StartupTalky

Tag: Female Founders

  • Ritu Kumar: The Pioneer Of Indian Fashion Industry

    India has an ancient clothing design history and is referred to as a prominent and emerging fashion industry. In ancient times who thought that there would be an industry that would produce an annual revenue of $165 billion? A handful of skillful designers existed before the 1980s, and one of them was Ritu Kumar. Ritu Kumar is known as one of the best fashion designers in India.

    She is an Indian Fashion Designer who started her career in a small village in Kolkata with her hand block printing techniques on clothes which amazed people. Ritu Kumar started the Era of Fashion Designing with her amazing designs of Lehengas and Bridal Dresses.

    This StartupTalky article explores Ritu Kumar’s success story, including her early life, history, childhood, personal life, education, awards, net worth, and more.

    Ritu Kumar – Biography

    Name Ritu Kumar
    Birthplace Amritsar
    Born 11 November 1944
    Nationality Indian
    Education Loreto Convent (Shimla), Lady Irwin College in Delhi, Briarcliff College (New York)
    Position Fashion Designer
    Spouse Shashi Kumar
    Company Ritu Kumar

    Ritu Kumar – Early and Personal Life
    Ritu Kumar – Career
    Ritu Kumar – Designs
    Ritu Kumar – Awards and Achievements

    Ritu Kumar – Early and Personal Life

    Ritu Kumar was born in Amritsar and shifted to Shimla due to the lack of educational opportunities in Amritsar. She studied at a convent school there and got admitted to the Lady Irwin College of Delhi in the late 1960s as a student of art history.

    She met her husband Mr Shashi Kumar at this place and got married the same year. Later she went to pursue a scholarship in Art History at Briarcliff college of New York.

    Ritu has two sons Amrish and Ashvinkumar. Amrish works with Ritu and is the CEO of Ritukumar’s fashion brand label Ritu Kumar and Ashvin is a film director who has also been nominated for Oscar.

    Ritu started her career and family at a very initial stage of her life and is managing all of it very well. Ritu also pursued museology from a college in Delhi to get more knowledge on ethnic fashion and work.

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    Ritu Kumar – Career

    Ritu began her journey in the 1960s, while she was studying museology. She visited a small village Serampore in West Bengal. In that village, she found a small colony of hand-block printers who were out of work and needed financial help and employment. That is when the idea came to start a small enterprise of giving designs that the printers began working on.

    These hand-block printers created beautiful designer sarees with their outstanding work. She continuously visited exhibitions and fairs to gain popularity and soon she was noticed for her extraordinary designs in India.

    She experienced the rapid changes in India, which were replacing handmade textiles with machine-made plastics. Ritu Kumar created new globally relevant designs where the handmade textile legacy would remain the original emphasis.

    Initially, she designed evening clothes and Indian bridal wear, and eventually, after the great success of her designs, Ritu opened stores in different states of India. Now she was at boom and everyone knew Ritu Kumar was a brand.

    By making an effort, she went international by opening branches in Paris, London, and New York. In 2002 she launched the “Label” brand in partnership with her younger son Amrish Kumar.

    Ritu Kumar with her son Amrish Kumar
    Ritu Kumar with her son Amrish Kumar

    Ritu Kumar has 4 brands i.e. “Label” for the modern outfits of girls and women. The second brand under her is “Ri’ which showcases the bridal and lehenga worn by women. The third brand is “Aarke” which is a part of the nightwear section for women. And last but not least “Home” is a brand that sells all the home décor and essential products.

    Ritu Kumar is also recognized as her clothes have been worn by famous personalities such as Princess Diana, Priyanka Chopra, Madhuri Dixit Nene, and many more actresses.

    The domain ritukumar.com attracted 1,850,126 users in the year 2020. During wedding seasons in India, the company invests in servers as well, to curb excessive website traffic. Digital Impressions has designed and made the website for Ritu.

    Ritu Kumar – Designs

    Kumar’s designs focus on using natural fabrics and traditional printing and weaving methods. While she blends in some Western elements, she mainly sticks to classic sari designs. Her creations have been worn by many famous people, including Princess Diana, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, and Lara Dutta. Kumar’s work showcases timeless elegance, highlighting the beauty of traditional Indian craftsmanship. She is known for creating pieces that reflect both cultural heritage and modern influences.

