Azhar Iqubal Biography: From Bihar to Billionaire Innovator
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- July 9, 2025
Azhar Iqubal, born January 18, 1992, in Kishanganj, Bihar, is an Indian entrepreneur and co-founder of Inshorts, a news app revolutionizing media with 60-word summaries. A Shark Tank India judge, he inspires millions with his bold vision. This Azhar Iqubal biography explores his early life, career growth, struggles, comeback, current influence, and lesser-known facts, showcasing his rise to fintech stardom.
Azhar Iqubal’s Early Life
Humble Beginnings in Bihar
Born into a lower-middle-class Muslim family in Kishanganj, Azhar Iqubal grew up with a thirst for knowledge. His father, a local educator, instilled perseverance and ambition. Despite financial constraints, Azhar excelled academically at Oriental Public School, securing a 600th rank in the IIT JEE exam, earning him a spot at IIT Delhi in 2009.
IIT Delhi and Early Ventures
At IIT Delhi, Azhar pursued Mathematics and Computer Science, joining the coding club SDSLabs. However, his entrepreneurial spirit took over. Inspired by Flipkart’s success, he began experimenting with ideas, laying the groundwork for his future ventures. His passion for simplifying information shaped his innovative mindset.
Azhar Iqubal’s Career Growth
Founding Inshorts
In 2013, Azhar Iqubal co-founded News in Shorts as a Facebook page with classmates Anunay Arunav and Deepit Purkayastha. The concept of 60-word news summaries gained traction among students. Accepted into TLabs, a Times Internet accelerator, they secured ₹10 lakh in funding, launching the Inshorts app in 2015.
Scaling to Success
Inshorts grew rapidly, reaching 10 million daily users by 2023. With $165 million raised from investors like Tiger Global, its valuation hit ₹3,700 crore. Azhar’s second venture, Public App, launched in 2019, amassed 100 million downloads, offering hyperlocal news. His leadership earned him Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia in 2018.
Struggles and Down Phases
Dropping Out of IIT
In 2012, Azhar dropped out of IIT Delhi to focus on Inshorts, a risky move that shocked his family. They worried about his future without a degree, and financial struggles added pressure. Nevertheless, Azhar’s belief in his vision kept him focused, despite societal skepticism.
Early Business Challenges
Inshorts faced hurdles in its early years. Competing with lengthy news platforms, gaining user trust, and securing funding were tough. The team worked tirelessly, often with limited resources, to refine their app. Additionally, Azhar balanced studies to complete his degree later, adding to the strain.
Comeback and Rise to Fame
Azhar’s persistence paid off. Inshorts’ 2015 app launch skyrocketed its popularity, with millions downloading it for its concise format. His 2023 Shark Tank India Season 3 debut as a judge brought widespread recognition. Investments in startups like Aroleap and TURMS showcased his mentorship, earning him fans nationwide.
Current Status and Influence
Fintech and Media Leader
As of June 2025, Azhar Iqubal’s net worth is ₹500 crore, driven by Inshorts’ ₹3,700 crore valuation and Public App’s success. As Inshorts’ Chairman, he focuses on regional language expansion and global reach. His Shark Tank India Season 4 role amplifies his influence, mentoring young entrepreneurs.
Personal Life and Passions
Unmarried and based in Delhi, Azhar enjoys road trips, skydiving, and scuba diving. He keeps his family life private but credits his father’s guidance. His investments in 16 startups, like Reslink and QuickReply, reflect his commitment to fostering innovation. He advocates for accessible education in rural India.
Lesser-Known Facts
- JEE Success: Secured 600th rank in IIT JEE.
- Adventure Lover: Enjoys skydiving and scuba diving.
- Early Venture: Started News in Shorts as a Facebook page.
- Investor: Backed 16 startups, including Aroleap.
- Awards: Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2018), Business World Young Entrepreneur.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Azhar Iqubal |
| Born | January 18, 1992, Kishanganj, Bihar, India |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Inshorts, Shark Tank India Judge |
| Notable Work | Inshorts, Public App, Shark Tank India |
| Marital Status | Unmarried (2025) |
| Net Worth | ~₹500 crore ($60 million, 2025) |
| Awards | Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2018), Business World Young Entrepreneur (2022) |
Conclusion
This Azhar Iqubal biography traces a journey of bold risks and innovation. From dropping out of IIT Delhi to building Inshorts into a ₹3,700 crore empire, Azhar Iqubal overcame family doubts and early struggles to redefine news consumption. His 2025 influence as a Shark Tank judge and investor inspires young entrepreneurs to chase dreams with grit and vision.
