Shark Tank India has evolved into a platform where entrepreneurs present their unique ideas to a panel of experienced investors in the hopes of securing funds to make their dreams come true. The number of female-led firms making headlines on the show has increased noticeably in the seasons.
Historically, entrepreneurship has been viewed and portrayed as a male-dominated arena. This is because men and women have traditionally been allocated distinct roles and obligations based on cultural and societal conventions. Women’s lack of educational and vocational resources has further restricted their attempts to enter the entrepreneurial world.
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of these problems, and attempts have been undertaken to promote inclusivity and diversity in business. Initiatives to promote women in business, shifts in cultural attitudes, and policy initiatives to address gender gaps are all gradually shifting the narrative. The way people view entrepreneurship is slowly changing as more women succeed in it and break down conventional boundaries.
Nish Hair is a brand launched in 2017 by Parul Gulati, which was initially a home-based endeavor founded with the main motive of normalizing hair loss through affordable high-quality hair extensions. The brand specializes in 100 percent human hair extensions, toppers, and wigs, catering to various requirements that hair may call for, including experimenting with thinning hair to relive hair-styling fun.
Having started with a few challenges to overcome, Parul went door-to-door selling products and made ₹40,000 in the first year. The brand steadily rose with the help of social media, especially on Instagram, to ₹50 crores by 2023. This milestone was marked at Shark Tank India Season 2, where Parul secured ₹1 crore from Amit Jain for a 2% equity stake, while other sharks made counteroffers.
Nish Hair’s sales skyrocketed threefold after Shark Tank and greatly contributed to brand visibility and confidence in the team. The company intends to expand prescription hair solutions for men and strengthen its global presence. Nish Hair was still focusing on organic growth, but now that they have visibility, they are channeling funds toward marketing to target a wider audience.
Simran Khara – Koparo Clean
Simran Khara – Koparo Clean
Founded by Simran Khara in February 2021, Koparo Clean makes non-toxic plant-based products designed for consumers’ lives, such as dishwashing liquids, floor cleaners, hand washes, and more, all without chemicals like ammonia and chlorine. It has become India’s first coconut-based cleaning brand that uses surfactants derived from coconuts and sugar cane. Since the product formulation was initially difficult-from natural to effective- the first four products were released early in January 2021. The big part was when it featured on Shark Tank India Season 3, and Simran got ₹70 lakh for 1% equity from Vineeta Singh and Aman Gupta.
Koparo used to sell point products quietly till the time its visibility increased post-Shark Tank and reached a monthly revenue of about ₹3 crore and an expected annual revenue of ₹12 crore. Partnerships with Reliance Retail, Modern Bazaar, and countless other e-commerce platforms helped advance the brand and its market reach further. In FY23, revenue grew 7.3 times to ₹4.4 crore. However, increased costs raised losses, even though EBITDA margins and ROCE improved. Shark Tank played a key role in strengthening Koparo’s position in the toxin-free home cleaning segment.
Arpita Aditi – Dil Foods
Arpita Aditi – Dil Foods
Dil Foods, founded by Arpita Aditi in April 2022, works as a virtual restaurant brand bringing the traditional flavors of India into the digital dining space. Handling eight virtual food brands, including Dil Punjabi, Bihari Bowl, and House of Andhra, the company partners with local restaurants, enhancing their asset utilization via its model of innovation.
The lyophilization process is applied by Dil Foods to retain powdered food, ensuring that consistency is being honored across its partner kitchens. In just 1.5 years, it has partnered with 65 plus restaurants and worked with 111 outlets resulting in ₹6 crore of revenue. Arpita’s major achievement includes the Shark Tank India show, where she raised ₹2 crore for 2.67% equity from multiple investors valuing the company at ₹75 crore.
Post-Shark Tank, Dil Foods became more visible, drawing other restaurant partners and customers. In October 2023, total sales made ₹13.2 crore with a net profit of ₹87 lakh, giving an EBITDA margin of 5%. Increased brand awareness continued the growth, assisting restaurants in boosting profits and efficiencies through training and cost management.
Ananya Maloo and Anushree Maloo – Nuutjob
Ananya and Anushree Maloo – Nuutjob
Nuutjob is an Ahmedabad-based brand founded by the sisters Ananya and Anushree Maloo in 2020. Their company specializes in men’s intimate hygiene products. Observing the demand for the natural and chemical-free grooming products for male hygiene aspects, the two women decided to launch the much-required products.
Starting with a proof of concept in 2020 and with full-fledged sales commencing in 2021, during the very first year, Nuutjob had sales of around 500 units and ₹5 lakh revenue. Shark Tank India Season 2 in January 2022 came as a landmark moment for the company. Here, they could not secure a deal, but the publicity gave a major fillip to their brand name and market.”
After Shark Tank, Nuutjob expanded its product portfolio and distribution, while educating the consumers about male intimate hygiene. The recent run rate for the monthly revenue in FY 2023-24 has been between ₹5 lakh and ₹10 lakh, giving an annual turnover of ₹60 lakh to ₹1.2 crore. Due to increasing customer engagement and good traction in the market, it plans to double its revenue by 2024-25, thus becoming a prominent player in the men’s hygiene domain.
Founded by sisters Yeshoda and Rhea Karuturi, Hoovu Fresh sells fresh puja flowers and other allied products. Using the family’s experience in floriculture, Hoovu Fresh developed packaging that enhances the shelf life of flowers, from 2 to 5 times longer, therefore enhancing the flower trade in India which is very fragmented.
By partnering with farms, they have reduced the timely cycle from harvest to delivery so that consumers can enjoy flowers with enduring freshness. Their ₹1 crore investment for a 12.5% equity stake from Peyush Bansal and Aman Gupta in Shark Tank India Season 2 was a catalyst for the brand name gaining recognition, thus giving Hoovu Fresh an edge over other competitors in the market. Today, with an annual turnover of ₹8 crore, Hoovu Fresh is the biggest puja flower brand in India.
After appearing on Shark Tank, the company has paralleled growth in the business by also partnering with the likes of Big Basket, Zepto, Swiggy, and Instamart, through which their products were made available in most major Indian cities. They have also diversified into more sustainable products, for example, incense sticks which they make from floral waste. The recognition for innovation and impact at the Karnataka Women Achievers Awards helps strengthen its reputation in the industry.
Aditi Gupta is a National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad alumna who has worked as a menstruation educator for the past eight years. Aditi is the founder and CEO of Menstrupedia, the world’s most revolutionary menstrual education firm. She has influenced the lives of 13 million girls globally, trained 10,000 educators, and taught more than 50,000 girls about their periods.
In recognition of her efforts to eliminate the stigma associated with menstruation, Aditi was named one of Forbes India’s 30 under 30 in 2014. She is a TED speaker, a UN Goalkeeper, and one of the BBC’s top 100 women. Aditi wishes to build a future where menstruation is not embarrassing but a welcoming change.
Her comic blends storytelling and sequential art to teach young girls about menstruation in an instructive and entertaining way. These comic novels are part of the curriculum in over 25,500 Indian schools. Menstrupedia Comic is available in 20 languages and used in 23 countries worldwide. Her teaching methods are also culturally sensitive, making them well-embraced by over 1.5 lakh Indian parents. Founders Aditi Gupta and Tuhin Paul were offered 10% equity for ₹50 lakhs after being featured in Shark Tank India Season 1 Episode 6 by Namita Thapar.
Kanika Talwar – Cosiq Intelligent Cosmetics
Kanika Talwar – Cosiq Intelligent Skincare
Kanika Talwar has extensive experience in management, operations, and information technology and a track record for achieving results and meeting deadlines. She has worked in multiple fields and has a vast knowledge of team management. Kanika’s expertise includes launching new businesses and overseeing operations with cross-functional teams around the globe.
Kanika Talwar co-founded CosIQ, a molecular skincare brand that provides scientifically proven, effective, affordable skincare products, delivering intelligent skincare. The brand launched India’s first Sunscreen Serum and first-only 2-ingredient Vit-C Serum. CosIQ received INR 50 lakh in funding for a 25% stake from Shark Tank India judges Vineeta Singh and Anupam Mittal. Being only a four-month-old startup at that point, the funding motivated Kanika and Angad Talwar to build up their brand to be revolutionary.
Surabhi And Chetna Shah – Carragreen
Surabhi Shah & Chetna Shah – Carragreen
Surabhi comes from a business family making paper packaging products for the food sector for 35 years. This honed her talents at the company, and she managed the setting up of an in-house printing unit, simultaneously paving the way for Carragreen to take shape as her baby. Surabhi Shah is a professional engineer who is also a passionate ecopreneur. She is in charge of product manufacturing, marketing, and financing.
Chetna Shah, her partner and co-founder of Carrageen, is a valuable source of inspiration and expertise. She is a skilled artisan and art collector, possessing a wealth of baking knowledge. She handles customer research and product development.
After reading about sustainable living, they came up with the business idea to replace plastic in the packaging industry. Giving consumers access to eco-friendly substitutes for everyday items became their primary objective. Their company offers pencils made from newspapers, recycled paper, and biodegradable spoons that replace disposable plastic and wooden spoons at affordable prices. Carragreen introduced reusable and biodegradable “carraspoons” and “carraboxes.” The items quickly became their best-selling items due to their unique and innovative designs. Anupam Mittal and Peyush Bansal invested INR 50 lakhs in their creative proposal for 20% equity.
Malvica Saxena is the mind behind The Quirky Naari, a fashion and lifestyle company that uses digital platforms and developing technology to promote quirky fashion among millennials and Generation Z.
The Quirky Naari originates in Mathura, where Malvica lived and experienced personal struggles before realizing the healing potential of art. Her love of hand-drawing patterns on shoes inspired her to create a fashion company that encourages people to embrace their uniqueness and take risks with their lives.
Her study revealed that firms creating handpainted footwear did not focus on customization, which could potentially be her area of expertise. The Quirky Naari sells a variety of customized things, including bridal sneakers, handpainted sneakers, and handpainted jackets.
Malvica made an appearance on Shark Tank India Season 1 Episode 20, during which she captivated the judges with an exhibit of her unique creations and secured INR 35 lakhs from Vinita Singh and Anupam Mittal in exchange for a 24% stake in his business.
