The Rise of Women Entrepreneurs in India’s Startup Ecosystem
As the business landscape evolves, the gender barrier is gradually flattening, paving the way for a remarkable surge in women entrepreneurs. In India, the world’s third-largest startup economy, over 7,000 ventures are now led by women. This shift is not just a statistic; it reflects a broader cultural change that is empowering women to take charge of their entrepreneurial journeys.
Funding Surge for Women-Led Startups
According to an Inc42 report, women-led startups raised more than $930 million through 136 deals by the end of 2024. This marks an impressive 93.75% increase from the previous year’s $480 million raised from 118 deals. Such growth in funding indicates a growing recognition of the potential and capabilities of women entrepreneurs in the Indian startup ecosystem.
Government Initiatives Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
The Indian government is also taking significant steps to foster women entrepreneurship. A recent statement from the commerce ministry revealed that over 73,000 startups have at least one woman director on their board, representing nearly half of the 157,066 startups recognized under the Startup India Initiative. The Union Budget for 2025 has introduced a scheme offering term loans of up to INR 2 crore to 500,000 first-time entrepreneurs from scheduled castes and tribes, further encouraging diversity in entrepreneurship.
Trailblazers in the Startup Ecosystem
Women entrepreneurs are not just participating; they are leading some of the most successful startups in the country. Figures like Falguni Nayar, Ruchi Deepak, and Ghazal Alagh have built companies that have crossed the $1 billion valuation mark, showcasing their ability to create impactful businesses.
Amrita Sirohia | Cofounder, INDmoney
Amrita Sirohia co-founded INDmoney, an investech startup that aims to be a one-stop super finance app for saving and investing. With a background in banking, Sirohia has leveraged her experience to create a platform that allows users to invest in various financial instruments, including US stocks.
Deena Jacob | Cofounder and CFO, Open Financial Technologies
With over 20 years of experience in finance, Deena Jacob co-founded Open Financial Technologies in 2017. Her previous roles include serving as CFO at Tapzo, which was acquired by Amazon. Jacob’s expertise has been instrumental in steering Open towards becoming a significant player in the fintech space.
Divya Gokulnath | Cofounder, BYJU’s
Divya Gokulnath transitioned from engineering to education when she co-founded BYJU’s in 2011. The edtech giant has since reached a valuation of $22 billion, revolutionizing tech-based learning solutions in India.
Falguni Nayar | Founder and CEO, Nykaa
Falguni Nayar’s journey to success with Nykaa is inspiring. After an 18-year career in investment banking, she founded Nykaa in 2012, which became India’s first woman-led unicorn in 2020. Under her leadership, Nykaa continues to thrive, with impressive financial growth.
Garima Sawhney | Cofounder, Pristyn Care
Garima Sawhney, a gynaecologist, co-founded Pristyn Care in 2018, focusing on healthcare services across India. The startup achieved unicorn status in 2021, thanks to Sawhney’s medical expertise and vision for patient-centric care.
Gazal Kalra | Cofounder, Rivigo
Gazal Kalra transitioned from a business analyst role at McKinsey to co-founding Rivigo, a logistics startup that became a unicorn in 2019. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects her commitment to innovation in the logistics sector.
Ghazal Alagh | Cofounder and Chief Innovation Officer, Mamaearth
Ghazal Alagh founded Mamaearth, a D2C beauty brand, which entered the unicorn club in 2022. Her entrepreneurial spirit is complemented by her active role as an investor in various startups.
Kanika Gupta Shori | Cofounder, Square Yards
Kanika Gupta Shori co-founded Square Yards, a proptech startup that offers comprehensive real estate solutions. Her background in finance and real estate has been crucial in scaling the company across global markets.
Kavitha Subramanian | Founder, Upstox
Kavitha Subramanian launched Upstox in 2009, a trading platform that became a unicorn in 2021. Her extensive experience in the financial sector has positioned Upstox as a leading player in the fintech landscape.
Mabel Chacko | Cofounder and COO, Open Financial Technologies
Mabel Chacko co-founded Open Financial Technologies alongside Deena Jacob. The fintech startup became India’s 100th unicorn in 2022, showcasing Chacko’s expertise in operations and growth.
Manju Dhawan | Cofounder, Ecom Express
With nearly four decades of experience in logistics, Manju Dhawan co-founded Ecom Express in 2012. The company focuses on providing ecommerce logistics solutions, particularly in Tier 2 markets.
Meghna Agarwal | Cofounder, IndiQube
Meghna Agarwal co-founded IndiQube, a coworking space provider, in 2015. The startup is poised for public listing, reflecting its growth and the increasing demand for flexible workspaces.
Neeru Sharma | Cofounder, Infibeam Avenues
Neeru Sharma co-founded Infibeam Avenues, a payments infrastructure company, in 2007. The company provides comprehensive digital payment solutions and has established a strong client base.
