Leadership Change at Pocket FM

Pocket FM, a prominent audio entertainment platform, is currently undergoing a significant leadership shift as Anurag Sharma, the Chief Financial Officer, prepares to depart from the company. According to sources familiar with the situation, Sharma is presently observing his notice period.

Announcement of Departure

Pocket FM has officially acknowledged this transition in a statement to Startup Superb, confirming that Sharma is leaving to pursue entrepreneurial avenues. A spokesperson for the company remarked that Sharma has played a crucial role in the organization’s journey and has contributed significantly over the years. They expressed gratitude for his leadership and wished him success in his future endeavours.

Background of Anurag Sharma

In July 2023, Sharma was promoted to CFO after serving as Vice President-Finance. During his tenure, he managed financial operations, fundraising initiatives, and strategic partnerships. Prior to joining Pocket FM, Sharma was associated with various startups, including Ninjacart, and he also spent time at consulting firms like EY and PwC.

Recent Changes at Pocket FM

This announcement follows a recent restructuring at Pocket FM, which involved more than 100 employee layoffs aimed at reducing costs and enhancing efficiency, as previously reported by Startup Superb. While sources suggest that further layoffs might be on the horizon as the company seeks to improve profitability and streamline operations, Pocket FM has stated that it is not planning any comprehensive layoffs across the company.

Pocket FM Overview

Founded in 2018 by Rohan Nayak, Nishanth KS, and Prateek Dixit, Pocket FM offers a diverse range of multilingual audio series and has ventured into international markets, including the United States. The company successfully raised $103 million from Lightspeed Venture Partners in 2024, achieving a valuation between $750 million and $800 million, and is now aiming for a valuation of $1.5 billion to $2 billion through further funding rounds.