Driving India’s Social Media Revolution with Regional Language Platforms

Ankush Sachdeva, the Co-Founder and CEO of ShareChat and Moj, stands as a shining example of resilience, innovation, and entrepreneurial vision in India’s tech ecosystem. His journey—from enduring 17 startup failures to building one of India’s leading social media companies valued at $5 billion—reflects both determination and the power of understanding India’s diverse digital audience.

Born in 1992 in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, Sachdeva’s entrepreneurial spark ignited early, leading him to co-found Mohalla Tech Pvt Ltd alongside IIT Kanpur classmates Bhanu Pratap Singh and Farid Ahsan. Today, their ventures ShareChat and Moj have transformed the social media landscape by focusing on regional language content and short-form video innovation, addressing a gap left by global platforms.

“When content is king, regional language becomes the crown,” said Sachdeva in an earlier interview, summarizing the core philosophy behind the company’s explosive growth.

Early Life, Education, and Entrepreneurial Spirit

An alumnus of IIT Kanpur (2011–2015) with a degree in Computer Science, Sachdeva was actively involved in the campus Programming Club, where he honed his technical and leadership skills. During his college years, he interned at Microsoft Hyderabad, gaining valuable exposure to product development.

However, the real test of his entrepreneurial grit came after graduation. Despite facing repeated setbacks with 17 failed startup ideas, including a crime data analyzer for the Delhi Police, Sachdeva and his co-founders remained undeterred. Their persistence led to the founding of ShareChat on January 8, 2015, a platform that would eventually disrupt India’s social networking space.

The Rise of ShareChat and Moj: Meeting India’s Digital Demand

ShareChat was conceptualized to serve India’s non-English-speaking population, allowing users to share content in their native languages—a segment often overlooked by global giants. Supporting 15 Indian languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and Bengali, ShareChat quickly scaled to over 180 million monthly active users.

In response to the TikTok ban in India in June 2020, the team rapidly developed Moj, a short-video platform coded within just 30 hours. Moj seized the opportunity left by TikTok’s exit, garnering over 160 million monthly active users, making it one of India’s top short-video apps.

The two platforms collectively represent India’s homegrown digital content ecosystem, catering to the multilingual diversity of the nation and empowering creators from every corner of the country.

Funding, Valuation, and Acquisitions

Under Sachdeva’s leadership, ShareChat and Moj attracted investments from tech giants and venture capitalists including Google, Twitter, Lightspeed Ventures, and Elevation Capital. The company also strategically acquired MX TakaTak, further consolidating its dominance in the short-video space.

As of May 2022, ShareChat’s valuation touched $5 billion, while Sachdeva’s personal net worth is estimated at over $110 million as of 2024.

Leadership Style and Vision

Ankush Sachdeva’s leadership philosophy focuses on user-centric innovation, localization, and digital inclusion. Initially serving as Chief Product Officer, he became CEO in 2017, steering the company through rapid growth and market competition.

His core vision remains centered on enabling users to build communities in their native languages, bridging digital divides and offering a culturally resonant alternative to global platforms.

“India’s internet story isn’t just about access—it’s about meaningful participation,” he remarked in one of his interviews, highlighting the social impact of ShareChat’s mission.

Recognitions and Industry Impact

• Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (2018) under the Consumer Technology category.
• Named in the Hurun India Under35s List (2024) for his contributions to the startup ecosystem.

These accolades reflect Sachdeva’s influence in shaping India’s digital narrative and promoting entrepreneurship focused on regional inclusivity.

Conclusion: A Story of Persistence and Purpose

Ankush Sachdeva’s journey—from repeated failures to leading one of India’s most successful social media startups—serves as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. His focus on regional content, product innovation, and user engagement has not only fueled ShareChat and Moj’s growth but also empowered millions of Indian creators and consumers.

In a digital economy where global platforms often dominate, Sachdeva’s leadership demonstrates that understanding local culture and user behavior can be the key to scalable success.

With ShareChat and Moj continuing to expand their influence, Ankush Sachdeva’s story stands as a powerful testament to the impact of vision, resilience, and innovation in India’s startup landscape.