Scrolling through endless headlines isn’t everyone’s idea of fun. Back in 2013, three IIT Delhi students figured there had to be a better way to keep up with the news — something quick, clear, and made for our short attention spans.
That’s how News in Shorts began.
Azhar Iqubal, along with his college friends Deepit Purkayastha and Anunay Arunav, started it as a simple Facebook page. Their idea was straightforward, summarize daily news into just 60 words so anyone could stay informed without losing time.
The idea blew up. By 2014, it turned into an app Inshorts and within months, millions of users were hooked.
From Dropout to Disruptor
Azhar had dropped out of IIT Delhi, where he was studying Mathematics and Computing, but that never slowed him down. While most people were still figuring out what startup to build, Azhar and his team had already changed how India consumed news.
In 2016, Forbes India named him in its 30 Under 30 list, recognition for someone who’d built one of the most popular digital news platforms in the country.
Today, Inshorts isn’t just an app. It’s a digital media company valued at over $550 million (₹3,700 crore), backed by major investors like Tiger Global and Sachin Bansal.
Inside the Business
As of FY24, Inshorts reported ₹181 crore in operating revenue, keeping steady year over year. What stood out, though, was how efficiently the company managed its operations — reducing its net loss by 26%, from ₹310 crore to ₹228 crore.
The company has raised over $170 million to date, including a $60 million Series D round in 2021.
Along the way, Inshorts also launched Public App, a hyperlocal video platform that connects users to nearby news and updates — now another key part of Azhar’s growing digital ecosystem.
A New Chapter at Inshorts
In 2024, Inshorts announced a major leadership change. Azhar Iqubal transitioned from CEO to Chairman, while co-founder Deepit Purkayastha stepped into the CEO role.
It marked a new phase for the company and for Azhar, who began focusing more on strategy, new ventures, and investments.
Beyond Inshorts
Azhar’s work doesn’t stop with one startup. He actively invests in early-stage companies and the stock market, expanding his portfolio across sectors. His estimated net worth is ₹500 crore, fueled by his business ventures, investments, and public speaking engagements.
He’s also received multiple awards, including:
- Forbes India and Forbes Asia 30 Under 30
- Business World 40 Under 40
- Fortune India 40 Under 40
- Young Entrepreneur Award by Business World
- Leaders of Asia Award
The Shark Move
In 2024, Azhar joined Shark Tank India Season 3 as one of the new Sharks — becoming the youngest investor on the panel.
Speaking about it, he said:
“Your background or degree doesn’t matter. What matters is hunger, discipline, and focus. If you have that, I’m here to support your dream.”
It was a message that hit home for thousands of aspiring founders who, like him, want to build something on their own terms.
What His Story Tells Us
From a Facebook page to a $550 million empire, Azhar Iqubal’s journey is proof that ideas don’t have to be complex to make an impact — they just have to solve a real problem, simply.
For India’s new generation of entrepreneurs, his story isn’t just about success; it’s about starting small, staying curious, and believing that even 60 words can change everything.
