Azhar Iqubal: IIT Dropout to Rs.3,700 Crore | New Shark Tank Judge

Introduction

As Shark Tank gets ready for its third season, it's introducing some new judges, including Azhar Iqubal. Azhar is known for creating the Inshorts News app, starting from a small Facebook page and turning it into a big company. He's also been honoured with awards like Forbes India 30 under 30 and Fortune India 40 under 40 for his work with ventures like "Public."

Azhar, from Bihar, isn't great at English but is super confident, preferring to speak Hindi. His confidence and smart business decisions always pay off, showing that believing in yourself is the real key to success.

Early Life and Education

Azhar Iqubal, born in Kishanganj, Bihar, India, to a lower middle class family, always had a thirst for knowledge. Even though his family didn't have much, he loved learning and did really well in school. He got into a top engineering college, IIT Delhi, in 2009, studying Computer Science with the help of a scholarship. This laid the groundwork for his future in technology and business.

Today, at just 31 years old, Azhar is the CEO of the Inshorts app, known for delivering brief news updates. His academic achievements include ranking around 600 in the IIT JEE exam and pursuing an Integrated M.Tech program at IIT Delhi before opting to focus on his entrepreneurial pursuits.

Entrepreneurial Journey

After finishing college, Azhar along with classmates Deepti Purkayastha and Anunay Pandey jumped into the startup world, starting several companies together. Their first big idea, "News in Shorts," started on Facebook in 2013, where they summarised news stories in just 60 words. It became so popular that they launched the Inshorts app in 2014. Azhar became the CEO and led the company to huge success, attracting lots of users and money (Inshorts was valued at ₹3,700 crore as of October 2023).

He left college in 2012 to focus on business, and with his friends, they officially launched the News In Shorts app in 2013. Over the years, they got a lot of investment, expanded the app, and even launched a version in Hindi in 2016. Azhar also got involved in other projects, like the "Public" social media app, which became very popular. Their success attracted even more investment, making Azhar a big player in the Indian tech scene.

Role as a Shark Tank Judge

Azhar's entrepreneurial achievements caught the attention of industry experts and media alike, leading to his invitation as a guest judge on Shark Tank Season 03. As a judge on the show, Azhar brings his unique perspective and expertise to evaluate pitches from aspiring entrepreneurs seeking investment. 

His background in technology and startups, combined with his firsthand experience of building and scaling a successful company, makes him a valuable asset to the panel. Azhar's role as a judge on Shark Tank reflects the growing influence of technology and innovation in the business world and serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

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Biography

Azhar Iqubal is an Indian entrepreneur best known as the CEO of Inshorts. Here are some key details about him:

• Name: Azhar Iqbal

• Profession: Entrepreneur

• Date of Birth: 18 January 1992

• Age: 31 years (as of 2024)

• College/University: Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi

• Qualification: BTech CS-2012 (IIT Delhi Dropout)

• Country: India

• Birthplace: Aligarh, Bihar

• Hometown: Kishanganj, Bihar

• Religion: Muslim

• Marital Status: Unmarried

• Famous as: Inshorts CEO

• Income: Rs. 500 Crore

Personal Achievements

Azhar Iqubal, often likened to a shark in the business world, has not only achieved remarkable success but has also been honoured with prestigious awards. Here are some of his noteworthy awards & achievements:

• Business World Young Entrepreneur Award
• The Most Enterprising Brands
• Leaders of Asia Award
• Under 40 In the Business World
• Under 40 In Fortune India
• Under 30 In Forbes India Forbes
• Under 30 In Forbes Asia

With such recognition, Azhar Iqubal stands as one of the most accomplished and celebrated businessmen in the country. 

Investments and Net Worth

According to Business Patrika, 31-year-old Azhar Iqubal’s net worth is a huge INR 500 crore. He's a self-made businessman with many awards, including the Business World Young Entrepreneur Award, Leaders of Asia Award, and others. Inshorts, the company he founded, raised over USD 119 million (about INR 990 crore) from investors like Tiger Global and Times Internet.

Did You Know?

Azhar Iqubal's love for cars is evident in his collection, starting with the impressive Porsche 718 Boxster. This turbocharged marvel boasts a 7-speed PDK gearbox, reaching a top speed of 275 kph and accelerating from 0 to 100 kmph in just 4.9 seconds. Priced at Rs. 1.52 Crore in India and starting at $72,050 in the US, it's a blend of luxury and power, with notable features like 18″ alloy wheels and exceptional handling.

Highlights

• Azhar Iqubal, CEO of Inshorts, joins Shark Tank as a judge for Season 03.

• Born in Kishanganj, Bihar, India, Azhar's journey started with a thirst for knowledge despite limited resources.

• Azhar co-founded "News in Shorts" during his college days, which later evolved into the Inshorts app.

• Inshorts became a household name in India under Azhar's leadership, attracting millions of users and significant investment.

• Azhar's net worth is estimated at INR 500 crore, with Inshorts raising over USD 119 million in investments.

• As a Shark Tank judge, Azhar brings his expertise in technology and startups to evaluate pitches from aspiring entrepreneurs.

• His achievements include awards like the Business World Young Entrepreneur Award and recognition in Forbes lists.

• Azhar's journey from a small village to the tech industry exemplifies determination and innovation, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide.

Conclusion

Azhar Iqubal's journey from a small village in India to a big name in the tech industry is truly inspiring. As a guest judge on Shark Tank Season 03, he brings fresh ideas and insights, reflecting the growing role of technology in business. His story gives hope to aspiring entrepreneurs, showing that determination and innovation can overcome any obstacle. Azhar's presence on Shark Tank and his commitment to helping others succeed make him a respected figure in the business world.