Azhar Iqubal : Vision Behind Inshorts 60-Word News Revolution
In a world moving at lightning speed, where information overloads make readers dazed and confused, Azhar Iqubal shook up the very foundations of news as usual with a deceptively simple yet revolutionary idea: concise, unbiased news in 60 words.
As a co-founder and CEO of Inshorts, he changed the way millions consume news-quickly, efficiently, and effortlessly. Read about his journey and the phenomenal rise of Inshorts.
Early Inspiration and Genesis of Inshorts
The entrepreneurial journey of Azhar Iqubal started when he was in the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. He soon realized, however, that traditional career paths were not for him.
In 2013, Azhar, along with co-founders Deepit Purkayastha and Anunay Arunav, identified a gap in the news market. They found that readers, especially millennials and Gen Z, became more disenchanted with lengthy, opinionated articles and demanded quick, objective news updates.
The trio first experimented with a Facebook page called “News in Shorts,” which presented news in 60-word summaries.
Within weeks, the page started getting quite popular among students on the IIT campuses. So the idea worked, and it encouraged them to come up with an app for themselves, which later turned out to be Inshorts.
The Unique Value Proposition: Why 60 Words?
Inshorts addresses two crucial challenges of modern news consumption:
1. Time Constraints: People generally do not have the time to sit through lengthy articles. Inshorts presents news in an abridged form that is consumed by users within under 30 seconds.
2. Neutrality: While traditional news outlets are filled with editorial biases, Inshorts presents facts-based content in a concise form.
This approach resonated with users, particularly the youth, who wanted a fast and effective way to keep up with their busy schedules and stay abreast of events.
The Growth Story: From Startup to Industry Leader
From its humble beginnings, Inshorts has grown exponentially over the years:
1. Users: By 2023, the app had crossed more than 10 million daily active users and became India’s most popular English news app.
2. Funding: Inshorts secured Series A funding of ₹25 crore in 2015 and $60 million in 2021. Investors, such as Tiger Global and Flipkart’s founders, believed the platform had potential.
3. Revenue Model: Inshorts is free for users, but still generates revenue through B2B advertising in non-intrusive formats such as banners and sponsored content. With this model, the interface remains seamless, yet profitable to the company.
The Technology and Personalization
Advanced algorithms from Inshorts curate a feed for news based on user preference, ensuring that every individual sees what matters to them, and in return increases engagement and satisfaction.
Aggregating news from multiple sources from diverse, credible, and authentic sources, this website covers all categories – be it politics, technology, sports, or entertainment.
The minimalist design and intuitive interface of the app further make it successful. Users can scroll through headlines quickly and read full articles if desired, making Inshorts both efficient and user-friendly.
Expansion Beyond News: The Public App
Building on the success of Inshorts, Azhar and his team launched Public App in 2019. A location-based social network connects people to hyper-local news and events. The Public App will support India’s diverse linguistic and cultural landscape with more than 50 million users on board.
Leadership Philosophy: Lessons from Azhar Iqubal
Azhar emphasizes innovation, resilience, and user-centricity in his leadership style. He feels that the validation of ideas can happen through action rather than only market surveys. That was demonstrated with the launch of News in Shorts on Facebook-the initial one as a live proof-of-concept.
What he believes in, thus:
1. Retention over acquisition: Azhar values repeat users as an important metric for the platform’s success.
2. Quality Focus: High-quality, reliable content remains at the core of Inshorts’ strategy.
3. Empowering Others: As a judge on Shark Tank India, Azhar mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, sharing insights from his own journey.
Challenges and Milestones
The path to success was not without obstacles. The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges but also highlighted the importance of trustworthy, concise news. Inshorts rose to the occasion, becoming a go-to source for pandemic updates and solidifying its reputation as a reliable news aggregator.
This move by the platform also did not go unnoticed as the site shunned intrusive advertisements, concentrating on user experience instead. Currently, Inshorts works at a 50% profit margin, something quite rare for startups in media and technology industries.
Impact and Legacy
Inshorts has not only redefined news consumption but also inspired a wave of innovation in digital media. Its success demonstrates the power of simplicity and the importance of addressing user needs.
For Azhar, the journey is far from over. His vision extends beyond Inshorts, as he continues to explore new ways to leverage technology for social and economic impact.
The Future of News Consumption
Inshorts has continued to be at the helm of the shifting landscape, responding to changing consumer preferences.
Maintaining high standards with concise formats ensures that the platform maintains relevance in a world where information is overwhelming. In the next wave of digital transformation, news will be directed by Inshorts.
The story of Azhar Iqubal is a tale of vision, perseverance, and innovation. From college dropout with a bold idea to the CEO of a company that has reached several millions, his journey is inspirational for aspiring entrepreneurs and disruptors.
Inshorts is not just a news app but an example of the strength of simplicity and a source of inspiration in India’s ecosystem of startups. Through leadership, Azhar continues to redefine how one consumes news, one 60-word story at a time.