Quirky Naari padhi sabpe Bhaari | Shark Tank India | The Quirky Naari | Full Pitch
Aditi Madan – Bluepine Foods
Aditi Madan (Momo Mami) – Bluepine Foods
Chef Aditi Madan is a role model for small-town women who want to stand out because of their talents. With her leadership abilities, a regular lady became a successful businesswoman, company representative, and food brand owner. Aditi had an excellent opportunity to display her culinary skills on Amul India MasterChef Season 3 when Chef Vikas Khanna gave her the title “Momo Mami.” From the start, her idea was transparent. As quick meals became more and more necessary, she started looking into and trying six-month-shelf-life frozen momos that were free of preservatives.
Bluepine Foods is a young, convenient, innovative, and environmentally conscious food startup. Bluepine Food’s Momo Mami has established itself as a category leader in a new market of preservative-free, frozen momos made from various fresh ingredients. These momos and dumplings aim to bring back the feelings of a traditional home-cooked meal.
Aditi Madan approached Shark Tank with a pitch aimed at getting INR 50 lakhs;however, after numerous rounds of discussion, the deal was agreed upon at INR 75 lakhs for 18% equity by Ashneer Grover, Vineeta Singh, and Aman Gupta.
Vidushi Vijayvergiya – ISAK Fragrances
Vidushi Vijayvergiya – Isak Fragrances
Vidushi Vijayvergiya, the Founder and CEO of ISAK Fragrances, began her journey as a perfume and serial entrepreneur to understand the new world, as well as her deep passion and research in aroma customization in Switzerland, France, and India. It let her see the true potential that perfumery manufactured in India has globally.
With over 150 years of family experience, ISAK is a fragrance house committed to crafting unmatched, handmade Indian scents with uncommon notes and combinations. The initiative aims to promote Indian perfumery and its craftsmanship on a global scale. Vidushi stands out for its ambition to bring back the allure of Ittars, concentrated perfumes created with essential oils historically associated with the royal family and luxury.
The opportunity for customers to design their perfumes with a 100% handmade and organic composition, as well as the potential for expansion, is what facilitated this fragrance brand to acquire INR 50 Lakh for 50% equity from renowned entrepreneur Peyush Bansal.
Rishika Nayak – The Sass Bar
Rishika Nayak – The Sass Bar
Rishika began her work at the age of 19 intending to fulfil the American Dream. She has worked as a stylist for a production house, a strategy executive for an events and intellectual property company, an account executive for a retail design firm, and a fashion buyer and communications manager for a startup. This was before she co-founded the Urbane womenswear brand.
The Sass Bar is Rishika’s second business venture. The company specializes in handcrafted soaps that resemble and smell like mouthwatering desserts. They come in various fragrances and are rich in cocoa and shea butter, devoid of SLS and parabens, using skin-safe colorants and biodegradable glitter. She even collaborated with other artists to develop specialized gift gifts based on various subjects such as travel, food, and music.
This brand impressed the judges with its appearance, who mistook it for eatables. Due to its USP, the brand was able to secure a deal with Anupam Mittal and Ghazal Alagh for INR 50 lakhs for a stake of 35% equity.
In conclusion, the journey of these top women-led firms that obtained funding from Shark Tank India demonstrates women’s perseverance, inventiveness, and entrepreneurial spirit in business. As these entrepreneurs expand and make their impact in their chosen fields, they pave the way for other women to follow in their footsteps. The stories of these great entrepreneurs not only inspire today’s generation but pave the path for a more inclusive and diverse future.
FAQs
What is Menstrupedia?
The Menstrupedia comic serves as a global educational guide, with a specific focus on India, aiming to inform people about menstruation.
What was the deal made by Aditi Madan (Momo Mami) in Shark Tank?
Aditi Madan secured a deal of INR 75 lakhs for 18% equity by Ashneer Grover, Vineeta Singh, and Aman Gupta.
What is Shark Tank about?
Shark Tank India has transformed into a stage where innovators showcase their distinctive concepts to a panel of seasoned investors, aspiring to secure funding to turn their aspirations into reality.
With the consistent developments in the Indian startup ecosystem, more and more women are chasing the entrepreneurial dream and flourishing in their ventures. This is empowering other Indian women who are still confined to the traditional homemaker role to think for themselves. However, a recent report states that only two Indian cities have made it to the list of the 50 most favorable global places for women to work.
India’s Silicon Valley, Bengaluru, ranked 40th, while Delhi was at 49th place. This survey was conducted by the tech giant Dell in partnership with the consultancy firm IHS Markit. The ranking—based on inputs from women entrepreneurs in India, policymakers, venture capitalists, media, and academicians—measures a city’s ability to attract and support those women who want to grow their businesses.
According to the National Sample Survey, only 14% of the businesses in India are run by women entrepreneurs. Most of the companies are bootstrapped and run on a small scale. The global disparity is evident in a report that says nearly 126 million women have their own business across the globe while Indian women linger around the 8 million mark; a paradoxical statement is given that India is the second-most populous nation in the world. StartupTalky has compiled a list of successful female entrepreneurs who’ve made a mark in India’s startup ecosystem.
Some Interesting Statistics on Female Entrepreneurs in India
About 58% of the female entrepreneurs were in the age range of 20-30 when they started out.
Nearly 73% of them report revenue of approximately Rs 10 lakhs in a financial year.
Almost 40% of these women started out solo, i.e., without any other member.
About 35% of the women had a co-founder.
Roughly 40% of the Indian female entrepreneurs employ five people or less.
Despite the challenges of business ownership, 74% of the women entrepreneurs were somewhat or very happy owning a business, 17% were somewhat or very unhappy, and 9% were neutral.
In a country like India, where most women aren’t encouraged to think big (especially in the rural parts of the nation), there are some who have soared higher than one would expect in a constrictive setup.
These wonder women are inspiring other ladies to venture on the path of entrepreneurship through their success stories comprising personal struggles and challenges. As a result, India is steadily rising up the ranks when it comes to a favourable startup environment coupled with some solid backing from the Indian government.
Aditi Gupta is a social-cause entrepreneur and the co-founder of Menstrupedia, which works on spreading awareness about menstruation. She is counted as one of the most successful women entrepreneurs in India. She started the venture along with her husband, Tuhin Paul.
The venture stemmed from her own experiences with this so-called taboo. Menstruation was often a painful time she had to go through without any help to alleviate the pain.
After finding out many women resonated with her on the same problem, she decided to create a website on menstruation, complete with illustrations and graphics, to educate women about periods. Menstrupedia has become extremely popular among girls and women seeking to gain awareness on the topic.
Aditi continues informing women about menstrual hygiene to eliminate certain misconceptions about this natural process. She is indeed among the gems who want to do something for society.
She aspires to create a future where menstruation is not seen as evil but as a welcoming change in a girl’s life. She hails from Garhwal in Jharkhand. Aditi is a post-graduate from the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
2. Anisha Singh
Name
Anisha Singh
Designation
Founder and CEO of mydala
Founded
2009
Anisha Singh – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Anisha Singh is no stranger to roller-coaster riders; she went through various ups and downs in life before achieving the success she enjoys today. She is the co-founder and CEO of India’s biggest deals platform, Mydala.
Anisha’s long journey started when she was working in Capitol Hill and helping entrepreneurs. She then joined a software company in Boston, where she designed e-learning ecosystems. Anisha Singh is known for openly supporting women’s causes and campaigns. She speaks her mind out and doesn’t cave into fear.
Anisha is from New Delhi, India. She pursued her master’s degree in political communication and then an MBA in Information Systems from American University, Washington DC. Anisha Singh is one of the top businesswomen in India. She was also the judge for an Indian reality show, MTV Dropout, that was based on entrepreneurship.
Anisha Singh in MTV Dropout
3. Shradha Sharma
Name
Shradha Sharma
Designation
Founder of YourStory
Founded
2008
Shradha Sharma – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Shradha was at the peak of her career while working with famous news media houses like the Times of India and CNBC in Mumbai. During that period, she interacted with many entrepreneurs and got to know about their success stories.
Her idea to feature these entrepreneurs, particularly young female entrepreneurs in India, was rejected by several channels. She figured out that there were millions of stories storming around but no platform to cover them. She decided to create an online portal to provide a platform for featuring such stories.
YourStory was launched in 2008 and has 70,000+ stories on its website today. Shradha Sharma leads a team of 100+ people who offer content in 11 local languages. The motive is to share the roller coaster of emotions an entrepreneur goes through.
She was awarded the L’Oreal Paris Femina Award and was included on the list of the world’s top 500 LinkedIn influencers Top 500 LinkedIn Influencers. Shraddha is one of the most successful and influential female entrepreneurs in India.
4. Upasana Taku
Name
Upasana Taku
Designation
Co-Founder of Mobikwik
Founded
2009
Upasana Taku – Top 20 Young Female Entrepreneurs in India
Upasana Taku co-founded Mobikwik with her husband, Bipin Preet Singh. Mobikwik is a fintech startup. It is a virtual wallet tied to a huge network of companies and services. People can recharge and pay at registered places through the Mobikwik wallet. Mobikwik also rewards its customers with cashback through a concept called “SuperCash”.
Upasana Taku has a strong fintech background, having worked as a senior product manager at PayPal (an eBay company) in Silicon Valley and with HSBC (San Diego) prior to that. She graduated with a bachelor’s in engineering from NIT Jalandhar and has a master’s degree in management science from Stanford University.
5. Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
Name
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
Designation
Founder of Biocon
Founded
1978
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw is one of the most revered female entrepreneurs in India. She is a billionaire entrepreneur of India who is hailed as the founder and Executive Chairman of the popular Bangalore-based biotechnology company Biocon. Kiran Shaw is responsible for the growth and the large-scale expansion that Biocon has seen to date, and it is her belief in “affordable innovation” that was the key here.
She had previously worked at the United Breweries and has also broken many stereotypes thereafter expanding into biopharmaceuticals. After completing her graduation from Bangalore University, Shaw went on to study brewing at Ballarat College, Melbourne University and topped in her classes, coming out successfully with a master’s brewer degree in 1975.
Ghazal Alagh – Top 20 Young Female Entrepreneurs in India
When it comes to the most successful female businesswomen in India, we ought to name the co-founder of Mamaearth, Ghazal Alagh. Along with being the head of Mamaearth with her husband, Varun Alagh, she is also known as one of the women entrepreneurs who sits on the judges’ panel of the celebrated Shark Tank India show. She is one of the most famous business women in India.