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    Ritu Kumar – Awards and Achievements

    Ritu Kumar receiving Padma Shree by the Government of India
    Ritu Kumar receiving Padma Shree by the Government of India

    There is a long list of awards that Ritu Kumar, fashion designer has achieved during her journey in the fashion industry. The long list flows as:

    • Lifetime achievement award by NIFT
    • Lifetime achievement award by Kingfisher Group
    • Outstanding Woman Entrepreneur award by PDHCC
    • The award of “Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres” was given by the French government
    • Lifetime achievement award at Kingfisher Fashion Fantasia (2000)
    • Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award
    • Won the Achievement Award in the year 2012 L’oreal Paris Femina Women’s Awards
    • Padma Shree by the Government of India (2013)

    Conclusion

    Ritu Kumar one of the leading fashion designers in India, is a role model and inspiration to the youth who want to pursue a career in the fashion industry. She is a successful female entrepreneur and a live example of Indian women who are not dominated by the men in this society.

    Ritu Kumar was the first person to introduce the boutique culture in India. Ritu took the chances and performed outstandingly. She is a true example of a pioneer in the fashion industry thus making a remarkable position in the present era.

    FAQs

    Who is Ritu Kumar?

    Ritu Kumar is a famous fashion designer in India. She is claimed to be the first designer to introduce boutique culture in India and is one of India’s finest fashion designers.

    How many stores does Ritu Kumar have?

    Ritu Kumar has 93 stores across the country.

    Who is the brand ambassador of Ritu Kumar?

    Shanaya Kapoor is the brand ambassador of Ritu Kumar.

    What is Ritu Kumar education?

    Ritu Kumar’s education journey began in Simla, where she attended Loreto Convent due to limited schooling options in Amritsar. She then studied at Lady Irwin College, where she met her husband, Shashi Kumar. Later, she received a scholarship to study Art History at Briarcliff College in New York. After returning to India, she furthered her studies in museology at the Asutosh Museum of Indian Art, University of Calcutta.

    What is the revenue of Ritu Kumar?

    The annual revenue of Ritu Kumar was over INR 3 billion for 2023.

    What is the difference between Ritu Kumar and Label Ritu Kumar?

    Ritu Kumar is the name of the designer herself, known for her contributions to traditional Indian fashion. She creates high-end, bespoke clothing using natural fabrics and traditional techniques, focusing on both modern and classic Indian designs.

    Label Ritu Kumar, on the other hand, is the brand under which her ready-to-wear collections are sold. It offers stylish, contemporary pieces inspired by Ritu Kumar’s design philosophy but is more accessible compared to her couture collections. The label provides a range of products, from casual wear to festive outfits, blending traditional and modern elements.

    Who are famous fashion designers in India?

    Famous Indian fashion designers include:

    1. Manish Malhotra – Glamorous bridal wear.
    2. Sabyasachi Mukherjee – Intricate bridal collections.
    3. Ritu Kumar – Traditional textiles and classic designs.
    4. Tarun Tahiliani – Indian-Western fusion.
    5. Falguni Shane Peacock – Modern, glamorous outfits.
    6. Anita Dongre – Sustainable, ethnic wear.
    7. Masaba Gupta – Playful, modern designs.
    8. Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla – Luxurious bridal fashion.
    9. Rahul Mishra – Eco-friendly, handwork designs.
    10. JJ Valaya – Royal-inspired luxury collections.

    What is Ritu Kumar age?

    Ritu Kumar was born in 1944. She is 81 years old.

  • Kiran Mazumdar Shaw: How Biocon Founder Became India’s First Biotech Queen?

    India is among the top 12 biotechnology destinations in the world, comprising around 600 biotech companies. In this article, you are going to find information about such a person who has made wealth all on his own, with sheer hard work and perseverance.

