Categories: LayoffsLayoffs India

How ShareChat’s Localization Strategy Drove Massive Growth in India

Introduction:

ShareChat is a Bengaluru-based startup that allows users to share content, including videos, images, and messages, in their native language. The platform has gained immense popularity in India, with over 100 million monthly active users. ShareChat has been able to leverage its localization capabilities to gain a massive following, particularly among users in Tier II and III cities.

History

Founded in 2015 by Ankush Sachdeva, Bhanu Singh, and Farid Ahsan, ShareChat has grown rapidly over the years. The company started as a content-sharing platform but soon pivoted to focus on regional languages. The founders realized that most Indians were more comfortable communicating in their native languages rather than in English.

Funding and Investors:

ShareChat has raised over $222 million in funding to date, including a recent Series D round led by Lightspeed Ventures. Other investors in the company include Shunwei Capital, Xiaomi, and Twitter. The company’s valuation has risen to over $2 billion following its latest funding round.

Performance

ShareChat has seen remarkable growth over the years, thanks in large part to its focus on regional languages. The platform now supports 15 languages, including Hindi, Telugu, and Punjabi. The company has also launched several sub-brands such as Moj and Koo, catering to specific user needs.

Reasons for Layoffs:

Like most companies, ShareChat has not been immune to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The advertising market, in particular, has been hit hard, with many companies cutting back on their spend. As a result, ShareChat had to lay off 101 employees in May 2020. This represented 25% of its workforce.

Statement from ShareChat:

In a statement, ShareChat’s founder Ankush Sachdeva said, “We are saddened to have to let go of some of our team members, but it was necessary to ensure the long-term health and success of the company. We remain committed to our mission of enabling people to communicate in their native languages and will continue to invest in our platform to deliver the best user experience.”

Conclusion:

In conclusion, ShareChat has shown tremendous growth over the years, thanks to its focus on regional languages. However, like all companies, it has faced challenges, particularly during these uncertain times. Nevertheless, ShareChat remains committed to its mission, and we can expect to see it continue to innovate and grow in the coming years.

Abhishek Sharma

Recent Posts

The 7 Hidden Risks of Never Updating Your LinkedIn Profile as a Software Engineer

Introduction In the fast-paced, ever-evolving world of software engineering, your LinkedIn profile is more than…

1 week ago

Top 5 Unmissable Networking events for Software Engineers in 2025

Introduction As a software engineer in 2025, staying connected with peers, industry leaders, and cutting-edge…

1 week ago

10 Best Ways to Standout Software Engineering Resume in 2025

Introduction As the tech landscape evolves at breakneck speed, crafting a standout software engineering resume…

1 week ago

Comprehensive Review of 24 AI Coding Agents & IDEs in 2025

Comprehensive Review of 24 AI Coding Agents & IDEs: The Ultimate Guide for 2025 Welcome…

1 week ago

Best 15 Behavioral Interview Questions for Software Engineering Roles in 2025

📈 Introduction Landing a software engineer role in 2025 is about more than just acing…

2 weeks ago

How to Master Behavioral Interviews as a Software Engineer in 2025

📈 Introduction Master behavioral interviews  as a software engineer role in 2025 isn’t just about…

2 weeks ago