What does it really take to turn an idea into a business that survives, scales, and attracts investors?

Azhar Iqubal breaks down the realities young entrepreneurs are rarely told about — from building conviction before chasing funding, to understanding what investors actually look for beyond pitch decks and buzzwords. This conversation goes beyond motivation and dives into mindset, execution, resilience, and the long game of entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re a first-time founder, a student with a startup idea, or someone standing at the edge of taking a leap, this one will make you pause, reflect, and think sharper about the road ahead.

Don't forget to LIKE, and SHARE this episode with people you know so it reaches out far and wide.

EPISODE GUEST: AZHAR IQUBAL, InShorts, Shark Tank India, Fenado AI

Also follow CANDID CONFESSIONS WITH CHHAVI podcast on:

www.youtube.com/@bwwc

www.youtube.com/@candidconfessionswithchhavi

www.instagram.com/candidconfessionswithchhavi

www.instagram.com/chhavihussein

✨ Join the BEING WOMAN WITH CHHAVI community for these exclusive features.

• Weekly newsletter with intimate reflections

• 2–3 minute audio nuggets on topics we all silently struggle with (Echoes Of Chhavi)

• Anonymous messaging—to share your story and get guidance.

FREE REGISTRATION for all at:www.beingwomanwithchhavi.com

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Opening thoughts and introduction about what to expect from this conversation.

02:47 Why did you drop out of IIT? What was the thought behind it

05:35 What were the initial challenges you faced when you started InShorts?

06:17 How long did it take you to materialise the development of the news app? What did Azhar Iqubal do before actually launching InShorts.

07:08 Were there any challenges you faced in maintaining the app that you had developed and was doing well.

08:51 Is it more important to focus on your own forte before launching a business or on what is the current trend and the consumer demand?

10:23 Which other businesses did you try to build before InShorts became popular?

15:10 Is it a challenge to ensure that you stream the news instantly?

16:10 The importance of patenting an idea?

17:59 When somebody starts a business and requires investment, what changes does should be expected with an external force coming in?

22:23 What are the things you look for when you want to invest in a business?

25:13 What is the most common mistake a person makes when starting a new business?

28:07 What are you trolled for the most?

29:21 How did you think of the name InShorts?

30:19 Anything you are waiting for somebody to ask but nobody is asking? Any pet peeve? Any habit that you just cannot get rid of?

32:34 As an entrepreneur, do you ever feel that you have had enough or have any low moments where you feel something is not working out in spite of you trying so hard? What should somebody do when they go through that?

35:36 Closing thoughts and message.