    Kiran Majumdar Shaw is an Indian Entrepreneur and Philanthropist who founded a biotechnology company, Biocon Limited in Bangalore, India. She is the Chairperson and Managing Director of Biocon. She received the Othmer Gold Medal for her exceptional contributions to the progress of science and chemistry. Financial Times named her in the business list of top 50 women. Forbes listed her as the 65th most powerful woman in the world. She was also named EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year 2020. She was ranked #2 in the Women Philanthropist list of 2019 by the Hurun Report India Philanthropy List 2019. As of the year 2020, she has an estimated net worth of $4.6 billion.

    Kiran Mazumdar is the executive chairperson and the founder of one of the most prominent biopharmaceutical companies around the globe, Biocon Limited. Kiran is a person who is an inspiration to thousands of women out there who are aspiring to become entrepreneurs. Read Kiran Mazumdar Shaw’s Success Story and know more about the journey of this amazing and inspiring woman.

    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Biography

    Name Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
    Year of Birth 23 March 1953
    Nationality Indian
    Education Graduate degree in brewing from the University of Ballarat, Melbourne
    Profession Entrepreneur, Brewmaster
    Title Executive Chairperson – Biocon Limited and Biocon Biologics Limited
    Net Worth 370 crores USD
    Spouse John Shaw

    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Personal Life
    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Education
    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Professional Life & Career
    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Founder of Biocon
    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Expansion of Biocon
    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Board Memberships
    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Challenges Faced in Entrepreneurship
    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Success story
    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Philanthropy
    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Awards & Recognitions

    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Success Story

    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Personal Life

    Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and John Shaw
    Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and John Shaw

    Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw was born to Gujarati parents in Banglore on 23rd March 1953, in a middle-class family. Her father, Rasendra Mazumdar was the head brewmaster at United Breweries.

    Since childhood, she aspired to become a doctor but couldn’t get a scholarship. In 1974, she was the only girl pursuing brewery course and topped in her class. At the age of 44, Kiran got married to John Shaw in the year 1989. John was working as the chairman at Madura Coats but left the job to join Biocon with Kiran. John Shaw is serving as the Vice Chairman of Biocon since 2001.

    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Education

    Kiran initially wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps. She studied at Bangalore’s Bishop Cotton Girl’s high school.

    She then took a pre-university course from an affiliate of Bangalore University, Mount Carmel College. She further graduated with a bachelor’s degree in zoology from Bangalore University in 1973.

    Kiran wanted to pursue medical college but was unable to get any scholarship in any medical college. Her father then suggested to pursue fermentation science and get trained as a brewmaster, which is a very non-traditional field for women. She went to Ballarat College, Melbourne University in Australia to study malting and brewing. She earned her degree of master brewer in 1975. Kiran Shaw was the only woman who opted for the brewing course and with her intelligence, she topped in her class.

    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Professional Life & Career

    Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw with Leslie Auchincloss
    Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw with Leslie Auchincloss

    Kiran started her professional career from Carlton and United Breweries, Melbourne, where she worked as a trainee brewer. Kiran Mazumdar completed her training in Carlton and United Breweries. She also worked at Barrett Brothers and Burston, Australia, as a trainee maltster.

    After coming back to India, she joined Jupiter Breweries in Calcutta as a technical consultant, and after gaining some experience there she worked as a Technical Manager at Standard Maltings Corporation situated in Baroda. She opted to further her career in Bangalore or Delhi but was told that “it’s a man’s profession” and that woman would not be employed as a master brewer in India.

    She started looking for work overseas and was given a position in Scotland. Leslie Auchincloss, the founder of Biocon Biochemicals Limited, of Cork, Ireland met Mazumdar before she could relocate. His firm produced enzymes used in the brewing, food packaging, and textile sectors.

    He was searching for an Indian entrepreneur to assist in the formation of a subsidiary in India. Kiran worked with the firm, and this was a life-changing opportunity for her. Leslie prepared her to work as a manager at his firm. Kiran went to India and began working for Biocon in a leased garage in Bangalore with an initial investment of 10,000 INR after she had a better understanding of the company’s operations and sales.

    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Founder of Biocon

    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Founded Biocon Logo
    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw Founded Biocon Logo

    Kiran started with Biocon in 1978, she faced many challenges because of her youth, gender, and her untested business model. No bank wanted to lend her money, thus funding was a big issue.

