#e4mExclusive:  Angad Bhatia steps down as CEO of Firstpost and Creator18, to start creator fund

Angad Bhatia has moved on from his role as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Firstpost and Creator18, the creator economy-focused venture incubated within Network18, and is set to launch his own creator fund after securing backing from investors, according to sources familiar with the matter.

Bhatia has successfully led the development for Network18’s digital and creator-led ambitions, especially as media companies increasingly look to tap the fast-growing creator economy through platform partnerships, talent monetisation and branded content ecosystems.

An industry source with direct knowledge of the matter confirmed the move, saying Bhatia is in the process of building a new venture focused on the creator economy and has already secured funding commitments. “Angad has moved out and is working on launching a creator-focused fund. Funding has been tied up and the venture is expected to be announced formally in the next month,” the person said on condition of anonymity.

His exit comes at a time when investor interest in India’s creator economy is expanding beyond talent management and influencer marketing into infrastructure, monetisation tools and creator-led commerce.

Bhatia had been leading Firstpost and Creator18 at Network18, where he was tasked with building a creator-first media proposition amid growing competition among legacy publishers and digital-native platforms to capture audiences through creator-led formats.

Creator18 was seen as part of a broader strategic push by the media group to deepen its play in the evolving creator ecosystem, where content creators are increasingly becoming independent media businesses in their own right.

Before joining Network18, Bhatia served as Chief Executive Officer of India Lifestyle Network, where he oversaw a portfolio of digital media brands. He was also associated with Mensa Brands, where he led brand and marketing growth initiatives.

He brings over 15 years of experience across media, content, technology, innovation and digital commerce, and is widely known for founding MensXP, one of India’s earliest digital-first men’s lifestyle platforms. Under his leadership, MensXP scaled into a major consumer internet brand before being acquired by Times Internet.

He has also played leadership roles across digital brands including iDiva and Hypp, contributing to audience growth and brand monetisation strategies.

His move to launch a creator fund reflects a broader shift underway in the sector, where experienced operators are increasingly building specialised investment vehicles and platforms around creators, intellectual property and community-led businesses.

Industry executives said the move could be watched closely as it may add to a growing pool of capital chasing creator-led startups in India, a segment attracting interest from venture capital firms and strategic investors alike.

Network18 did not immediately respond to queries.

Bhatia did not comment on the development.