Yourstory.com

In a world dominated by mainstream media, where startup stories often took a backseat, one woman changed the narrative. Shradha Sharma, the founder and CEO of YourStory, revolutionized the way India views entrepreneurship, especially the struggles and triumphs of small and emerging businesses. Her journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of storytelling.

Early Life and Education

Born in Patna, Bihar, Shradha grew up in a modest background where dreams often faced limitations. However, her love for storytelling and curiosity about the world around her set her apart. She pursued her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in History from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, a prestigious institution that helped shape her intellectual pursuits. Later, she further honed her skills in design management and digital creative management at MICA, Ahmedabad.

From Journalism to Entrepreneurship

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Shradha built a strong foundation in the media industry. She started her career at The Times of India, working as a brand advisor from 2006 to 2007. Her next step was at CNBC TV18, where she served as Assistant Vice President from 2007 to 2009. During this time, she interviewed numerous entrepreneurs and startup founders, noticing a crucial gap in the media—the untold stories of emerging businesses and their relentless struggle to survive and thrive.

The Birth of YourStory

In 2008, Shradha took the bold step of leaving mainstream media to launch YourStory, a platform dedicated to covering the journeys of Indian startups, founders, and changemakers. At a time when entrepreneurship in India was still in its infancy and had minimal media coverage, YourStory became the first digital platform solely focused on startup stories.

Her vision was simple yet powerful: to empower entrepreneurs by giving them a voice. Instead of just reporting about big corporations, YourStory told the tales of small business owners, tech innovators, and social entrepreneurs—people who were shaping India’s economic future but lacked the recognition they deserved.

Challenges and Triumphs

Starting YourStory was not easy. As a woman entrepreneur in a male-dominated industry, she faced numerous challenges, including funding struggles, skepticism, and societal biases. Many questioned whether a media platform centered on startup stories would even survive.

However, Shradha’s determination and belief in her mission paid off. YourStory gained millions of followers, published over 150,000 stories, and reached more than 10 million readers monthly. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive platform offering startup resources, news, research reports, and even regional language content to make entrepreneurial stories more accessible.

Impact and Recognition

Shradha Sharma’s contribution to India’s startup ecosystem has been widely recognized. She was appointed as the Co-Chair of India’s S20 initiative under the G20 Presidency and is a member of the National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC), where she advises the government on policies to build a thriving startup ecosystem.

Apart from leading YourStory, Shradha is also an author. Her book, Cut the Crap and Jargon: Lessons from the Startup Trenches, became an Amazon bestseller, helping young entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and scaling a business.

Breaking Barriers for Women Entrepreneurs

Shradha’s success is particularly inspiring for women entrepreneurs. She has shattered glass ceilings and proved that women can lead in media, technology, and business. Through YourStory, she actively promotes and highlights women-led startups, encouraging more women to step into the entrepreneurial world with confidence.

Legacy and the Future

Today, YourStory is India’s leading platform for startup news and entrepreneurial storytelling, expanding its reach across digital mediums, events, and collaborations with global leaders. Shradha continues to drive its vision forward, ensuring that every entrepreneur, no matter how small, has a platform to share their journey.

Her story is a reminder that passion, persistence, and purpose can overcome any challenge. For young women aspiring to create something meaningful, Shradha Sharma’s journey is proof that the right story can change lives—not just her own, but millions of others too.