    After getting her first funding she started with her first factory which was in a nearby 3000 sq. ft shed. The extraction of papain (a papaya enzyme used to tenderize the meat) and isinglass were the company’s first efforts (obtained from tropical catfish and used to clarify beer).

    Biocon India was the first Indian firm to make enzymes and ship them to the United States and Europe within a year of its founding. Kiran invested her first year’s profits in a 20-acre property, with plans to grow in the future. Kiran transformed Biocon India from an enzyme manufacturing firm to a fully integrated biopharmaceutical company because of her unique thinking and ideas.

    In 1984 Kiran discovered some new dimensions. At Biocon, a research and development team was created to focus on the development of innovative solid substrate fermentation methods. Biocon Pharmaceuticals was the first Indian biotech business to obtain funding from the United States for unique technology.

    Kiran started looking for alternative opportunities which were cost-effective as well low-cost. She had also proposed that drug companies be cost-sensitive in marketing to developing countries so that people can afford the drugs they need.

    Kiran and her husband John have always seen the need to provide people with the best they can, thus increasing and supplying affordable vaccines and medicines in India and helping society to overcome their medical requirements.

    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Expansion of Biocon

    Biocon Subsidiaries
    Biocon Subsidiaries

    She managed to establish two subsidiaries of Biocon including, Syngene in 1994 and Clinigene in 2000. Syngene provided a contractual basis early research and development support service while Clinigene focused on clinical research trials and the development of both generic and new medicines. Clinigene was later merged in Syngene and it has a current market cap of Rs.14,270.

    She incorporated Biocon Biopharmaceuticals Private Limited (BBLP) in 1990 to manufacture and market a select range of biotherapeutics in a joint venture with the Cuban Center of Molecular Immunology.

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    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Board Memberships

    She is a member of the board of governors of the Indian School of Business and a term member of on the board of MIT, USA till 2023. She has been a former member of the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad. She was the first woman to head the board of governors of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB).

    She is an independent director on the board of Infosys. She is a member of the General Body of Maharashtra State Innovation Society. She is also a member of the advisory board of the MIT Jameel Clinic.

    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Challenges Faced in Entrepreneurship

    She started with a seed capital of Rs.10,000. Inspite of being a joint venture, Indian laws restricted foreign ownership to only 30% of the company. Thus, 70% of the company belonged to Kiran Mazumdar Shaw.

    She faced reliability challenges because of her youth, gender, and untested business model. She was unable to secure funding for her company initially. She tried hard and finally got her first financial backing. She also struggled while recruiting people to work for her startup. She had to face technological changes with an eye to building a biotech business in India, which was then having a poor infrastructure.

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    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Success story

    Kiran met Leslie Auchincloss, who is the founder of Biocon Biochemicals Limited, of Cork, Ireland. The aforesaid company produces enzymes to be used in brewing, food packaging, and textile industries. Auchincloss was desperately looking for an entrepreneur in India, who would help her in establishing an Indian subsidiary of Biocon.

    Kiran agreed to undertake the offer on a condition that if she did not wish to continue post six months, she would be given the position of brewmaster. She started working as a trainee manager at Biocon Limited, Cork, Ireland to learn more of the business. Post the training period, she returned India to establish the business.

    In 1989, Biocon Biochemicals of Ireland was acquired from Leslie Auchincloss by Hindustan Unilever. The partnership with Unilever helped Biocon to establish best practices and quality systems across the world. Unilever then sold its chemical division including Biocon to Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI). Her husband, John Shaw invested $2 million to purchase the shares of Biocon from ICI.

    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Philanthropy

    Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw The Giving Pledge
    Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw The Giving Pledge

    With the great success of her company, Biocon has allowed Kiran to donate and be the support of the people who need help but do not have the resources. Kiran is a firm believer in sharing and cares about people hence giving at least half of her wealth to philanthropic work. This was when she joined The Giving Pledge movement in the year 2015.  

