Pocket FM Chief Financial Officer Anurag Sharma has stepped down from his role after nearly five years at the company. Sharma is leaving the audio streaming platform to pursue his own entrepreneurial venture, marking the end of a significant phase in Pocket FM’s rapid growth journey.

Sharma joined Pocket FM in 2019 as Vice President of Finance before being elevated to the role of CFO in 2023. During his tenure, he played a central role in shaping the company’s financial strategy, fundraising plans and international expansion efforts as the platform emerged as one of India’s leading audio entertainment players.

Under his leadership, Pocket FM achieved several major financial milestones, including the successful closure of its $103 million Series D funding round. The investment became a crucial step in helping the company aggressively scale its proprietary audio-series business and strengthen its position in the growing digital audio market.

Apart from capital raising, Sharma also led the company’s operational and financial expansion into international markets, particularly the United States. His efforts helped Pocket FM establish a stronger global footprint as the platform pushed beyond the Indian market to target international audiences.

Confirming the development, a Pocket FM spokesperson said, “Anurag Sharma has decided to move on from Pocket FM. He has been an important part of the company’s journey and has made meaningful contributions over the years. We thank him for his partnership and leadership during his time here, and wish him the very best as he explores entrepreneurial opportunities ahead.”

Before joining Pocket FM, Sharma served as Head of Finance at agritech company Ninjacart. Over the course of his career, he has also worked with the B.K. Birla Group and global professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY), handling key finance and operational responsibilities.

Pocket FM has not yet announced a successor for the CFO position. Sharma’s exit comes at a time when the company continues to focus on scaling its content ecosystem and strengthening its international business presence amid increasing competition in the digital entertainment and audio streaming space.