Biography of Ankush Sachdeva: Co-Founder & CEO Of ShareChat & Moj App -Entrepreneur
Biography of Ankush Sachdeva:
The Humble Beginnings of Ankush Sachdeva
Ankush Sachdeva, born in 1992 in Ghaziabad, India, began his
educational journey at Somerville School in Noida. From an early age, his
affinity for technology and learning was evident. After completing his
schooling, he pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Computer Science and
Engineering at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur.
This rigorous program not only honed his technical skills but also ignited his
passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. During his time at IIT Kanpur, he
secured a valuable internship at Microsoft in Hyderabad in 2014, where he
gained practical experience that would shape his future career.
Academic Triumphs and Recognition
During his academic years, Ankush Sachdeva distinguished
himself with a series of notable achievements. At the TechOlympics, held at IIT
Bombay’s annual technical festival, he secured first place in the Algorithmic
Programming Contest, demonstrating his prowess in problem-solving and coding.
He also excelled in the BattleCity competition at IIT Kanpur, where he created
an AI for the Tron game, showcasing his skills in artificial intelligence. His
innovative thinking earned him the Jury's Choice Award at Yahoo HackU 2012 for
developing a unique Android app that adjusted the user’s phone settings based
on location and accelerometer data. Furthermore, he was a significant
contributor to his team’s victory at the ACM ICPC Asia Regionals in December
2012. His exceptional achievements were recognized when he was listed on Forbes'
30 Under 30 Asia in 2018.
Venturing into Entrepreneurship
Following his graduation in 2015, Ankush Sachdeva made a
bold decision to dive into the world of entrepreneurship. Along with his IIT
Kanpur classmates, Bhanu Pratap Singh and Farid Ahsan, he co-founded Mohalla
Tech Private Limited. This venture was a turning point, as they sought to
address the gaps in the Indian social media landscape. Their journey began with
the creation of ShareChat, a platform designed to cater specifically to Indian
users by offering content in multiple regional languages, a niche that was
underserved at the time.
Biography of Ankush Sachdeva: Co-Founder & CEO Of ShareChat & Moj App-Entrepreneur?investor/Net worth/Success story of Ankush Sachdeva/ShareChat & Moj
Early Challenges and Determination
Before finding success with ShareChat, Ankush and his team
faced several obstacles. Their initial efforts included various projects, such
as developing a crime data analyzer for the Delhi Police, but these endeavors
did not lead to significant breakthroughs. Despite these early setbacks,
Ankush’s determination remained unwavering. His belief in the potential of his
ideas and his commitment to his vision kept him and his team motivated to continue
their entrepreneurial journey.
The Launch of ShareChat
ShareChat officially launched on January 8, 2015, with the
goal of providing a social media platform that resonated with users across
India. The app was designed to support 15 Indian languages, including Hindi,
Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, and others. This multilingual approach allowed
ShareChat to connect with users from diverse linguistic backgrounds, filling a
crucial gap left by platforms predominantly focused on English. The app quickly
gained traction, thanks to its focus on regional content and user engagement.
Mohalla Tech’s Strategic Expansion
Mohalla Tech, the parent company of ShareChat, played a
vital role in the platform’s growth. The company expanded its footprint by
acquiring several strategic assets, including Transversal Tech, which
specialized in short video content, Elanic, an online fashion marketplace,
Memer, a meme discovery platform, and Circle Internet, a source of hyperlocal
information. These acquisitions not only broadened ShareChat’s capabilities but
also enhanced its competitive edge in the digital space.
Growth and Popularity
ShareChat’s rapid growth can be attributed to its unique
value proposition and its ability to cater to a diverse user base. With over
180 million monthly active users, the platform has become a major player in
India’s social media landscape. The app’s user base continues to expand, and it
now employs around 600 individuals, reflecting its growing influence and
operational scale.