    With the support of her husband John, she started up with Mazumdar Shaw Foundation in India to help the needful. The key sectors of the foundation are Education, Healthcare, Art & Culture, and a Healthy Environment. The Foundation is involved in numerous health and education outreach programs to benefit the economically weaker sections of Indian society.

    Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center
    Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center

    Mazumdar Shaw foundation has also established a 1400 bed cancer care center in Bangalore, in collaboration with Devi Shetty. Her goal is to create a world-class cancer center with affordable treatment.

    Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Awards & Recognitions

    Kiran Mazumdar honoured by the Government of India
    Kiran Mazumdar honoured by the Government of India

    Kiran Mazumdar has been awarded several times for her leadership and  success in entrepreneurship.

    • She has been Conferred with the Bombay Management Association (BMA) Business Leader of The Decade Award in 2022.
    • She has been awarded with the “Spirit of TiE – Trailblazers Award” by TiE Bangalore on World Entrepreneurs Day in 2021.
    • Biocon has been recognized among the Top 20 in the The Medicine Maker Power List 2019 under the Business Captains category in 2019.
    • Kiran has received Padma Shri in the year 1989 and Padma Bhushan in the year 2005.
    • Recipient of EY World Entrepreneur of the Year (2020) and EY Entrepreneur of the Year India Award (2019).
    • Recipient of Order of Australia (2020).
    • Recipient of ICMR’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Achievement in Healthcare (2019).
    • Recipient of AWSM Award for Excellence (2017).
    • Knight of the National Order of the French Legion of Honour (2016).
    • Recipient of Othmer Gold Medal (2014).
    • Recipient of Global Economy Prize for Business (2014).
    • Ranked among the world’s 16 Most Powerful Women in Leadership in 2021 by CEO Magazine.

    Kiran is also fond of writing books and she loves reading novels. She has written and has got published two books: ‘Ale and Arty’ and ‘India’s Innovation Challenge for Inclusive Development.

    Conclusion

    The second richest self-made woman in India is the star and pride of the nation. Nobody knew about Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw but now she is one of the most influential women in the country. She has shown the world that a woman can do everything and is a living inspiration for young woman entrepreneurs.

    FAQs

    Who is the husband of Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw?

    Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw is married to John Shaw.

    How old is Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw?

    Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw was born on 23 March 1953 and is 69 years old (2022).

    What is the net worth of Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw?

    Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has a net worth of  $370 crores as of 2022.

    What is Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s education?

    Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw has done bachelor’s degree in zoology from Bangalore University in 1973 and earned a degree as master brewer in 1975 from Melbourne University in Australia.

  • How are the chances of Women Leading Industries like Healthcare, Science, and Technology?

    This article is contributed by Ms. Pritika Singh, CEO, Prayag Hospital & Research Pvt. Ltd.

    Despite the sword of Covid-19 hanging above our head and living with our ‘new Normal’, 2021 saw some revolutionary change in the startup industry all over the world. Almost every industry experienced a boom in a number of successful startups throughout the year. In this run, India is not far away. In fact, the year 2021 turned out to be a substantial one for Indian start-ups and entrepreneurs. India saw a monumental rise of 46 businesses that achieved unicorn status. Out of the total, 95 unicorns so far in India, 44 achieved that status in 2021 only.

    Women Entrepreneurs in India

    This news deserves a massive celebration, and the fact that India now has 13 female unicorn founders, 8 of which joined the list in 2021, makes the deal even sweeter. The path paved and led by the likes of business stalwarts like Kiran Mazumdar Shaw (Chairperson of Biocon), Indra Nooyi (former Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of PepsiCo.), and Falguni Nayyar (founder and CEO of Nykaa) is attracting more women business leaders to lead from the front and it is just the start.

    Representation from names like Gazal Kalra (Founder of Rivigo), Ruchi Kalra (Founder of OfBusiness), Saritha Katikaneni (Founder of Zenoti), Ruchi Deepak (Founder of ACKO Insurance), Rashmi Verma (Founder of MapmyIndia), Garima Sawhney (Founder of Pristyn Care), Kavitha Subramaniam (Founder of Upstox), and Upasana Taku (Founder of MobiKwik), has proved that women entrepreneurs are here to stay. Not only that, but they are also shattering glass ceilings and carving a niche for themselves in industries like healthcare, science, and technology, the industries that are mostly populated and usually associated with men. These are still only the names of some female unicorn founders; thousands of stories are still untold of the women who are redefining businesses in these segments in their own way.