Shark Tank India Judges
Ghazal Alagh is a Panjab University BCA graduate in IT. She then enrolled in the School of Visual Arts for a Summer Intensive Course, and later on, Shaw went to the New York Academy of Art. She is currently serving as the Co-founder, Chief Mama and Chief Innovation Officer at Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd. (Mamaearth).
Neeru Sharma – Top 20 Young Female Entrepreneurs in India
Neeru Sharma is the co-founder and director of Infibeam, India’s leading e-commerce portal. Neeru is an expert in conducting market research and providing financial diligence for investments.
Neeru Sharma holds an MBA degree in Finance and Strategy from Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business. She has been a part of TCS, Nokia, and Amazon.
8. Sugandha
Name
Sugandha Agarwal
Designation
Founder of Docttocare
Founded
2016
Sugandha Agarwal – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Sugandha is one of the youngest businesswomen in India and the founder of Docttocare. Docttocare is an online healthcare service provider that provides information to its users about the best doctors, clinics, hospitals, and diagnostic centres. Docttocare also offers virtual walkthroughs of the hospitals and their facilities.
Sugandha has worked with companies like Infosys, Oracle, and Google Maps before founding Docttocare. Sugandha is an electrical & communication engineer by qualification. She manages a team of 15 people who make Docttocare better every day.
9. Malika Sadani
Name
Malika Sadani
Designation
Founder of The Moms Co.
Founded
2016
Malika Sadani – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
A banker-turned-entrepreneur, Malika Sadani is the founder and CEO of The Moms Co., a leading homegrown brand for toxin-free, natural, and effective products for pre and postnatal care, babies, and conscious consumers seeking personal care solutions.
It was when Sadani had her first child and moved back to India from the UK that she experienced difficulties in finding chemical-free, quality products in the country. There was a huge gap in the baby-care market that was yet to be addressed. She is one of the top 20 women entrepreneurs in India.
With The Moms Co., she has embarked on a mission to help mothers in India and across the world make safe choices for themselves and their loved ones. The team works with experts from around the globe, and even though it’s a native brand, all the products under The Moms Co. have Australian certifications.
Ruchi Garg – Top 20 Young Female Entrepreneurs in India
Ruchi Garg founded Venuelook in 2014. VenueLook is a Noida-based more than 15 years of professional experience O2O platform for venue aggregation, recommendation, and booking. Venuelook makes venue booking seamless and awesome across 16 cities in India. It helps organizations in managing and promoting events.
Ruchi has a bachelor’s degree in computer science. She has more than 15 years of professional experience building products and teams. Ruchi manages a team of 50 people in Venuelook. Even though she is in the event management industry, Ruchi still maintains a connection with technology—leveraging it to solve business problems.
11. Ankita Gaba
Name
Ankita Gaba
Designation
Co-Founder of Social Samosa
Founded
2011
Ankita Gaba – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Ankita Gaba is a consultant, lecturer, entrepreneur, and media strategist known for her multitasking prowess. She co-founded Social Samosa in 2011. However, she left the company in 2015 to start another venture.
Born on April 4, 1985, she hails from Mumbai. Ankita Gaba won “The Social Media Entrepreneur of the Year Award” at the Wat Awards in 2013. Her first venture was Superchooha, one of the first social media agencies in India. She is one of the top 20 women entrepreneurs in India.
12. Ashwini Asokan
Name
Ashwini Asokan
Designation
Co-Founder of Mad Street Den
Founded
2016
Ashwini Asokan – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Ashwini Asokan had Anand Chandrasekaran, her husband, by her side in her entrepreneurial quest. She began by leading a mobile innovation team in Silicon Valley. This stint incited her interest in Artificial Intelligence.
After coming back to India, the husband-wife duo tasted success with their first offering—Mad Street Den. Mad Street Den is an AI platform that enables users to capture smiles and detect facial expressions and emotions through their smartphone cameras. The company is located in the Bay Area, California, with offices in Seattle and Chennai (India).
Ashwini and Anand also founded vue.ai, an image recognition platform for the retail industry. Vue.ai works with marquee retailers, brands, and marketplaces across the globe. It transforms operations in the fashion industry through intelligent automation. It won’t be wrong to label Ashwini as an innovative female tech entrepreneur!
13. Akanksha Anshu
Name
Akanksha Anshu
Designation
Founder of Refundme.in
Founded
2012
Akanksha Anshu – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Akanksha Anshuis thefounderof refundme.in. Refundme.in offers a platform to travellers where they can easily claim compensation in the case of unfavourable circumstances such as flight delay, flight cancellation, overbooking, denied boarding, and so on. She is tech-savvy, a visionary, an entrepreneur, and the founder of 3 successful ventures. She comes from an enterprise technology background, holds an engineering degree, and has managed various roles in the international market, from IT services to business development.
Through refundme.in, she has given suggestions to the government, and the efforts have helped the government revise the Air Passenger Charter Act. Akanksha Anshu has been featured by many media platforms like ETWealth, BW Disrupt, Business Insider, and more for her contributions to the Aviation Industry.
Akanksha has expertise in technology, marketing, and automation. She has been mentoring various startups for their IT infrastructure and strategic planning. Besides consultancy, she is a traveller, storyteller, and motivational speaker. So far, she has been a speaker at various events where she has presented her ideas on distinct topics—technology, entrepreneurship, IT automation, motivation, and web security.
Chitra Gurnani Daga – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Chitra Gurnani, a young female CEO in India, along with her husband, Abhishek Daga, commenced Thrillophilia in 2009. The venture was a manifestation of their passion for travelling. Thrillophilia is a travel company that provides the best local experiences and assures its customers of a trip they will cherish forever. Her aim is to make the people of India aware of the marvelous travel spots and tourist destinations within the country.
Chitra Gurnani hails from Bangalore. She has an MBA degree in Marketing from the Indian School of Business. Chitra previously worked at SAP and Infosys as a software engineer. She is focusing on building an organization that adds value to its customers and employees instead of solely focusing on revenue.
15. Debadutta Upadhyaya
Name
Debadutta Upadhyaya
Designation
Founder of TImesaverz
Founded
2012
Debadutta Upadhyaya – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Debadutta Upadhyaya believes in persistence, whether in hell or in high water. In fact, she always finds a solution to every problem. Debadutta founded Timesaverz, an online portal that helps people find solutions to their handyman problems. It assists homemakers with house repairs.
Debadutta was born in the city of Odisha, Rourkela. She has an MBA from IIM, Calcutta and worked for Yahoo India.
Life is as you would like to make of it. All of us have a choice and the easy or hard part is just a derivative of what one has chosen. – Debadutta Upadhyaya, Founder of Timesaverz
16. Gurleen Kaur
Name
Gurleen Kaur
Designation
Founder of Hareepatti
Founded
2005
Gurleen Kaur – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Gurleen Kaur Tikku is the CEO of Hareepatti. Hareepatti is a financial advisory firm imparting its customer’s financial wisdom. It is an extension of Trilok Singh & Associates that was started by Gurleen’s father, the late Shri Trilok Singh Jee.
Gurleen Kaur pursued a PGDBM in Finance from the Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad. She has been recognized among the Top 30 Women Entrepreneurs from Delhi.
17. Jaya Jha
Name
jaya Jha
Designation
Founder of Pothi and InstaScribe
Founded
2008 and 2013
Jaya Jha – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Jaya Jha is another successful female entrepreneur in India. She is the brain behind two startups—InstaScribe and Pothi.com. These platforms enable users to create their own eBooks.
Jaya has enviable credentials with the IIT-IIM tag. She graduated from IIT, Kanpur in Computer Science and has a PGDM in Marketing and Strategy from IIM, Lucknow. She previously worked for Google as an Assistant Product Manager and with IBM as an Assistant Manager.
18. Neha Behani
Name
Neha Behani
Designation
Founder of Moojic
Founded
2011
Neha Behani – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Neha Behani has done something really unique through Moojic. Moojic is like a radio/jukebox for restaurants and cafes. It allows customers to alter and customize playlists as per their interests. Neha is no stranger to failures, she has had a difficult journey but always emerged victorious.
Neha Behani hails from Mumbai. She pursued her MBA in Marketing from the Asian Institute of Management. She previously worked as an Assistant Product Manager at HP.
19. Megha Malik
Name
Megha Malik
Designation
Founder of DesignerPeople
Founded
2000
Megha Malik – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Megha Malik started her journey as an entrepreneur a decade back by starting DesignerPeople. Her vision is to transform the way product packaging, design, and positioning are perceived by young brands. As a creative director at Designer People, Megha’s responsibility is to provide proactive, practical and contemporary brand advertising solutions and support a futuristic brand presentation in tune with global trends.
She has worked with more than 500 brands over the last ten years and helped them build their branding portfolio. Megha holds an MBA degree in Marketing Strategies and a bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts.
20. Chitra Ravi
Name
Chitra Ravi
Designation
Founder of Chrysalis
Founded
2001
Chitra Ravi – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Chitra Ravi is the founder of Chrysalis. A management graduate, Chitra has a strong desire to improve education. Chrysalis has innovated an academic program for the formative years (in the age group of 2-12) of a child’s education – “ThinkRoom”. Chitra deftly combines her skills in conceptualization, storyboarding, and instructional design to deliver products and services that are dynamic and on par with any international curriculum standards.
Chitra has traveled to the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Southeast Asia and has participated in many international training programs and conventions like Project Zero, which is conducted by Harvard University exclusively for educators. She also presented a program on the effective use of technology in the K-12 curriculum for one of the biggest satellite channels in India.
21. Aparajita Amar
Name
Aparijitha Amar
Designation
Founder of SHLC
Founded
2015
Aparajita Amar – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Leading women entrepreneurship in India, Aparajita Amar is the founder of SHLC-Sexual Harassment Law Compliance Advisory. She is a certified sexual harassment and workplace diversity advisor and an Advocate. At SHLC, Aparajita and her colleagues provide documentation, consultation, and advisory services to organizations to assist their clients in complying with sexual harassment laws.
The team works on drafting anti-sexual harassment policies, sensitization and awareness sessions, and ICC capacity building. She has designed and conducted training, sensitization, and awareness workshops for employees, supervisors and senior management. She has also designed and conducted capacity-building and strengthening programmes for the members of the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
Aparajita is a Legal Development Programme (LDP) Member of the “Strengthening Road Safety in India” program organized by the Bloomberg Initiative and the World Health Organization (WHO) on global road safety. Aparajita has attended workshops held in Beijing and Geneva.
