Shashank Shekhar, a seasoned content strategist and former Head of Content Strategy and Operations at ShareChat, is stepping back into the startup ecosystem. He is raising $4 million for a new AI-driven learning venture, according to two sources with direct knowledge of the deal. The startup, still in stealth mode, promises to reshape the digital learning space with a strong focus on career advancement and skill development.
Backing from Peak XV Partners
Peak XV Partners, formerly known as Sequoia Capital India, is leading the investment round. Along with the lead investor, several early-stage institutional firms and angel investors are joining the round. The funding is nearing closure and will likely conclude within the next few weeks. The funds will fuel the growth of the AI and product development teams and support the initial rollout of the platform.
“Shekhar has quietly worked on this for months,” one of the sources said. “He already has early prototypes and is preparing for a public debut later this year.”
The startup’s name remains under wraps for now. Neither Shekhar nor Peak XV responded to queries regarding the investment or the venture’s progress. (Source – Entrackr)
A Career-Focused Learning Model
The new startup’s model appears similar to that of Seekho, a popular Indian edtech platform focused on career growth and job-oriented learning. Seekho recently entered discussions to raise $25-30 million, signaling strong investor interest in the space. However, Shekhar’s project aims to differentiate itself with a deeper integration of artificial intelligence across the learning journey.
Instead of relying on conventional video content or instructor-led modules, the platform will use AI to personalize lessons, track learner progress, and adapt to individual goals. This adaptive learning system will help students, job seekers, and working professionals build practical skills quickly and effectively.
From ShareChat to Stealth Mode
Shashank Shekhar brings extensive experience from his time at ShareChat and Circle Internet. He joined ShareChat in December 2016 as Head of Content and played a crucial role in the platform’s early growth. In 2018, he co-founded Circle Internet, a hyperlocal information platform that focused on delivering news, jobs, and alerts to users in small towns and villages. ShareChat later acquired Circle in August 2020.
Following the acquisition, Shekhar rejoined ShareChat as Head of Content Strategy and Operations. Under his leadership, the company scaled its content ecosystem and optimized operations across languages and regions. His work helped position ShareChat as one of India’s top vernacular content platforms, attracting backing from global investors, including Google.
He stepped down from his role in March 2025, setting the stage for his next entrepreneurial chapter.
AI-Led Learning: The Next Frontier
The demand for career-aligned learning has exploded in India over the past few years. With rising competition for jobs and a dynamic employment landscape, traditional degrees no longer guarantee employment. Students now seek skill-based courses, micro-certifications, and job-readiness programs that can lead to real employment outcomes.
AI is playing a central role in this transformation. Algorithms can now analyze user behavior, recommend courses, and even suggest career paths based on a learner’s strengths and interests. Edtech platforms that successfully integrate these capabilities are gaining traction among users and investors alike.
Shekhar’s new venture plans to harness this AI potential at its core. The startup will offer personalized content delivery, real-time assessments, and continuous learning feedback. It also plans to incorporate interactive features, including quizzes, projects, and peer evaluations.
By focusing on mobile-first access, vernacular content, and short-form modules, the platform will target India’s vast Gen Z and millennial population across tier-2 and tier-3 cities. These users seek affordable and effective career advancement tools, often on limited internet bandwidth.
Competitive Landscape
Seekho remains the most direct competitor to Shekhar’s venture. The platform has carved out a niche in job-aligned learning and offers content across fields like sales, marketing, and technology. However, platforms like YouTube Shorts and Instagram are also emerging as indirect rivals. These platforms host bite-sized educational content from individual creators, which attracts younger audiences.
Despite the competition, Shekhar’s platform has a chance to capture a loyal user base by offering structured, credible, and AI-enhanced learning experiences. Unlike social media content, his startup will provide measurable progress, certification, and potentially, job-matching features.
Strategic Advantage and Vision
Shashank Shekhar understands content at scale. At ShareChat, he built systems to manage millions of daily users across multiple languages. That experience will help him design a platform that feels localized, yet seamless.
With Peak XV’s backing, the startup will also benefit from access to mentorship, infrastructure, and connections across the edtech ecosystem. Peak XV has supported several unicorns and disruptive startups in India, and its involvement signals strong belief in the venture’s future.
The startup’s early team includes technologists and product thinkers who previously worked at major tech and edtech firms. They are currently building core systems for curriculum design, AI personalization, and user engagement. The initial release will likely target Android users and focus on high-demand career tracks such as digital marketing, software development, finance, and data analytics.
Future Roadmap
The startup plans to release a beta version before the end of the year. This version will include a limited set of courses and features, aimed at testing user feedback and refining the experience. Full-scale rollout will follow in early 2026, supported by aggressive user acquisition campaigns, partnerships with employers, and collaborations with content creators.
The company also plans to work with domain experts to create high-quality courseware. These experts will contribute to course design, provide mentorship, and help create real-world projects for learners to showcase.
Over time, the startup aims to offer placement assistance and connect users with job opportunities. This career outcomes-driven approach will give it an edge in a market flooded with generic learning platforms.
Conclusion
Shashank Shekhar’s return to entrepreneurship marks a promising moment for India’s edtech space. With deep experience in content strategy, a sharp understanding of user behavior, and backing from top investors, his AI-led learning startup is well-positioned to make an impact.
As India’s job market continues to evolve, the need for personalized, skill-based, and AI-enhanced education will only grow. Shekhar’s venture, built quietly in stealth, now prepares to emerge as a potential game-changer in the race to upskill young India.
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