    Struggles that Women Entrepreneurs Faces

    The breakthrough of these women entrepreneurs is the much-needed silver lining, but this transformation is far from its completion yet. There is still a long way to go. And now that we are celebrating this breakthrough of sorts, it makes sense to underline the hardships and struggles that woman entrepreneurs face at large.

    Societal Challenges

    The societal design has kept women from stepping out of their homes and taking professional responsibility for the longest time. Despite all being said and done, when a woman eventually steps out of her home to work, her journey is quite distinguished from their male counterparts. Literary legends like Maya Angelou have also raised such issues of motherhood, marriage, and the challenges of being a working woman in society. Men have the liberty of switching off from their work after and before office hours, but sadly, women are devoid of that option. When a lady chooses to work at a job or a business, they meet an exclusive set of challenges. These include taking care of the home as well as their professional responsibilities. Such systematic design ends up burdening women even more instead of liberating them. There is always this added onus of striking a work-life balance and navigating home and office responsibilities onto these women. Despite all challenges, if we are witnessing so many women entrepreneurs and leaders on the rise, it proves that they excel at tackling them.

    Less of Capital

    When it comes to women founders, discrimination still exists in the form of the financial aid that they receive. Though women have proved themselves time and again to be as capable as their male counterparts in all respects in terms of businesses, the investors still find it difficult to believe they can lead an organization and this disbelief often leads to diminishing funds.

    Reduced Support and Mentorship

    Support from advisors and mentors always proves to be effective when it comes to business. However, as far as the women founders are concerned, they were still underprivileged in terms of the support they receives from advisors. According to the last survey, over 48% of the female entrepreneurs stated that the lack of support was prominent during their career and this lack of advisors restrained their growth massively.

    Lack of Networking Opportunities

    Women are always underestimated in every section of society even in this very millennia that we are living. This is why they seem to be forever lacking in networking opportunities and are always kept aside from their male counterparts. A proper network in the field of business or rather the lack of it can certainly set two persons wide apart.    

    Pressure from All Sides

    Time and again, the debate surfaces that a woman has to work twice as much as their male peers to attain even remotely comparable recognition, remuneration, and other perks. They must prove them constantly, which pushes them to work harder. As a result, they have no other option but to give their best every single day. Women also excel at taking criticism and feedback. They are also better at multi-tasking, listening, and observing. Such qualities combine to make these women excel at their work in several aspects.

    Women Leaders in Different Sectors

    It is the result of these qualities, perseverance, and passion that has established these ladies as leaders. Today, women are breaking the barriers of traditional moulds and making their names in medicine, technology, healthcare, and science. The women are now redefining the rules of the game. Better yet, they are even deciding the new rules by themselves.

    The camaraderie amongst the female workforce and a commitment to supporting each other is what’s helping them emerge out as the real champions. A doctor, lawyer, scientist, teacher, entrepreneur, or any role, the ladies are here to stay and lead the game from the front. We should not be surprised if 2022 presents 30 female unicorn founders instead of the current 13, especially since we have witnessed the event once.

    Conclusion

    It doesn’t matter what type of industry it is going to be, women leaders are going to conquer them all and they have already started to spread their wings in almost all of them. It’s just the beginning of something great and we will witness the rise of some of the greatest women entrepreneurs in the coming years. Here, one thing is for sure that the women, as they are and always have been on the receiving end of the brunt, will be coming out as more seasoned and indomitable players in the long run.  

    FAQ

    Who is the Most Successful Woman Entrepreneur in India?

    Vandana Luthra, the founder of VLCC is said to be one of the most successful woman entrepreneurs in India.

    Who is the First Woman Entrepreneur in India?

    Kalpana Saroj is said to be the first woman entrepreneur in India. She is the Chairperson of Kamani Tubes.

    Who is the Youngest Female Entrepreneur in India?