22. Rati Batra
Name
rati Batra
Designation
Founder of YourHR
Founded
2017
Rati Batra – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Rati Batra is an HR strategist and the founder of YourHR; the startup is known for rendering strategic consulting support to start-ups and SMEs. YourHRprovides end-to-end human resource management (HRC) strategic consulting support to businesses. She brings HR and business development expertise to the table.
She attended the GEC Conference 2019 held in Bahrain as part of the Indian delegation, deliberating ways to sustain the entrepreneurial and startup culture. Rati is also working to build a network that celebrates and encourages strong, independent female entrepreneurs.
Aditi Balbir, a young female CEO in India is the founder and CEO of V Resorts – an organization that provides holiday experiences that showcase the real India.
She graduated from ISB (Hyderabad) and the Fuqua School, Duke University. Aditi started her career in finance before establishing V Resorts. V Resorts was her first venture outside of finance in 2014. She received $9 million in two successive rounds of funding from Bedrock Ventures, Seedfund, and RB Investments. She has contributed to building the business from the ground up to carefully curate, develop, and manage unique resort properties in India.
She received the Young Women Business Award for Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs by CNBC TV 18 in 2017, Exceptional Women of Excellence by the Women Economic Forum in 2017, Fortune 100 Most Powerful Women Asia in 2017, and Dell Foundation’s 200 Most Powerful Women Entrepreneurs in the world in 2016.
24. Falguni Nayar
Name
Falguni Nayar
Designation
Founder of Nykaa
Founded
2012
Falguni Nayar – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Falguni Nayar is one of the most successful women entrepreneurs in India and the founder of Nykaa, India’s beauty product retailer. After serving 20 years as a venture investor and merchant with Kotak Mahindra, she suddenly announced her departure to pursue her dream. Nykaa has over 850 brands along with robust content through videos, blogs, and dynamic social media engagement. Running an online business successfully, Nykaa has also introduced 35 physical stores. She is one of the most famous business women in India.
Nykaa has also been a front-runner in bringing international luxury brands to India, giving Indian customers all-encompassing products and services to choose from.
Garima Satija, along with other young women entrepreneurs, founded PoshVine. Before embarking on her journey with PoshVine, Garima gained valuable experience working with Naukri.com and Ozone Media. PoshVine, an online destination curated by young women entrepreneurs, serves as a platform for discovering and booking dining and travel experiences. The venture commenced by bringing together premium restaurants and experimental chefs, all eager to craft distinctive activities for users to enjoy.
PoshVine enables individuals and companies to create experiential packages directly on its site. PoshVine recently adopted a B2B2C approach in its business model. It works with large clients like HDFC Bank, Citibank, Axis Bank, Jaguar, etc. and manages their experiential engagement for affluent customers.
26. Vandana Luthra
Name
vandana Luthra
Designation
Founder of VLCC
Founded
1989
Vandana Luthra – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Mrs Vandana Luthra is the founder of VLCC. VLCC is a globally recognized name in the beauty, health, and fitness industry. Mrs. Luthra had humble beginnings in 1989 with the opening of a beauty and slimming services center in New Delhi. This center ran weight management programs along with cutting-edge skin and hair treatments.
In the year 2013, she was awarded one of India’s topmost honors, the Padma Shri, for her immense contribution to Trade & Industry. She won the Asian Business Leaders Forum Trailblazer Award in 2012, the Enterprise Asia Women Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2010, and the Rajiv Gandhi Award in 2008. She has been featured in the Forbes Asia 2016 list of 50 Power Businesswomen in the APAC region. She has been featured in Fortune magazine’s annual listing of the 50 Most Powerful Women in Business in India for six years in a row – from 2011 to 2016. She is one of the most successful businesswomen in India. She is one of the top 50 women entrepreneurs in India.
27. Suchi Mukherjee
Name
Suchi Mukherjee
Designation
Founder of LimeRoad
Founded
2012
Suchi Mukherjee – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Suchi Mukherjee founded LimeRoad in 2012. LimeRoad is a social commerce site where products are shared and sold. These offerings are targeted directly toward the women’s community. LimeRoad is the fastest-growing fashion platform today. Suchi Mukherjee studied economics at the School of Cambridge and completed her master’s degree in economics and finance in London. She was part of the early team building out the UK business for eBay, an executive management team member at Skype, andamanaging director at Gumtree.
She was among the 15 women voted for ‘Rising Talent – Global Leaders Under 40’ at the World Women’s Forum in Paris in 2010 for her contributions to scaling businesses encompassing consumer technology.
28. Mansi Gupta
Name
Mansi Gupta
Designation
Founder of Tijori
Founded
2013
Mansi Gupta – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Mansi Gupta is the co-founder of the lifestyle brand ‘Tjori’. Tjori was launched in India in 2013. Tjori is a lifestyle brand with products in the apparel, home, wellness, jewelry, shoes, and bags categories; it recently introduced a mother-and-child catalog. All of these categories follow the richness of Indian handicrafts and the quality of international standards.
She created this brand with the idea of promoting traditional Indian handicrafts imbued with a touch of modernism to fetch them much-needed global recognition. A plan built on the whiteboard of a room in the Wharton University housing complex has now become a global e-commerce website with ever-expanding future plans.
The daughter of an elite clothing tycoon in Jammu, Mansi completed her MBA from the Business School of Cardiff University and has a specialization in the field of finance from the University of Wharton.
The brand is a spitting image of her style and aura. The art and the details of the handicraft are kept intact and enhanced with a modern touch. The products are well-thought-out and only then sold to customers.
Mansi and her employees are determined to build the brand and are dedicated to taking Tjori to global imminence. Mansi Gupta says, “If we don’t have any battles to fight, then the war is lost. A battle will only be won once we stand true to our aims and goals.”
“The transition from an e-commerce website to a walk-in store is Tjori’s next goal, and we aim to win this battle by spreading our stores worldwide. The end goal would be to be the best-selling Indian lifestyle brand on a global platform,” she adds.
29. Vani Kola
Name
Vani Kola
Designation
Founder of Kalaari Capital
Founded
2012
Vani Kola – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Vani Kola is the founder and Managing Director of Kalaari Capital. Kalaari Capital is one of India’s leading early-stage venture capital firms. Vani has successfully led more than 30 investments at Kalaari in e-commerce, gaming, digital content, healthcare, and more. Some of her successes include Dream11, Myntra, Cure.fit, and Snapdeal. Vani is on the board of several companies that are redefining the landscape of Indian business.
Vani Kola has been profiled in numerous books and has been identified as one of Fortune India’s ‘Most Powerful Women in Business.’ She is also supporting various organizations fostering entrepreneurship and women’s leadership.
30. Nisaba Godrej
Name
Nisaba Godrej
Designation
Founder of Godrej Consumer Products
Founded
2001
Nisaba Godrej – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Nisaba is the executive chairperson of Godrej Consumer Products. Nisaba has a bachelor’s in science degree from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Harvard Business School. She is the key architect of GCPL’s strategy and transformation in the last decade.
Over the last ten years, GCPL’s market capitalization has increased twenty-fold, and GCPL has developed a strong, engaged, and ambitious team. It is consistently ranked among the best places to work.
She has transformed Godrej into a more meritocratic and highly performance-driven organization while retaining the group’s values front and centre. She spearheads the Godrej group’s “good & green” agenda to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.
Ankita Vashistha – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Ankita Vashistha is the founder and chief executive officer of India’s (and Asia’s) first venture capital fund, Saha Fund. Saha Fund promotes and invests in women-led ventures and firms making strides in technology and innovation. Saha Funds has made investments in India, Asia, the UK, and the US.
Ankita, recognized as one of the top businesswomen in India, also collaborates closely with multiple domain experts, industry leaders, and a custom investment team that advises and chairs ventures to help them grow.
32. Aditi Avasthi
Name
Aditi Avasthi
Designation
Founder of Embibe
Founded
2012
Aditi Avasthi – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Aditi Avasthi, one of the successful women in India, is the founder and CEO of Embibe, an educational technology company based in Bangalore. Aditi, who holds an MBA in finance and marketing from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, leads Embibe with a vision to revolutionize the educational landscape.
Aditi Avasthi, a notable women entrepreneur in India, was awarded ‘Accenture Vaahini Innovator of the Year’ at the inaugural edition of the ETPrime Women Leadership Awards (ETPWLA).
33. Gazal Kalra
Name
Gazal Kalra
Designation
Founder of Rivigo
Founded
2014
Gazal Kalra – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Gazal Kalra co-founded Rivigo, a Gurugram-based logistics startup. Gazal Kalra has an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business and a master’s degree in public policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.
Rivigo, spearheaded by Indian women entrepreneurs, operates on a relay truck model, ensuring that no driver would drive for more than four hours at a stretch, returning home the same day. Recently, Rivigo secured $65 million in funding from Warburg Pincus and SAIF Partners, bringing its total raised capital to $180 million.
34. Manisha Raisinghani
Name
Manisha Raisinghani
Designation
Founder of LogiNext
Founded
2014
Manisha Raisinghani – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Manisha co-founded LogiNext, which helps SaaS companies to manage and optimize logistics and field service operations. Manisha Raisinghani did her master’s in information systems from Carnegie Mellon University. She then worked with Warner Brothers as part of the data analytics team for iTunes. She also worked with IBM in the US before deciding to start LogiNext.
LogiNext is backed by Alibaba-funded Paytm and the Indian Angel Network; it has raised more than $10 Million as an investment to date. LogiNext has achieved exponential success in a very short span of time and is set to exceed 300% in growth by the end of 2020.
35. Sreelakshmi Suresh
Name
Sreelakshmi SUresh
Designation
Founder of eDesign
Founded
2014
Sreelakshmi Suresh – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Sreelakshmi is the youngest woman entrepreneur in India. Sreelakshmi became the youngest web designer-cum-CEO in the world in 2020 at the age of 21. She designed and developed the official website of her school located in Kozhikode (Kerala) when she was only 8 years old. She has many accolades to her name. Sreelakshmi has received many national and international awards.
