Jani Pasha is a dynamic entrepreneur and technology leader dedicated to bridging the digital divide in India’s smaller towns and rural areas. As the co-founder and CEO of Lokal, he has built a pioneering hyperlocal content, community, and classifieds platform that serves millions of users in regional languages, transforming how information and opportunities reach Bharat’s underserved populations.
Jani Pasha completed his Bachelor of Technology degree at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur between 2009 and 2013. During his time at IIT Kharagpur, he was actively involved as an undergraduate representative to the Institute Senate, honing leadership skills that would later define his entrepreneurial journey. He also participated in a summer program at Y Combinator in 2019, further sharpening his business acumen and exposure to startup ecosystems.
Professional Journey Before Lokal
Before founding Lokal, Jani gained valuable experience across diverse roles and startups. He co-founded TheSoup, an AI-based news platform, and served as a senior product manager at Zoomo India, where he led the development of Gozoomo 2.0 and implemented strategic app-focused initiatives. He also co-founded Halfteaspoon.com, an ingredient delivery service, demonstrating his early flair for innovative consumer solutions. Additionally, Jani worked at Tata Steel both as an intern and manager, where he contributed innovative project solutions and ranked highly in a global challenge.
Founding Lokal: Mission and Vision
In April 2018, Jani Pasha co-founded Lokal with a clear mission: to empower India’s tier 2 and tier 3 cities and towns by providing localized content, community engagement, and classifieds in regional languages. Recognizing that the majority of Bharat’s population prefers consuming content in their native languages rather than English, Jani envisioned a platform that would democratize access to essential internet services such as job listings, local news, real estate updates, and matrimonial services.
Under his leadership, Lokal has grown into a trusted platform with over 40 million users, available in languages including Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Marathi. The app caters specifically to the unique cultural and linguistic nuances of small-town India, filling a critical gap left by metro-centric media and national platforms.
Leadership Style and Impact
Jani Pasha’s leadership style is marked by strategic planning, business development expertise, and a deep understanding of his target audience. He fosters a collaborative and innovative work environment that encourages creativity among his team members. His ability to analyze market trends and consumer behavior has enabled Lokal to craft user-centric solutions that attract and retain a loyal user base.
He is also an engaging public speaker, often sharing insights on building trust and brand relationships in Bharat’s digital landscape. Jani emphasizes the importance of hyperlocal trust, explaining that users in tier 2 and tier 3 cities rely heavily on local recommendations and native language content to make purchasing and lifestyle decisions.
Technology and Innovation at Lokal
Lokal leverages advanced mobile and digital content technologies to deliver real-time hyperlocal news, job postings, classifieds, and community updates. The platform supports seamless content distribution and community interaction, enabling users to engage actively in their local ecosystems. By integrating news, classifieds, and community information on a single platform, Lokal stands out in the competitive hyperlocal content space in India.
Recognition and Achievements
Jani Pasha’s vision and execution have earned him recognition as a Forbes Asia Under 30 entrepreneur in 2020. Lokal’s success has attracted marquee investors such as 3one4 Capital, India Quotient, and Tencent, raising substantial funding to scale its operations. The platform’s impressive reach spans over 100 districts across South India, with millions of downloads and unmatched user density in deep tier 2 and 3 locations.
Social Impact and Future Outlook
Jani Pasha’s work with Lokal is more than just business; it is a mission-driven initiative to create a more equitable internet ecosystem. By empowering non-English speaking users with access to information and digital services, he is helping millions improve their quality of life. Lokal’s offerings, from job opportunities to matrimonial services, contribute to community development and economic inclusion.
Looking ahead, Jani remains committed to expanding Lokal’s reach and enhancing its content and service portfolio. His vision includes building stronger local communities through technology and ensuring that every user, regardless of language or location, can thrive in India’s digital economy.