The Success of Moj
In 2020, Mohalla Tech launched Moj, a video-sharing app that
gained significant popularity following the ban of TikTok in India. Moj's
success further solidified Mohalla Tech’s position as an innovative leader in
the digital media space. The app's ability to quickly adapt to market changes
and meet user demands played a key role in its success.
Ankush’s Transition to CEO
Initially, Ankush Sachdeva held the role of Co-founder and
Chief Product Officer at ShareChat. His leadership and vision were instrumental
in shaping the platform’s early development. Over time, he transitioned into
the role of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), where he has continued to drive
ShareChat’s strategy and growth. His leadership has been pivotal in navigating
the company through its various phases of expansion and success.
Securing Funding and Financial Milestones
ShareChat’s financial growth has been fueled by significant investments from prominent entities. The company received substantial backing from SAIF Partners, Twitter, Lightspeed India Partners, and other investors. By 2021, ShareChat had successfully raised $400 million in funding. In 2022, the company secured an additional $300 million from Times Group, Google, and Temasek Holdings. This influx of capital has been crucial for enhancing the platform’s features and expanding its user base.
Overcoming Initial Setbacks
Ankush Sachdeva’s journey was marked by numerous challenges
and setbacks. Despite his impressive educational background and the high
expectations from his family, he chose to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams
rather than take a conventional high-paying job. His perseverance through
numerous failures, including 17 unsuccessful ventures before finding success
with ShareChat, highlights his resilience and determination.
The Distinctiveness of ShareChat
ShareChat’s success can be attributed to its focus on
providing a social media platform that supports 15 regional languages. Unlike
English-dominant platforms like Facebook, ShareChat caters to users who prefer
to interact in their native languages. This approach has resonated with a wide
audience, particularly in smaller towns and cities, where regional content is
more relevant and engaging.
Strategic Focus on User Growth
In its early years, ShareChat prioritized building a robust
user base over generating revenue. The team focused on increasing user
engagement and expanding their community. This strategy proved successful, as
the user base grew substantially, allowing the company to shift its focus to
monetization once it had a solid foundation of active users.
The Impact of ShareChat
ShareChat’s growth and success underscore Ankush Sachdeva’s
vision and ability to identify and address market needs. By providing a
platform that supports regional language content, ShareChat has become a leader
in India’s digital space. The platform’s ability to connect users and foster
communication in their native languages has set it apart and contributed to its
significant impact.
An Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey
Ankush Sachdeva’s journey from an IIT graduate to the
founder of ShareChat is a testament to his resilience, innovation, and
entrepreneurial spirit. His story reflects the transformative power of
persistence and vision. By addressing a critical gap in the market and creating
a platform that resonates with a diverse audience, Sachdeva has set an
inspiring example for aspiring entrepreneurs and demonstrated the potential for
groundbreaking success through visionary leadership.
Timeline of Ankush Sachdeva’s Journey:
1992: Born in Ghaziabad, India
Ankush Sachdeva is born in Ghaziabad.
2009-2011: Somerville School in Noida
Completes schooling with a passion for technology.
2011-2015: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur
Studies Computer Science, honing technical and
entrepreneurial skills.
2014: Internship at Microsoft
Gains practical experience at Microsoft in Hyderabad.
2012: ACM ICPC Asia Regionals
Helps his team win the ACM ICPC Asia Regionals.
2012: Yahoo HackU 2012
Wins Jury's Choice Award for an innovative Android app.
2015: ShareChat Launch
Co-founds ShareChat, focusing on regional language content.
2015: ShareChat Official Launch
Launches ShareChat to support 15 Indian languages.
2020: Moj Launch
Mohalla Tech introduces Moj, capitalizing on the TikTok ban.
2021: Funding Achievement
ShareChat raises $400 million from major investors.
2022: Further Funding Secured
Secures an additional $300 million from prominent backers.
2024: Ankush Becomes CEO
Moves into the CEO role, steering ShareChat’s growth.