At the age of 10, she designed and established eDesign, a web designing company that offers SEO, design, and other related services. Sreelakshmi Suresh has developed over 100 websites for renowned institutions and organizations across India.
36. Richa Kar
Name
Akanksha Anshu
Designation
Co-Founder of Zivame
Founded
2011
Ruchi Kar – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Richa Kar commenced her professional journey in the information technology sector. However, upon completion of her Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the esteemed Narsee Monte Institute of Management Studies, she joined the retailer Spencer’s, where the seed for Zivame, a women’s apparel company, was sown. Through her work, Richa identified a gap in the market for an e-commerce lingerie brand and made the decision to invest her personal savings into the establishment of Zivame in 2011.
In May 2012, Richa secured her first investment of US$3 million for Zivame. Subsequently, the company has experienced remarkable growth, expanding its operations to include brick-and-mortar stores alongside its e-commerce business. Presently, Zivame is valued at US$13.6 million and has played an instrumental role in dismantling taboos associated with lingerie shopping in India, ensuring that every woman has access to comfortable products.
37. Tanvi Malik
Name
Tani Malik
Designation
Co-Founder of FabAlley
Founded
2012
Tanvi Malik – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Tanvi Malik is a highly successful entrepreneur who completed her MBA specializing in brand management at MICA, Ahmedabad, back in 2009. She started her career as an assistant brand manager at Titan Industries after graduation. However, in 2012, she took the bold step of leaving her corporate job to launch FabAlley and Indya, two online platforms catering to women’s fashion needs.
Tanvi’s visionary leadership has recently led FabAlley to secure a substantial investment of US$8.54 million from SAIF Partners, enabling the brand’s expansion into offline retail. Her outstanding accomplishments have earned her recognition on several prestigious lists, including Entrepreneur India’s 35 Under 35 in 2019 and Fortune India’s 40 Under 40 in 2021. Tanvi is widely admired for her commitment to promoting inclusivity in Indian women’s fashion and for blending traditional Indian aesthetics with modern styles for the millennial woman. Her impact on the industry is profound, serving as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.
38. Vineeta Singh
Name
Vineeta Singh
Designation
Founder and CEO of Sugar Cosmetics
Founded
2015
Vineeta Singh – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Vineeta Singh‘s professional journey began with internships at ITC and Deutsche Bank, followed by the completion of an MBA at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. Transitioning into senior roles spanning e-learning and HR, she honed her skills across diverse industries. In 2015, Singh took a bold step into entrepreneurship with the establishment of Sugar Cosmetics, which rapidly evolved into a formidable beauty empire. She is one of the top 50 women entrepreneurs in India.
Today, Singh’s entrepreneurial acumen has propelled her to a net worth estimated at $36 million. Her influence extends beyond her business ventures as she takes on the role of an investor on Shark Tank India, where she actively encourages and mentors young Indian women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, igniting a new era of female empowerment in the Indian business landscape.
Neha’s frustration with choosing the right fitness classes sparked the creation of Fitternity in 2013. With a background spanning finance, risk, and HR, coupled with an MBA from the Wellingkar Institute of Management and Research, Neha saw an opportunity to simplify the fitness journey for others. Today, Fitternity stands as a prominent online booking platform with over 10 million users across its website and app, generating an estimated yearly revenue of $16 million. It has evolved into one of India’s leading fitness search engines, offering a seamless experience for individuals embarking on their fitness endeavours and fostering a sense of community along the way.
Kanika Tekriwal – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Kanika became India’s youngest self-made entrepreneur when she established her aviation startup at just 22. Despite facing significant challenges, including battling cancer just as she was launching JetSetGo, an online platform for booking chartered planes and helicopters, her determination never wavered. Her journey took an unexpected turn when illness struck, setting back her startup plans by a year. However, after overcoming cancer, Kanika poured all her efforts into realizing her vision for JetSetGo. Now, a decade later, her perseverance has paid off handsomely, with a net worth of around US$50 million and recognition on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia list.
Kanika’s story exemplifies resilience and ambition, propelled by her educational background with an MBA in finance from Coventry University in 2011, laying the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey. Despite facing setbacks early on, her unwavering determination and focus propelled her towards success. Today, her startup stands as a testament to her tenacity, marking her as a shining example in the world of entrepreneurship and inspiring others to overcome obstacles on their path to achievement.
41. Naiyya Saggi
Name
Naiyaa Saggi
Designation
Founder of BabyChakra and Co-Founder of The Good Glamm Group
Founded
2015 and 2021
Naiyya Saggi – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Naiyya Saggi pursued her MBA at Harvard Business School in 2012 through a Fulbright Scholarship, shifting gears from her role as a business analyst at McKinsey to delve into entrepreneurship. She kickstarted her journey with BabyChakra, an online community catering to mothers, in 2015, followed by the establishment of The Good Glamm Group in 2021. The Good Glamm Group swiftly ascended to unicorn status in the Indian beauty commerce sector the same year, boasting a valuation of $1.2 billion. Today, both of Naiyya’s ventures thrive in synergy, with The Good Glamm Group exhibiting an impressive annual growth rate of 12% while BabyChakra stands as a prominent platform offering invaluable parenting resources and support in India.
Finding decent, safe, and budget-friendly accommodation in India can often be a daunting task, particularly for students and professionals. Recognizing this common struggle, Sneha Choudary, along with her partners Dr. Nikhil Sikri and Akhil Sikri, seized the opportunity to address this need. They founded ZoloStays, a platform dedicated to providing hassle-free, long-term stay options that are both affordable and professionally managed.
ZoloStays has transformed the landscape of accommodation in India for young individuals, experiencing remarkable success in just nine years of operation. By offering fully managed accommodations that are easy to book, the platform has become a million-dollar enterprise, catering to the needs of students and professionals alike and significantly simplifying the process of finding quality housing in the country.
43. Divya Gokulnath
Name
Divya Gokulnath
Designation
Co-Founder of BYJU’S
Founded
2011
Divya Gokulnath – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Divya Gokulnath, alongside her husband Byju Raveendran, co-founded BYJU’S, a prominent educational technology company in India. Their shared passion for education and technology led them to develop an innovative learning app that offers personalized online learning experiences for students of various ages. Through their dedication, BYJU’S has emerged as a global leader in ed-tech, transforming traditional learning methods and reaching millions of students worldwide.
Divya’s unwavering vision and tireless efforts have propelled BYJU’S to international acclaim, establishing it as a powerhouse in education technology. Her commitment to providing accessible and effective learning solutions has garnered widespread recognition, contributing to BYJU’S substantial user base and global impact. Through their collaborative efforts, Divya and Byju continue to revolutionize education, empowering students with engaging and personalized learning experiences.
44. Swati Bhargava
Name
Swati Bhargava
Designation
Co-Founder of CashKaro
Founded
2013
Swati Bhargava – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Swati Bhargava, co-founder of CashKaro, has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing the e-commerce landscape in India. The inception of CashKaro stemmed from Swati and her husband’s personal experience of saving money while booking their honeymoon tickets through a cashback website. Motivated by this, they embarked on the journey to establish a similar platform tailored for the Indian market in 2013.
Under the astute leadership of Swati, one of the leading women entrepreneurs of India, CashKaro has flourished into India’s premier cashback and coupon site. Their platform offers users the opportunity to earn cashback on a diverse array of online purchases from partnered retailers. This innovative approach to saving money has resonated with both men and women, making CashKaro a go-to money-saving solution for millions of users, and further solidifying Swati’s reputation as a trailblazer in the business world. Through her leadership, CashKaro has empowered countless individuals to make smarter financial decisions while indulging in online shopping.
Radhika Ghai Aggarwal – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Radhika Ghai Aggarwal is a prominent female entrepreneur whose innovative ventures have garnered her recognition as one of India’s top 10 women entrepreneurs. Among her notable successes is ShopClues, an online marketplace launched in 2011 to serve the varied requirements of Indian consumers. Initially comprising a modest team of 10 individuals, the company steadily expanded its workforce and customer base. Presently valued at $1.1 billion, ShopClues stands as one of India’s most prosperous indigenous online marketplaces.
In addition to her accomplishments with ShopClues, Radhika Ghai Aggarwal ventured into establishing Kindlife in 2021. Kindlife is an online platform specializing in organic products that is gaining significant traction within the market. Radhika’s entrepreneurial acumen has not only fueled the success of her ventures but has also contributed to the advancement of e-commerce in India, solidifying her status as one of the most famous women entrepreneurs in India and a trailblazer in the business world.
46. Indra Nooyi
Name
Indra Nooyi
Designation
Chairperson and CRO of PepsiCo
Founded
2006
Indra Nooyi – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Indra Nooyi is an Indo-American businesswoman who served as the Chairperson and CRO of PepsiCo from 2006-2018. It was under her leadership that PepsiCo’s revenue shot up by 80%. She was the focal point in shifting the company’s focus towards healthier products with sustainable initiatives. Her reclassification of PepsiCo’s products into categories of – ‘fun for you’ (regular soda and potato chips), ‘better for you’ (low-fat versions of drinks and snacks), and ‘good for you’ (healthier items such as oatmeal) helped create a positive impact of the brand in the minds of people.
Nooyi consistently ranks among the world’s most powerful and influential women. She was ranked 13 on the Forbes list in 2014 and the second most powerful woman on the Fortune list both in 2015 and 2017. Indra also sits on the board of Amazon Inc. and the International Cricket Council.
47. Ritu Kumar
Name
Ritu Kumar
Designation
Founder, Ritu Kumar
Founded
1969
Ritu Kumar – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Considered to be one of the pioneers of Indian fashion, Ritu Kumar launched her label in 1969 in Kolkata. She began her fashion business using two small tables and hand-block printing techniques. Initially, she started with bridal wear and evening clothes and later moved into the international market. Renowned for using traditional textiles and craftsmanship, she blends the modern with the old. She has been one of the pivotal figures in reviving India’s rich artisanal heritage and bringing it to the global limelight. Her company’s annual turnover was estimated to be around INR 10 billion. Her clothes have been worn by celebrities such as Late Princess Diana, Madhuri Dixit Nene, Jemima Goldsmith, Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, Deepika Padukone, and more.