    Aditi Gupta, the founder of Menstrupedia is one of the youngest female entrepreneurs in India.

    How many unicorns in India have Women Entrepreneurs?

    Currently, around 13 unicorns in India have women entrepreneurs leading them.

    Which Indian startup achieved its unicorn status in 2021 and is led by a woman?

    OfBusiness is a startup that joined the unicorn club in 2021 and is led by a woman.  

  • List of Indian Clothing Brands Founded by Women

    Indian women are no longer bound to a housewife’s job in today’s society; instead, they are redefined. They freely and enthusiastically contribute to the household and lead a business. Currently, the retail business is booming, and women are eagerly joining this sector to get information from a fresh perspective. It is a profitable job, and there is an intense desire among women to work in retail. A constantly rising tribe of female entrepreneurs has been carving out a name for themselves in various fields and businesses.

    In a society where gender stereotypes abound, there are 6 Indian clothing firms created by women who impact the fashion retail sector and are critical in the development of successful enterprises.

    Indian clothing brands Founded by Women

    Conclusion
    FAQs

    Indian Startups founded by Women

    Indian clothing brands Founded by Women

    Here are some of the top Indian clothing brands that are founded by women.

    Biba

    Founder : Meena Bindra
    Founded: 1988

    Biba- Indian Clothing Brand founded by Women
    Biba- Indian Clothing Brand founded by Women

    BIBA was established as a brand in 1988 by designer turned entrepreneur Meena Bindra. After years of wholesale distribution to traditional retailers, it opened its first exclusive store in Inorbit Mall of Mumbai in the early 1990s.

    BIBA was one of the first few brands to employ the shop-in-shop model.

    In 2012, it was named the Most Admired Women’s Indian Wear Brand of the Year by Images, and at the CMAI Apex Awards. BIBA was named Best Women’s Ethnic Wear Brand of the Year.

    BIBA has attracted people across India with its characteristically North Indian design sensibility. It has created the BIBA Girls, a children’s collection.

    BIBA now has a presence in 76 Indian cities, with 192 exclusive brand locations and over 250 multi-brand outlets, and Biba Apparels’ annual sales are projected to be about Rs. 600 crores.

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    WROGN

    Founder: Anjana Reddy
    Founded: 2012

    Wrogn - Indian Clothing Brand founded by Women
    Wrogn – Indian Clothing Brand founded by Women

    Wrogn is a Bengaluru-based startup started by Anjana Reddy and owned by Universal Sportsbiz. On November 20th, 2012, it was established. Sachin Tendulkar was one of the first investors, buying 21% of the company in 2013. Wrogn then enlisted Virat Kohli as a brand ambassador before investing with him. The brand has gone from strength to strength since its launch in 2012, coinciding with Virat Kohli’s meteoric ascension in the cricketing world. The income for the fiscal year 2016-17 rose to an incredible Rs 101 crore.

    In 2018, Wrogn reached a new high when it became the official clothing partner of IPL team Royal Challenger Bangalore. With its youth-centric design and marketing, the fashionable sports brand has struck a chord with the youth.

    Universal Sportsbiz, the brand’s parent company, has raised Rs. 91.5 crores in funding from Altera Capital, Accel Partners, and others.

    IMARA

    Founder: Anjana Reddy
    Founded: 2015

    Imara - Indian Clothing Brand founded by Women
    Imara – Indian Clothing Brand founded by Women

    IMARA, which was also launched in 2015 by Anjana Reddy, the CEO and creator of USPL, has struck a chord with fashion-conscious young urban women. The brand began by selling at Shoppers’ Stop stores and is now available on fashion websites such as Jabong and Myntra. With the opening of exclusive brand locations around the country, IMARA is pursuing an omnichannel approach.

    The brand offers the young a wide range of styles and experiments to choose from, all at reasonable pricing. Since February 2020, Kareena Kapoor Khan has been the brand spokesperson for IMARA. Jacqueline Fernandez was the company’s previous brand ambassador.

    IMARA now has 210 places of sale across India, with the goal of doubling that number in the next two years.