Nikita Prasad | Cofounder, Giva
Nikita Prasad founded Giva, a silver jewellery brand, in 2019. The brand has expanded its offerings and retail presence, showcasing Prasad’s entrepreneurial spirit in the fashion industry.
Pallavi Shrivastava | Cofounder, Progcap
Pallavi Shrivastava co-founded Progcap, a fintech startup that provides credit and supply chain services to small retailers. Her previous experience with the World Bank adds depth to her entrepreneurial journey.
Prukalpa Sankar | Cofounder, Atlan
Prukalpa Sankar co-founded Atlan, a data collaboration platform, in 2018. The startup has gained recognition for its innovative approach to data governance and collaboration.
Priya Singh | Cofounder, Chalo
Priya Singh joined Chalo as a cofounder, contributing to the startup’s mission of digitizing bus operations. Her experience in the automotive sector has been invaluable in shaping the company’s direction.
Rajoshi Ghosh | Cofounder, Hasura
Rajoshi Ghosh co-founded Hasura, a GraphQL developer platform, which became a unicorn in 2022. Her diverse entrepreneurial background showcases her adaptability and innovation.
Rashi Agarwal | Cofounder and CBO, Zypp Electric
Rashi Agarwal co-founded Zypp Electric, focusing on EV fleet management for last-mile deliveries. Her previous entrepreneurial ventures highlight her commitment to sustainable solutions.
Rekha Singh | Cofounder and CTO, Zenwork
Rekha Singh co-founded Zenwork, a fintech SaaS platform, in 2011. The company helps businesses manage tax compliance, showcasing Singh’s expertise in technology and finance.
Ruchi Deepak | Cofounder, ACKO
Ruchi Deepak co-founded ACKO, an insurance startup that became a unicorn in 2021. Her journey reflects her ability to navigate the complexities of the insurance industry.
Ruchi Kalra | Cofounder and CFO, OfBusiness and Oxyzo
Ruchi Kalra co-founded OfBusiness, a B2B marketplace, and its fintech arm Oxyzo. Her financial acumen has been pivotal in the growth of both ventures.
Saritha Katikaneni | Cofounder and VP – Marketing, Zenoti
Saritha Katikaneni co-founded Zenoti, a spa and salon software company that entered the unicorn club in 2020. Her extensive marketing experience has been crucial in scaling the business.
Sahradayi Modi | Cofounder, Pratilipi
Sahradayi Modi co-founded Pratilipi, a self-publishing platform for Indian language storytelling. Her leadership has been instrumental in connecting readers and writers across diverse languages.
Saumya Singh Rathore | Cofounder, WinZO
Saumya Singh Rathore co-founded WinZO, an online gaming platform, in 2018. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects her commitment to innovation in the gaming industry.
Shagufta Anurag | Founder, Livspace
Shagufta Anurag founded Livspace, a design-focused startup that entered the unicorn club in 2022. Her background in architecture has shaped the company’s vision.
Smita Deorah | Cofounder and Co-CEO, LEAD School
Smita Deorah co-founded LEAD School, focusing on affordable education solutions for underserved areas. Her commitment to transforming education is evident in her entrepreneurial journey.
Srividhya Srinivasan | Cofounder, Amagi
Srividhya Srinivasan co-founded Amagi, a B2B SaaS company that became a unicorn in 2022. Her expertise in technology and media has driven the company’s success.
Swati Bhargava | Cofounder, CashKaro
Swati Bhargava co-founded CashKaro, a cashback and coupon platform, in 2013. Her entrepreneurial spirit is complemented by her involvement in supporting other startups.
Upasana Taku | Cofounder and CFO, MobiKwik
Upasana Taku co-founded MobiKwik, a fintech startup that became a unicorn in 2021. Her leadership has been pivotal in shaping the company’s growth trajectory.
Vidya Nataraj | Cofounder and Investor, BlueStone
Vidya Nataraj co-founded BlueStone, a jewellery brand poised for an IPO. Her entrepreneurial journey reflects her commitment to innovation in the retail sector.
Vilma Mattila | Cofounder, 5ire
Vilma Mattila co-founded 5ire, a blockchain startup that achieved unicorn status within a year. Her diverse entrepreneurial background showcases her adaptability and vision.
Vineeta Singh | Cofounder and CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics
Vineeta Singh, known for her role on Shark Tank India, co-founded SUGAR Cosmetics, which has transformed into an omnichannel brand. Her entrepreneurial journey is marked by her commitment to empowering other startups.
Vrushali Prasade | Co-CTO and Cofounder, Pixis
Vrushali Prasade co-founded Pixis, an AI-powered marketing startup. Her innovative approach to marketing technology is shaping the future of the industry.
The rise of women entrepreneurs in India is not just a trend; it represents a significant shift in the entrepreneurial landscape. With supportive policies, a growing network of female leaders, and an undaunted spirit, women are carving their paths and making substantial contributions to the startup ecosystem.