Ishan Sharma is a prominent Indian entrepreneur, software developer, and digital educator. He is widely recognized for his influence in the Indian startup ecosystem, particularly through his content on technology careers, freelancing, and artificial intelligence. He is the co-founder of the marketing agency MarkitUp and the AI-driven video editing startup Cardboard.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in India, Sharma demonstrated an early interest in technology and software development. Following his secondary education, he gained admission to the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS), Pilani, at the Goa campus to study Electrical Engineering.
During his undergraduate years, Sharma began experimenting with online content and freelance software development. In his third year, he made the strategic decision to leave his degree program to focus entirely on his growing businesses and digital platforms—a move that has since become a hallmark of his professional narrative.
Career and Impact
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Sharma has co-founded one significant ventures that bridge the gap between content and technology:
Cardboard: Co-founded in 2025 with Saksham Aggarwal, Cardboard is an AI-powered "agentic video editor." The platform uses AI to automate the more tedious aspects of video production, from raw footage analysis to initial cuts. The startup gained significant momentum after being selected for the Y Combinator Winter 2026 (W26) batch.
Publications and Public Speaking
Beyond digital media, Sharma is a published author and a frequent speaker at academic and corporate forums.
Speaking Engagements
Sharma is a regular guest speaker at various Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and technology conferences. He has conducted hundreds of hours of technical workshops, mentoring the next generation of Indian developers and entrepreneurs on the realities of building a business in the digital age.