Roshni Nadar Malhotra – Top Business Women in India
The current Chairperson of HCL Technologies, she is the first woman to lead a listed IT company in India. She is the only child of Shiv Nadar, the HCL Group Founder and billionaire. In 2019, and 2024, she was ranked 54th and 60th on the Forbes World’s 100 Most Powerful Women. According to the IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List (2019), she is the wealthiest woman in India, with an estimated net worth of $42 billion as of October 2024. In 2023, she was ranked as the 60th of the World’s Most Powerful Women per Forbes.
In addition to her corporate prowess, she is involved in multiple philanthropic initiatives, including the conservation and education of children across India.
Radhika Aggarwal – Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
Radhika Aggarwal is one of the first female co-founders of a unicorn startup, ShopClues, an online marketplace. Aggarwal was a part of the marketing teams for brands such as Nordstrom and Goldman Sachs. She has over 14 years of experience in diverse sectors such as retail, lifestyle, fashion, and eCommerce in the USA. Some awards she has won over the years are Outlook Business Woman of Worth at Outlook Business Awards, Woman Entrepreneur of the Year at Entrepreneur India Awards, Exemplary Woman Entrepreneur of the Year at CMO Asia Awards, and CEO of the Year Award at CEO India Awards in 2016 alone.
Radhika has been a trailblazer in the eCommerce sector and has empowered both small and medium businesses with a platform to reach out to a broader customer base.
The prominent Indian entrepreneur, Shahnaz Husain, is known for her herbal cosmetics brand, Shahnaz Husain Group. Founded by her in 1970, Shahnaz has dedicated her life to popularizing Ayurvedic beauty treatments globally. She has received international recognition for reviving Herbal beauty care and taking the Indian heritage of Ayurveda global. In 2006, she received the Padma Shri from the Government of India for her contribution to the field of trade and commerce. In 2012, she won the Outstanding Ayurvedic Innovation Award in London and the Olympia Asia Award for Outstanding Contribution in Ayurveda and Plant Cosmetics in London.
Husain’s commitment to natural products has made her a household name and a pioneer in the Indian beauty industry.
Khushboo Jain – Young Women Entrepreneurs in India
Khushboo Jain, one of the youngest business woman in India is the co-founder and COO of ImpactGuru, a crowdfunding platform launched in 2014. The platform focuses on the healthcare sector and raises funds for medical issues and social causes. She has been crucial in providing funding to those in need by making healthcare easily accessible to all. Khushboo has received recognition from multiple organizations, such as the Fortune 40 uner 40 list and the National Commission for Minorities in India. In 2019, she was among the Top 15 women entrepreneurs at the United Nations Women Transforming India Award & Niti Aayog. Her idea for ImpactGuru came at a time when 65%-70% of the middle-class population did not have insurance. She was driven by the idea of making healthcare more affordable and accessible for everyone in India.
Sairee Chahal founded and is the CEO of the women-only social network Sheroes in 2014. The platform is a support group, opportunity provider, and resource finder for women at multiple stages of their careers. Founded in 2014 as a helpline, SHEROES has since emerged as a social network dedicated to women. Users can bridge the gender gap, interact, and grow. Sairee created the platform as a safe space for women to share, connect, and grow professionally and personally.
Sairee also founded Mahila Money, a small loans agency for women micro-entrepreneurs. Women can receive funding from INR 10,000 to INR 2,00,000 and get approval within 48 hours. Even if they are rejected, they can stay in the community to learn more about their financial abilities. Currently, Mahila Money has partnered with over 60 women-focused organizations to help them gain more trust.
Ankiti Bose is the CEO and co-founder of Zilingo, the fashion and lifestyle eCommerce platform launched in 2015. She is considered to be one of the youngest female CEOs who leads a startup worth over a billion dollars. Ankiti was featured in Forbes Asia as 30 under 30 in 2018 and as 40 over 40 in 2019. The idea for Zilingo was born after she visited Chatuchak Weekend Market, where Ankiti noticed immense room for penetration and growth. She realized that while people were slowly moving online, retailers were not trained financially or digitally to compete with global players. In 2019, Zilingo raised $226 million in Series D funding. She is one of the most successful women in India.
Ankiti’s vision has changed Zilingo into a global platform that empowers small manufacturers and retailers in the fashion industry.
Indians need to learn from these role models. Their ventures and initiatives are more than just a source of profit. The ladies covered in this post are some of the most successful women entrepreneurs in India and demonstrate the results of creativity and innovation. Gender is not a deterrent to achieving success.
Hope this post has incited the hidden entrepreneur in you!
FAQs
Who is the first youngest woman entrepreneur in India?
Sreelakshmi Suresh is the first youngest woman entrepreneur in India.
Who is the first woman entrepreneur in India?
Kalpana Saroj is the first woman entrepreneur in India. She is the Chairman of Kamani Tubes.
How to become a businesswoman in India?
If you are wondering to stand as a successful businesswoman in India, then these are a few tips that you can keep handy:
Research about your field
Be confident
Be organized
Network with people
Find a mentor
Analyze your customers
Stay updated always
Be positive
Who are the top 10 female entrepreneurs in India?
The top 10 young female entrepreneurs in India are:
Anisha Singh
Shradha Sharma
Upasana Taku
Falguni Nayar
Vandana Luthra
Ghazal Alagh
Suchi Mukherjee
Kiran Shaw
Neeru Sharma
Nisaba Godrej
Who is the richest female entrepreneur in India?
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, the founder of Biocon is the richest female entrepreneur in India.
Who are the most popular female entrepreneurs in India?
Some of the most popular female entrepreneurs in India are:
Falguni Nayar
Vandana Luthra
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
Ghazal Alagh
Indra Nooyi
Suchi Mukherjee
Aditi Gupta
Vani Kola
Radhika Ghai Aggarwal
Supriya Paul
Malini Agarwal
Who are the most powerful women in India today?
According to the 2021 list, the most powerful women of India list consists of:
Nirmala Sitharaman
Nita Ambani
Soumya Swaminathan
Kiran Mazumdar Shaw
Suchitra Ella
Who are the top female entrepreneurs in the world?
Here’s the list of the top female entrepreneurs in the world:
Venture capital (VC) is crucial in financing startups and small businesses with long-term growth potential. Typically sourced from wealthy investors, investment banks, and financial institutions, VC funding offers several advantages, including no obligation for repayment even in the event of business failure. Additionally, VC firms often provide valuable networking opportunities, aiding startups in marketing and promotion efforts to establish themselves in the market.
VC investment occurs across various stages:
Pre-Seed: At this earliest stage, founders work on shaping their ideas into a viable business plan. Many seek support from business accelerators for initial funding and mentorship.
Seed Funding: This stage marks the launch of a startup’s first product. With no revenue streams, startups rely on VC funding to cover operational expenses.
Early-Stage Funding: Once a product is developed, startups require additional Capital to scale production and sales before achieving self-sustainability. This stage often involves multiple funding rounds, such as Series A and B.
Despite the potential benefits of VC funding, there exists a significant gender gap in this realm, with women-founded startups receiving disproportionately less funding compared to their male counterparts. This disparity underscores the need for dedicated women-centric VC funds, which provide access to Capital and foster supportive investor communities tailored to female founders.
These specialized VC funds are particularly timely for India as the country strives to enhance women’s workforce participation and unlock female entrepreneurs’ economic potential. By highlighting VC funds focused on supporting innovative women-led companies across high-growth sectors, this article underscores the importance of bridging the gender gap in venture capital funding and empowering female founders in India’s startup ecosystem.
StrongHer Ventures – VC Fund Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
StrongHer by Arise Ventures, led by founder Ankita Vashistha, is a leading platform dedicated to empowering early-stage women entrepreneurs with essential resources such as Capital, connections, community, and coaching. Committed to fostering gender diversity and empowerment, the firm invests in women-led tech startups across three key verticals: Consumer, Climate, and Enterprise.
Driven by a passion for supporting visionary founders driving positive change, StrongHer invests in diverse ventures. The firm seeks disruptive companies in the consumer sector that redefine traditional industries and enhance people’s lifestyles. Within the B2B realm, StrongHer directs its investments toward SaaS, DeepTech, and Enterprise ventures across fintech, health tech, and cybersecurity domains, prioritizing innovation and efficiency.
With a notable track record of investments, StrongHer plays a significant role in supporting transformative ventures and driving positive impact across diverse industries.
Saha Fund
FOUNDER
Ankita Vashistha
Founded
2016
Headquarteres
Bangalore, India
Investments
Fitternity, MyAlly, LoveLocal, Shoptimize, and Joules to Watts
Website
www.sahafunds.com
Saha Fund – VC Fund Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
Established in 2014, Saha Fund has emerged as a pioneering global gender lens fund committed to investing in companies that promote the empowerment and engagement of women. Continuously building on this esteemed legacy, the firm is dedicated to establishing a leading platform for women entrepreneurs worldwide.
Acknowledging the importance of operational expertise in scaling early-stage ventures, Saha Fund leverages its strong network and investment acumen to foster growth and success. Saha Fund is steadfast in promoting gender diversity and inclusion and leads the way in championing women-led enterprises, driving positive change in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Value of Funding of Women-Led Startups in India from 2021 to 2023
AWE Funds
FOUNDER
Seema Chaturvedi
Founded
2019
Headquarteres
Troy, United States
Investments
Freshokartz, Remedico, Velmeni, and Agam
Website
www.awefunds.com
Kalaari Capital – VC Fund Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
AWE (Achieving Women Equity) Funds believe in HER power to transform communities, drive sustainable economic development, and deliver superior financial returns. They are an early growth venture fund investing in exceptional value-creating entrepreneurs driving innovations that promote sustainability. AWE, which is based out of the US, said that it has attracted investment support from many international and Indian institutional investors and also from high net-worth individuals.
AWE Funds has aimed to empower 30 million women to gain ‘agency’ by 2030 through a quantitative threshold-based gender lens gating criteria to invest in women-owned, led, or influenced companies. It pursues investments early in an enterprise’s lifecycle (Pre-Series A, Series A equity rounds). Additionally, it seeks to assist companies with the diverse skills of the firm’s investment professionals, strategic relationships, and its global network of executives and advisors to deliver market returns for its investors.
Aastey, Kindlife, Samosa Party, and Creative Galileo
Website
kalaari.com
Kalaari Capital – VC Fund Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
Kalaari Capital is a prominent early-stage, technology-focused venture capital firm renowned for its significant role in the Indian startup ecosystem. Founded and led by Vani Kola, a distinguished Indian venture capitalist, the firm primarily invests in Seed and Series A startups. Their mission is to empower visionary entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions that revolutionize various aspects of Indian life, spanning work, consumption, and transactions.