    Indya

    Founder: Shivani Poddar and Tanvi Malik
    Founded: 2016

    Indya - Indian Clothing Brand founded by Women
    Indya – Indian Clothing Brand founded by Women

    Shivani Poddar and Tanvi Malik launched Indya, an omnichannel quick fashion business, in 2016. New-age silhouettes with classic embroideries, designs, and motifs are the focus of the brand.

    The brand now has over 300 retail locations around the country. With 25 own-stores throughout India, Indya has taken the first step in its offline journey, with many more to follow.

    HSE, Indya’s parent business, has positioned itself as a one-stop-shop for all urban, twenty-something women’s fashion demands. HSE also owns FabAlley, a fast-fashion Western wear brand with globally contemporary garments and accessories, and Curve, a plus-size Western wear brand. All three companies have their own distinct style signatures and are tailored to today’s ladies.

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    Vajor

    Founder: Natasha AR Kumar
    Founded: 2014

    Vajor - Indian Clothing Brand founded by Women
    Vajor – Indian Clothing Brand founded by Women

    Vajor is an e-commerce women’s wear Fashion & Lifestyle company started by Natasha AR Kumar in September 2014.

    On April 17th, 2018, it established its first retail location in Delhi. The business plans to open ten to twelve new stores in Goa, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, Pune, and Jaipur in the near future.

    Vajor has also opted to broaden its product offering by entering the menswear and ethnic clothing segments in order to reach a larger audience. Women’s clothing, footwear, handbags, jewellery, accessories, and home décor are now available.

    Okhai

    Founder: Kirti Poonia
    Founded: 2008

    Okhai - Indian Clothing Brand founded by Women
    Okhai – Indian Clothing Brand founded by Women

    The Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development established the Okhai Centre for Empowerment in 2008. Kirti Poonia, a TAS participant, saw that Okhai’s products merited the world’s notice. In 2015, she transformed the NGO into a full-fledged e-commerce company.

    Apparel, accessories, and handicrafts are among the items produced in Okhai. These items are available for purchase in retail showrooms in Mithapur and Ahemdabad. The items are a combination of the Tribal Women’s traditional art form and the designer’s designs. In 2015, Kirti established the Okhai website. The goods were gradually added to platforms such as Tata Cliq, Amazon, Nykaa, and others.

    In the near future, the firm intends to generate Rs 50 crore in sales by 2025, employing 1 lakh craftsmen in India and pushing for fair salaries for Indian artisans while offering clients with cheap and sustainable design.

    With the staff on board, Okhai intends to move the project forward at a faster speed. They also plan to open ten physical retail locations while expanding online and expanding into related sectors.

    They also want to develop in the areas of maternity wear, sustainable children’s clothing, Diwali and Holi-themed items, emotion, and theme-based collections.

    Conclusion

    Women are now in charge of everything, from traditional woman-friendly businesses like cottage industries to cutting-edge startups.

    There are around 8 million female entrepreneurs in India, and women hold 10% of all official businesses. According to studies, female-owned firms in India are predicted to increase by up to 90% in the next five years, compared to similar enterprises in the United States and the United Kingdom, which are expected to grow by 50% and 24%, respectively.

    FAQs

    Who are the top women entrepreneurs in India?

    Some of the top women entrepreneurs in India are:

    • Vandana Luthra – VLCC
    • Shradha Sharma – YourStory
    • Falguni Nayar – Nykaa
    • Upasana Taku – Mobikwik
    • Suchi Mukherjee – LimeRoad
    • Mansi Gupta – Tjori
    • Nisaba Godrej – Godrej Consumer Products
    • Sugandha – Docttocare
    • Gazal Kalra – Rivigo
    • Vani Kola – Kalaari Capital

    Which are the top clothing brands in India?

    Some of the top clothing brands in India are:

    • Peter England
    • FabIndia
    • W for Women
    • Raymond
    • Allen Solly
    • Mufti
    • Indian Terrain
    • AND
    • Pepe Jeans
    • Mufti

    Some of the most popular clothing brands for women are:

    • Zara
    • Biba
    • Global Desi
    • Globus
    • Levis
    • W for women
    • AND
    • Forever 21
    • Only
    • The Label- Ritu Kumar