In a bold leap into the edtech and AI space, Shashank Shekhar — a former CXO at ShareChat — is reportedly raising $4 million for his stealth-mode startup that’s poised to revolutionize AI-led learning in India. According to sources close to the matter, the funding round is being led by Peak XV Partners, with participation from a handful of early-stage institutional backers and angel investors.
“Shekhar has been quietly building this for the last few months and has early prototypes in place,” one source revealed, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the funding negotiations.
A Quiet Yet Strategic Move Toward AI-Driven Education
While the startup is still operating in stealth, insiders say it is gearing up to launch later this year. Although the full details remain under wraps, its approach is said to resemble Seekho, a fast-growing career-focused learning platform that is currently in talks to raise $25–30 million. If successful, Shekhar’s new venture could position itself as a serious contender in the AI-led microlearning and upskilling market.
“The round is expected to close in the coming weeks. The startup is likely to use the capital to expand its AI and product team, continue development, and prepare for an initial rollout,” another source noted.
From ShareChat to Stealth Mode: A Proven Track Record
Shashank Shekhar brings a solid resume of entrepreneurial and operational excellence to the table. Between 2016 and 2018, he served as the Head of Content at ShareChat, a vernacular social media platform backed by Google. After that, Shekhar co-founded Circle Internet, a hyperlocal information app that was later acquired by ShareChat in 2020.
Following the acquisition, Shekhar returned to ShareChat and took charge of Content Strategy and Operations until his exit in March 2024. This long-standing experience in content creation, distribution, and user engagement is likely to form the backbone of his upcoming AI-driven educational venture.
Carving a Niche in the Competitive EdTech Arena
If early whispers prove accurate, Shekhar’s startup will directly rival Seekho but will also face indirect competition from platforms like YouTube Shorts and Instagram, where creator-led educational content is gaining traction among young professionals and learners.
This move taps into a massive market opportunity: India’s growing demand for affordable, effective, and accessible digital education, especially in the form of career-oriented microlearning powered by AI algorithms. The company’s focus will likely revolve around personalized learning paths, upskilling, and real-time engagement, differentiating itself from traditional e-learning formats.
Peak XV’s Bet on the Future of Learning
The involvement of Peak XV Partners, formerly Sequoia India & SEA, adds significant weight to the deal. Known for backing transformative early-stage ventures across South and Southeast Asia, the firm’s support is a strong vote of confidence in both Shekhar’s vision and the growing relevance of AI-first educational tools.
While neither Shekhar nor Peak XV responded to queries at the time of publication, industry observers say the silence is part of a deliberate stealth strategy. The startup’s name and core product offerings are still undisclosed, but all signs point toward a platform designed to bring AI personalization into the mainstream of digital learning.
Outlook
As India’s edtech sector undergoes a paradigm shift, combining AI, creator-driven content, and adaptive learning, Shekhar’s upcoming startup seems well-positioned to ride the wave. Backed by veteran investors and shaped by a founder with deep industry roots, the platform is generating buzz — even before it has a name.
Stay tuned as this stealth-mode startup steps into the spotlight and reshapes how millions learn in the AI era.
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