, his big dreams, aspirations, and thirst for knowledge were visible from the start. He achieved an impressive 600 rank in the renowned IIT-JEE exam, thereby earning a place at the prestigious IIT Delhi. He pursued a Btech in Computer Science.
While studying at IIT, Azhar was exposed to an environment of innovation and entrepreneurship. He soon realized his passion for technology and digital media. However, in 2012, he made the bold decision to drop out of IIT to pursue his entrepreneurial vision, a move that would change the trajectory of his life.
The Birth of Inshorts
1) Revolutionizing News Consumption
In 2013, Azhar Iqubal, along with his IIT classmates Deepit Purkayastha and Anunay Arunav, conceptualized the idea of providing short and crisp news updates for people with limited attention spans.
It all started as a Facebook page called “News in Shorts” and quickly gained a lot of popularity. It resonated with users preferring concise news updates instead of lengthy articles.
They realized the potential of their idea soon after this. The trio launched the Inshorts app in the year 2015. The app featured a user-friendly interface, where the news summaries were presented in just 60 words. It was a revolution in the space of digital news consumption. The approach was unique and innovative and attracted millions of users. It also piqued the interest of investors shortly. Inshorts started securing funds from marquee investors like Tiger Global and Times Internet.
2) Inshorts- Growth and Success
Under Azhar Iqubal’s leadership, Inshorts rapidly became one of the nation’s largest news aggregation platforms. The app currently boasts over 500 million users, with a valuation of approximately Rs 3,700 Crore as of October 2023. The app leveraged AI-driven content personalization, curating news based on users’ reading habits, enhancing engagement and retention.
Expansion of the Digital Footprint
In 2019, Azhar Iqubal expanded his entrepreneurial efforts with the launch of Public App, a hyperlocal video-based news platform.
Public App allows users to access real-time local news updates in their preferred languages. The platform quickly gained traction, surpassing 100 million users and securing Rs 300 Crore in funding from A91 Partners in 2021.
Azhar’s reputation as a visionary entrepreneur was only further solidified with the success of this venture.
Net Worth of Azhar Iqubal
As of 2025, Azhar Iqubal’s net worth is estimated to be around Rs 500 Crores. His wealth is primarily derived from Inshorts, the Public App, various startup investments, and bouts of public speaking and consultation.
If we had to sum up the business ventures leading up to this net worth, it would include-
- Inshorts: Revenue from advertisements, sponsored content, and native advertising.
- Public App: Monetized through video ads and hyperlocal business collaborations.
- Startup Investments: Azhar has actively invested in promising startups across various industries.
- Public Speaking & Consulting: He frequently speaks at conferences and industry events, sharing insights on entrepreneurship and business strategy.
Discover the Net Worth of Other Judges of Shark Tank India
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- Ashneer Grover
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- Vineeta Singh
- Ritesh Agarwal
- Anupam Mittal
- Peyush Bansal
- Kunal Bahl
- Deependra Goyal
Investments and Shark Tank India Journey
Azhar Iqubal’s growing influence in the business world led him to Shark Tank India Season 3 as a judge, where he has invested in numerous innovative startups.
Some of his notable investments include:
- Aroleap: ₹1 crore for 5% equity (invested with Anupam Mittal, Peyush Bansal, and Amit Jain).
- Chefling: ₹40 lakhs for 16% equity (invested with Namita Thapar, Peyush Bansal, and Amit Jain).
- Mintree: ₹90 lakhs for 1.5% equity (invested with Peyush Bansal).
- TURMS: ₹1.2 crores for 4% equity (invested individually).
His role on Shark Tank India underscores his commitment to mentoring young entrepreneurs and fostering India’s startup ecosystem.
Awards and Recognitions
Azhar Iqubal’s contributions to the digital media industry and entrepreneurship have earned him multiple accolades, and rightfully so. We commend his capabilities and achievements. It inspires us to hustle and make our way through.
- Forbes India 30 Under 30 (2016 & 2018)
- Forbes Asia 30 Under 30
- Business World Young Entrepreneur Award
- Fortune India 40 Under 40 (2016)
- Business World 40 Under 40 (2018)
- Entrepreneur of the Year (2022) by Entrepreneur India Magazine
Future Vision and Entrepreneurial Impact
Azhar Iqubal continues to focus on scaling his ventures and exploring new opportunities in the digital space. His future plans include:
- Expanding Public App to new regions and integrating advanced AI-driven news curation.
- Investing in emerging tech startups that align with digital transformation and content consumption trends.
- Exploring international expansion for both Inshorts and Public App to tap into global markets.
Reasons Why Investing in Unlisted Shares is a Wise Decision
Unlisted companies operate in emerging sectors while being on the brim of rapid expansion. Early investment in these companies can yield substantial returns once they scale up. Including unlisted shares in a portfolio also allows diversification beyond traditional markets, mitigating risks and enhancing portfolio performance.
Unlisted investments give access to unique business ventures that are not available through public markets. In some cases, investing in these shares allows investors to have a significant influence on the company’s strategy and direction, allowing a chance to drive value creation actively.
Azhar’s investment philosophy emphasizes not only impressive returns but also a forward-thinking approach to value creation and wealth management. This aligns with Altius Investech’s principles. If you’re interested in investing in unlisted shares, be sure to read our blogs for valuable insights and guidance.
- 5 Advantages of Buying Unlisted Shares in 2024
- Demystifying Unlisted Shares: How They Work
- Mitigating the Risks of Buying Unlisted Shares
- Income Tax on Capital Gains in Unlisted Shares
- Listed Vs. Unlisted Shares: Assessing Risk and Reward
- Top 5 Unlisted Shares You Should Consider Buying in India in 2024
Final Thoughts
Azhar Iqubal’s journey from an IIT dropout to a digital media mogul serves as a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and risk-taking.
His success with Inshorts and Public App has not only disrupted the traditional media landscape but also inspired countless entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams. Azhar continues to redefine digital news consumption while contributing to India’s thriving startup ecosystem. His entrepreneurial foresight and strategic investments ensure that his influence in the business world will only grow stronger in the years to come.
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