Vani Kola, recognized as one of the most influential women in Indian business by Fortune India in 2014, along with Kalaari Capital, is deeply committed to fostering entrepreneurship in the digital economy. They strive to build enduring partnerships with founders, offering unwavering support as they navigate the challenges of building thriving enterprises.
In line with their commitment to gender diversity and empowerment, Kalaari Capital launched the CXXO initiative in 2021. Rooted in Capital, community, and coaching principles, CXXO aims to empower female founders and CEOs in India, enabling them to shape the nation’s digital landscape and drive exponential economic growth.
Beyond providing Capital, Kalaari Capital offers invaluable domain expertise, access to resources, and strategic guidance to the companies it supports. By nurturing disruptive entrepreneurs early, the firm lays the groundwork for their long-term success and impact in the market.
She Capital – VC Fund Supporting Women Entrepreneurs
Established in 2018, She Capital is a pioneering diversity-focused venture fund dedicated to transforming India’s startup ecosystem by providing financial support to female entrepreneurs. Anisha Singh founded She Capital as a unifying force for female founders through its “Together” community, fostering collaboration and support among its members.
Driven to empower the next generation of exceptional female-led businesses, She Capital extends financing to early-stage startups across all industries. A centerpiece of its mission is the “Together” event hosted by She Capital, which catalyzes collaboration and innovation among outstanding founders. With its vibrant atmosphere and picturesque setting, the event serves as a beacon for bright minds, paving the way for female founders in unconventional fields.
At the heart of the “Together” event are insightful discussions led by seasoned entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, investors, and thought leaders in futuristic technologies and AI. Through these engagements, She Capital remains steadfast in its commitment to championing female entrepreneurship and driving positive change in the startup landscape.
Conclusion
In summary, the landscape of venture capital funding for female entrepreneurs in India is experiencing a significant shift. The rise of specialized VC funds dedicated to supporting women-led startups reflects an increasing acknowledgment of female founders’ immense potential and capabilities.
These funds go beyond just providing financial support, offering valuable resources such as mentorship, networking opportunities, and tailored support systems to address the unique challenges faced by women in entrepreneurship. With a surge in capital investment in these initiatives and a heightened awareness of the importance of diversity in the startup ecosystem, India is on track to develop a more inclusive and dynamic entrepreneurial landscape.
FAQs
What are the main stages of venture capital (VC) investment?
The main stages of VC investment are Pre-Seed, Seed Funding, and Early-Stage Funding.
What are the key advantages of VC funding for startups?
VC funding offers no obligation for repayment even in business failure. It also provides valuable networking opportunities to aid startups’ marketing and promotion.
What is the gender gap in VC funding, and how are specialized women-centric VC funds addressing it?
Women-founded startups receive disproportionately less VC funding than male counterparts. Women-centric funds provide access to capital and supportive communities for female founders.
What are the key focus areas and investment strategies of some of the women-centric VC funds mentioned?
Women-centric VC funds have different key focus areas and investment strategies. For example, StrongHer invests in women-led tech startups, Saha is a global gender lens fund, AWE focuses on sustainability-driven innovations, Kalaari’s CXXO empowers female founders, and She Capital supports early-stage female-led startups.
Since its launch on July 1, 2020, the Udyam Registration Portal (URP) of the Ministry of MSME has recorded that MSMEs owned by women make up 20.5% of all MSMEs registered on the Portal. The employment created by the total Udyam registered units is 18.73%, with 11.15% of the investment going to these women-owned MSMEs. Out of all the registered MSMEs in Udyam, the percentage of women-owned businesses accounts for 10.22% of total turnover. Results show that women-owned IMEs account for 70.49 percent of all IMEs (as of 11.01.2023) and 70.84 percent of all jobs, according to data from the Udyam Assist Platform (UAP), which records IMEs.
Appreciating and on the same line suggesting some changes to the current government, Shreya Sharma, Lawyer and Founder, Rest The Case stated, “Women’s participation in the MSME workforce has grown over the last couple of years and an increase in the Mudra loan upper limit to 20 lakhs, is surely an encouraging prospect for them. However, there are a few challenges that still hinder the further growth of the sector. There is a high level of compliance required to set up the business, and this is surely impacting the participation of women. Women entrepreneurs often face obstacles in securing credit due to the strict collateral requirements imposed by financial institutions. Additionally, the societal role of women as primary caregivers can restrict their time and mobility, limiting their ability to fully engage in and develop their businesses.”
“The difficulties are further compounded by a shortage of effective mentorship and networking opportunities, which means many women lack the crucial guidance and support to successfully manage the business environment. Nevertheless, the future holds considerable promise,” she added further.
Echoing similar sentiments, Bhavik Vasa, Founder, GetVantage opined, “The Indian government and Hon’b Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives, led by the Ministry of MSME, to empower women entrepreneurs are truly transformative. Programnes like Udyam Sakhi, Mahila Coir Yojana, and MUDRA are paving the way for women-led MSMEs to thrive. At GetVantage, we fully support these efforts, which is why we launched the INR 100 crore Rise-Up fund—India’s first non-dilutive fund dedicated to women entrepreneurs.”
Steps Taken by the Ministry of MSME to Help MSMEs Owned by Women
Initiatives to register micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) owned by women through the Udyam Registration Portal.
In 2018, the Public Procurement Policy was revised to ensure that Central Ministries, Departments, and Undertakings purchase a minimum of 3% of their yearly procurement from micro and small businesses owned by women. This change was made to support female entrepreneurs.
Two measures have been added to the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Micro & Small Enterprises to assist female entrepreneurs starting their businesses as of December 1, 2022. These include a 10% reduction in the annual guarantee payments and an extra 10% coverage of up to 85% for the guarantee, compared to 75% for other entrepreneurs.
As part of its Coir Vikas Yojana initiative, the Ministry of MSME runs the “Skill Upgradation & Mahila Coir Yojana,” a training program specifically for women craftspeople working in the coir industry, with the goal of encouraging more women to start their businesses.
Initiatives by the Government to Increase the Participation of Women in MSMEs in the Country
To assist traditional artisans and young people without jobs in both rural and urban areas, the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has launched the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), a large credit-linked subsidy program that encourages the creation of micro-enterprises in non-agricultural sectors. Compared to the non-special category, women beneficiaries receive a greater margin money subsidy from PMEGP (35% vs. 25%). The percentage of women receiving benefits from the PMEGP is 39%. In addition, the Ministry’s Procurement and Marketing Scheme (PMS) offers a 100% subsidy to female entrepreneurs, compared to an 80% subsidy for male entrepreneurs, so that they can participate in domestic trade fairs.
Providing Financial Support to Female Entrepreneurs
To promote gender equality in the business world, it is essential to support companies that are owned by women. The MSME Insights Report 2024, compiled by Kinara Capital, examined 44,821 MSMEs in six different industrial states of India. It found that compared to MSMEs owned by men, those owned by women hired 11% more women. Cost optimization, income growth, and repayment of business loans were all areas in which the survey found that MSMEs owned by women fared better than those owned by men. The societal benefits of economic progress can only be fully realized if women business owners are granted equal opportunity to compete and flourish, according to this data-driven argument.
“I believe that financial support schemes for women entrepreneurs, such as increased money subsidies, are essential to address the workforce divide that has persisted for centuries. However, financial aid alone will not achieve the ultimate goal of empowering women and recognising their contributions to the MSME sector. This must be complemented by robust skilling, training, and guidance to ensure their success and sustainability in the business world,” commented Pallavi Jha, Chairperson and Managing Director of Dale Carnegie Training India and Walchand PeopleFirst Ltd.
Networking and collaboration are super important for women entrepreneurs. These are certain methods that go a long way in anyone’s entrepreneurial journey. So, in the spirit of this International Women’s Day, we asked some awesome women entrepreneurs a simple but profound question about how important networking and collaboration are in their journey as entrepreneurs.
Their responses give great advice for anyone starting their own business journey. Let’s explore these amazing women’s responses and see how networking and teaming up have made a real difference for them.
Geeta Singh, Director and Founder, The Yellow Coin Communication
Geeta Singh, Director and Founder, The Yellow Coin Communication
Business is a social activity that thrives on communication, networking, and relationships. In the PR and Digital Marketing industry, where we connect brands with their target audiences via multiple channels and platforms, networking works like an enduring catalyst for a variety of communication hacks. Being a woman and professional from a media background, I was fortunate to be blessed with many entrepreneurial and managerial skills where women usually have an edge over men. From a receptive mindset to an adaptable nature and willingness to learn to a motto to give back something worthwhile to society, many female-oriented attributes have helped me to shape my entrepreneurial journey with high confidence. By exploiting and honing these skills, I could create a team of competent professionals whose valuable presence has further helped me expand my network and the business at large.
Networking and collaboration are indispensable for success, particularly as a woman in my industry. Through networking, I establish connections with like-minded individuals and potential partners, gaining valuable insights and accessing new opportunities. Collaboration amplifies my efforts, enabling me to tackle challenges and expand into new markets. As a woman, networking fosters solidarity and empowers mutual success by connecting me with supportive peers. The collaboration showcases diverse perspectives and talents, fostering inclusivity and innovation. Together, networking and collaboration serve as catalysts for growth, breaking barriers, and shaping a vibrant business landscape.
Arpita Katyal, CEO, Roperro
Arpita Katyal, CEO, Roperro
As a Make in India brand, networking and collaboration are the backbone of my entrepreneurial journey. As a woman in the handbags and accessories industry, building a strong network of like-minded individuals and collaborating with diverse talents has not only expanded my reach but also enriched my ideas and perspectives. It’s through these connections that I’ve secured vital partnerships and gained access to resources that have propelled my business forward. In an industry where creativity and innovation are paramount, networking and collaboration are not just helpful—they are essential to shape your vision.
Sindoor Mittal, Vice Chairperson, Avaada Group
Sindoor Mittal, Vice Chairperson, Avaada Group
Navigating the dynamic landscape of the energy sector, being part of Avaada Group, networking has been instrumental in connecting with fellow women entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and advocates for sustainable practices. These connections have not only enriched my professional life but contributed to breaking down gender barriers and fostering an environment that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of women in the business world.
