inShorts Founder Azhar Iqubal’s Journey in Shark Tank India
Who is Azhar Iqubal?
Azhar Iqubal is a prominent entrepreneur recognized for revolutionizing the way people consume news through his startup, inShorts. His innovative approach to delivering concise news summaries has garnered significant attention and success. This article explores Azhar’s origins, educational background, the inception of inShorts, his achievements, equity in the company, and his role as an investor on Shark Tank India.
Early Life and Education
Azhar Iqubal was born in 2012 in Punjab, India. Growing up in a family that valued education and hard work, he developed a keen interest in technology and entrepreneurship from a young age. He completed his schooling at St. Xavier’s High School in Patiala, where he excelled academically.
Azhar pursued a degree in Computer Science Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. His time at IIT not only equipped him with technical skills but also fostered his entrepreneurial spirit. During his college years, he participated in various hackathons and startup competitions, which ignited his passion for creating impactful solutions.
The Birth of inShorts
In 2013, while still a student at IIT Delhi, Azhar co-founded inShorts with his college friends Deepit Bhatia and Anunay Arunav. The idea stemmed from their observation that people were overwhelmed by information overload and had limited time to consume news. They aimed to provide a platform that delivered news summaries in just 60 words, making it easier for users to stay informed.
Like many startups, inShorts faced its share of challenges. The team had to navigate issues related to content curation, user engagement, and monetization strategies. However, their commitment to providing quality content paid off as they gained traction among users.
inShorts quickly became popular among young audiences who preferred quick news updates over lengthy articles. The app’s user-friendly interface and concise format attracted millions of downloads.
Growth Metrics of inShorts
- As of 2023, inShorts has over 10 million downloads on the Google Play Store.
- The platform has successfully raised over $20 million in funding from investors like Jungle Ventures, Keenan Capital, and others.
- The company has expanded its offerings by launching a new app called Public, which focuses on local news.
Azhar Iqubal holds a significant equity stake in inShorts. After various funding rounds, his ownership is estimated at around 30%, contributing substantially to his net worth.
Recognition and Awards
Azhar’s innovative approach has earned him several accolades:
- Featured in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for Media & Marketing.
- Recognized as one of the most influential young entrepreneurs by multiple business publications.
- Received the IIT Delhi Alumni Award for Entrepreneurship.
Azhar Iqubal's Shark Tank India Season 3 Portfolio
In Season 3 of Shark Tank India, Azhar Iqubal appeared as one of the esteemed investors. His participation brought valuable insights into the world of startups and entrepreneurship.
Azhar focuses on investing in startups that demonstrate innovative solutions to everyday problems. He believes that mentorship is crucial alongside financial investment to help entrepreneurs succeed.
1. Aroleap

Aroleap is an innovative startup founded by IIT Delhi alumni, including Anurag Dani, Aman Rai, and Rohit Patel. They have developed a wall-mounted home gym solution that offers a variety of full-body workouts. The product features patented digital weights technology, allowing users to perform exercises like squats and deadlifts in a compact space. Aroleap aims to make fitness accessible and convenient for everyone.
- Episode: 26
- Investment: INR 1 Crore
- Valuation: INR 20 Crores
- Investors: Azhar Iqubal, Amit Jain, Peyush Bansal, and Anupam Mittal
2. Chefling: Culinary Solutions

Chefling is a smart kitchen management app designed to simplify cooking and meal planning. Founded by Rounit Gambhir, it offers features like inventory organization, recipe suggestions, and shopping list management. By integrating voice assistant capabilities, Chefling helps users efficiently manage their kitchens, reduce food waste, and create gourmet meals at home with ease.
- Episode: 21
- Investment: INR 40 Lakhs
- Valuation: INR 2.5 Crores
- Investors: Amit Jain, Namita Thapar, Peyush Bansal, and Azhar Iqubal
3. Mintree: Sustainable Products

Mintree is a sustainable cosmetics brand founded by Kanika Dewani in 2018. The company focuses on creating high-quality, ethical beauty products that are organic and free from harsh chemicals. Mintree aims to elevate Indian beauty standards by combining luxury with eco-consciousness.
- Episode: 4
- Investment: INR 90 Lakhs
- Valuation: INR 60 Crores
- Investors: Peyush Bansal and Azhar Iqubal (50% each)
4. Turms: Innovative Fashion

Turms focuses on innovative fashion, potentially using new materials, technologies, or business models to disrupt the traditional fashion industry. This is a sector ripe for disruption, with consumers becoming more demanding and conscious of factors like sustainability and ethical production.
- Episode: 4
- Investment: INR 1.2 Crores
- Valuation: INR 30 Crores
- Investor: Azhar Iqubal
Analysing Azhar Iqubal's Investment Choices: Key Takeaways
Azhar Iqubal’s investments on Shark Tank India Season 3 reveal some interesting trends. He appears to be drawn to businesses that address contemporary needs and challenges, such as personalised education, streamlined cooking, sustainable products, and innovative fashion. His participation in deals alongside other Sharks suggests a collaborative approach, indicating that he values the combined expertise of the panel.
The investments themselves vary in size, showing a willingness to support startups at different stages of development. The investments in Mintree and Turms, both occurring in episode 4, might suggest a particular interest in these sectors or perhaps a connection with the entrepreneurs themselves. The fact that he was the sole investor in Turms shows he must have really believed in their vision. It’s a bold move, but one that could pay off handsomely.
It’s also worth considering Azhar’s background as the co-founder of a successful media and technology company. This experience likely influences his investment decisions, as he can bring valuable insights and guidance to startups operating in similar spaces. He probably has a good eye for businesses with strong growth potential, especially those that utilize technology in innovative ways.
Azhar Iqubal exemplifies what it means to be a forward-thinking entrepreneur. From founding inShorts to becoming an influential investor on Shark Tank India, he has made significant contributions to the media landscape. As he continues to innovate and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs, Azhar remains a pivotal figure in India’s startup ecosystem.
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