Collaboration, particularly within the renewable energy sector, has been a cornerstone of innovation and growth. Partnering with like-minded individuals has not only amplified our collective impact but has also driven initiatives that promote sustainable practices and contribute to a greener future. As a woman in a male-dominated industry, collaboration has provided a platform to share experiences and collectively address the unique challenges faced by women leaders in the energy sector.
Networking has proven to be a powerful resource for accessing opportunities crucial for expanding the Avaada Group. From forging strategic alliances to accessing mentorship programs and sustainable funding sources, these connections have been vital in ensuring the success and growth of our initiatives.
This International Women’s Day, I express my gratitude for the progress we’ve made towards gender equality and remain dedicated to actively participating in initiatives that empower and uplift women in the business realm.
Mugdha Pradhan, CEO and Founder, iThrive
Mugdha Pradhan, CEO and Founder, iThrive
Networking and collaboration are essential for entrepreneurs, especially women, navigating their industries. While personal networks are haphazard, professional networks provide growth opportunities. Interacting with growth-oriented individuals keeps you updated on industry trends and fosters continuous learning. Forging connections based on integrity and offering value organically expands your network. Leveraging this network isn’t about self-promotion but about mutual growth. Authenticity and sincerity are key; genuine connections lead to collaborations and partnerships. Avoid transactional approaches; instead, prioritize respect and value exchange. Networking isn’t about ego-boosting; it’s about meaningful relationships driving professional advancement and personal growth.
Nirupama VG, Founder and Managing Director, AdAstra Consultants
Nirupama VG, Founder and Managing Director, AdAstra Consultants
As an entrepreneur, especially a woman in the industry, I’ve found networking and collaboration to be cornerstones of not just surviving but thriving in business. The power of word-of-mouth, the impact of in-person interactions, and the recall value they bring cannot be overstated. For me, building relationships has been about more than just expanding my circle; it’s about creating a support system that encourages mutual growth and learning. It’s in these collaborations where innovation sparks and businesses find new avenues to scale. This journey has underscored the importance of building connections that go beyond transactions to create a community that uplifts and sustains.
For young women embarking on their careers, remember, your unique perspectives and skills are invaluable. The road may have challenges, especially in industries still breaking free from traditional gender roles. Balancing professional aspirations with societal expectations often places pressure on women. However, these challenges also present opportunities to find resilience, innovation, and leadership. Embrace networking and collaboration; they’re not just strategies but lifelines that connect you to mentors, allies, and opportunities.
Aditi Seshadri, Cofounder and Partner at Unlock Impact
Aditi Seshadri, Cofounder and Partner at Unlock Impact
One of the core values we work and stand by at Unlock Impact is collaboration. And this is because I have seen, personally, that collective solutions can be the most effective. Women, especially, work well in communities and networks and that reflects in our work – we have set up thriving teams and communities that work together well. I find that building strong networks not only strengthens the support you receive but also opens up doors to new pathways and ideas. Entrepreneurship can often be a lonely journey so we are only helping ourselves by building the right networks around us.
Pallavi Shantam, Founder & Creative Director of Buna
Pallavi Shantam, Founder & Creative Director of Buna
Networking and collaboration are fundamental in my entrepreneurial journey, especially as a woman in the industry. Building strong relationships has been crucial for accessing resources, mentorship, and support. Collaborations have expanded our reach and facilitated strategic partnerships, enhancing our ability to innovate and grow in a competitive market.
Aarti Neharsh, Founding Member & Film Director, Green Chutney Films
Aarti Neharsh, Founding Member & Film Director, Green Chutney Films
I’ve always been told that networking is important for a professional in any industry. While I don’t doubt the relevance of that, in my experience, I’ve found equal importance in collaborating with the right individuals and steadfastly maintaining honesty in my thoughts. Sometimes, in the pursuit of networking, we might say or do things that don’t truly reflect who we are. In my humble opinion, authenticity earns respect, and people value sincerity above all else. Moreover, identifying individuals who support your growth and share your values for collaboration is another crucial lesson I’ve learned.
India ranks 71 out of 154 countries in terms of female entrepreneurial activity. IMF suggests a 5% boost in global GDP with increasing women’s participation in entrepreneurship.
India, the land where Goddesses are regarded as mothers, where women are regarded as sisters, where traditions and diversity weave a rich tapestry of culture and respect, where ancient wisdom and modern aspirations converge to shape a vibrant and ever-evolving nation, also where women are faced with traditional and contemporary challenges yet working together to rewrite the narrative of their empowerment and equality.
Mostly, across India, women are ridiculed as the ‘home minister’, a term which men have curated to glorify the efforts of their female counterparts at home but might have forgotten to dignify their roles and contributions in the broader society, in the workplace.
Gender Disparities in Entrepreneurship: A Stark Reality
According to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2022/2023 report, India ranks 71 out of 154 countries in terms of female entrepreneurial activity. This means that only 16.1% of women in India are engaged in entrepreneurial activity, compared to 24.6% of men. Also, the Sixth Economic Census of India, conducted in 2014, found that just 13.76% of businesses in India were owned by women.
Dr. Rabiaah Bhatia, Founder, eD WebStudio Channel, admitted that India’s growth story is an incredible one, “but the unfortunate truth is that it has left behind a key demographic component: women”. She shared that societal beliefs and cultural norms are major stumbling blocks for women.
“Women are assumed to be primary caregivers, making professional work, especially outside the home, secondary. It is far from easy to juggle running a household and a business at the same time, even if domestic workers are brought into the picture. Moreover, social permission to work is often tough to obtain due to cultural practices and safety considerations. Together, this leads to reduced mobility, and in turn, reduced likelihood of becoming successful startup founders,” Dr. Bhatia added.
She also stated that, although there is a wind of change blowing today with women-led unicorns, still there is a lack of inspirational role models in terms of successful women-led businesses, making it difficult for them to visualize what success looks like.
The Funding Challenge
A 2022 study by the World Bank found that women entrepreneurs in India are more likely to be denied access to loans than male entrepreneurs. The study also found that women entrepreneurs who are able to secure loans tend to pay higher interest rates than male entrepreneurs.
Nirupama VG, Founder, AdAstra Consultants, said, “Fundraising, inherently a daunting endeavor, often presents challenges for female entrepreneurs in India. The World Economic Forum study tells some numbers: Female entrepreneurs secured 5.2% of the outstanding credit offered by Indian public sector banks. Even more, only 0.3% of India’s venture capital funding was allocated to women-led startups in 2021, leading to an unmet credit gap exceeding $11.4 billion for women-led businesses.”
Another study by the International Labour Organization in 2021 found that women entrepreneurs in India are more likely to face gender stereotypes and discrimination than male entrepreneurs. The study reflected that women entrepreneurs are often stereotyped as being less capable than men entrepreneurs and are less likely to be taken seriously by investors and customers.
Nirupama expressed that being a woman entrepreneur is a journey of confronting multifaceted challenges. “While it’s tough to pin down the ‘biggest’ challenge, what stands out is the pressure to reconcile traditional gender roles with the demands of a growing business,” she added.
The Indian entrepreneurial ecosystem, although rapidly evolving, still retains remnants of a mindset that is less welcoming to women. Sectors that are perceived as ‘women-friendly’ are limited, and the lack of institutional and societal support intensifies the challenge.
Also, in 2020, a report from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor underscored the significant disparity in access to support networks and mentorship between female and male entrepreneurs in India. Female entrepreneurs, it revealed, frequently experience isolation and a lack of the vital support systems that are crucial for success.
Dr. Malini Saba, a multifaceted entrepreneur and philanthropist, and Founder and Chairman of Anannke Foundation mentioned that a multi-pronged strategy is required to address this issue, including cultural attitude changes, laws supporting gender equality, and programmes that give women access to education, mentorship, and financial support.
Based on her experience as a businesswoman, psychologist, and advocate for women and girls, Dr. Saba recommended aspiring women entrepreneurs to:
Have Self-assurance: Have confidence in your abilities and objectives. Self-assurance is crucial for overcoming obstacles and persevering in the face of difficulties.
Keep Upgrading: Invest in obtaining the education and training you need to become an expert in your chosen area. Success is attainable through ongoing learning.
Establish a Support System: Surround yourself with mentors and advisors who can guide you toward success. Find other female business owners who can inspire you and provide advice.
Develop Resilience: Failures and setbacks are common when starting a business. Develop resiliency and the ability to learn from these experiences.
Gender Stereotypes: Challenge gender stereotypes and resist letting society’s expectations dictate your career. Push boundaries and challenge gender preconceptions in your chosen field.
Financial Literacy: Have a good understanding of your company’s finances. This includes creating a budget, making financial plans, and, if required, obtaining funds.
Well-being: Strive for a healthy work-life balance and practice self-care. Maintaining one’s physical and emotional well-being requires practicing self-care.
Promote Gender Equality: Promote gender equality in your field and neighborhood. Make use of your platform to uplift and encourage other women.
Adapt and Innovate: In the fast-paced corporate environment, innovation, and the capacity to adapt are essential. Observe industry trends and remain receptive to fresh concepts.
Give Back: As you achieve success, think about supporting efforts that empower other women and girls or giving back to your community.
Nonetheless, as Nirupama stated, it is not just about securing a seat at the table; it is often about advocating for one’s worth in an ecosystem that often undervalues the perspectives and potential of women entrepreneurs. Such disparities are not just statistics; they narrate stories of perseverance, adaptability, and determination of women who’ve succeeded against the odds. We must champion a shift that goes beyond acknowledging these disparities, prioritizing inclusion, and equitable support for such leaders.
Jaya Mehrotra, Founder of Women Leadership Circle, stated that as we witness a shift towards greater diversity and inclusion, women need to actively seize these opportunities. She also mentioned that networking plays a pivotal role in this journey. Building connections with successful entrepreneurs, both men and women, can provide invaluable guidance, open doors to partnerships, and foster collaborations.
Furthermore, a study by the International Monetary Fund suggests that there can be a 5% boost in the global GDP with the increasing participation of women in entrepreneurship. However, the road to achieving gender equality in entrepreneurship in India is undoubtedly a challenging one. Despite the rich cultural heritage and the strength of Indian women, there are systemic and societal barriers that continue to impede their progress in the entrepreneurial space.
Preeti Karna
Damini Bhandary
