India has long been known for its entrepreneurial spirit. While traditionally it has been largely men who have cultivated and led the startup ecosystem, women-led startups are increasingly making their presence felt. Women founders leading the startup ecosystem in India are being recognized as a key driving force in the nation’s economy. From fashion and lifestyle to consumer technology and healthcare, women-led startups are increasingly finding success in a variety of industries. According to a recent report, the country now boasts over 900 startups founded by female entrepreneurs—with that number doubling over the last two years alone.
According to research by HubSpot, the number of women investors in India has increased from 10% in 2019 to 25% in 2021, with many investing in female-led startups. It is estimated that 40 percent of Indian startups are founded and led by women. These female entrepreneurs are shaking up and transforming the startup ecosystem with their unique ideas, tireless efforts, and sheer will and determination. “As a female entrepreneur in the business world, I aim to seize obstacles as opportunities, break down barriers with unwavering tenacity, and ignite a trailblazing spirit that paves the way for future generations of strong women to rise and succeed,” said Pooja Sodhi, Co-Founder, and CEO at Combonation.
Similarly, an advocate of women’s empowerment and an entrepreneur herself, Smiti Bhatt Deorah, Co-Founder and COO, Advantage Club, added that she is thrilled to see women reshaping entrepreneurship with visionary leadership and resilience in the startup ecosystem. She said, “ Women founders break stereotypes, foster innovation, and create inclusive workplaces with every venture. They have made significant progress in the tech startup ecosystem in recent years. As per some recent research, one in five startups in India is led by at least one woman founder or co-founder. Furthermore, women-led businesses are also projected to grow by 90% in five years.”
In the post-pandemic world, the growth of female-led startups and investments in India has proven to be one of the key factors that helped the country’s economy to sustain its current growth trajectory. As more and more women take the opportunity to create their businesses and succeed in the world of venture capital, we are set to witness an increased number of ideas and innovations emerge from India’s startup ecosystem that would not be possible without their presence. “The D2C business model along with the COVID-19 pandemic has sparked a wave of innovations, with many women entrepreneurs excelling from their homes. We are an unstoppable force, especially in the current domain of startups. Be it the disruption of traditional industries or leading groundbreaking innovations, all while continuing to balance their family life, women are everywhere. While, in the past women were confined to junior roles, they have consciously changed the narrative of success, and have ascended to the roles of CEOs and Group Heads of renowned brands. This remarkable shift represents not only a victory for gender equality but also a testament to the incredible potential of women entrepreneurs”, said Shruti Kedia Daga, Co-founder & Head of Marketing, Nasher Miles.
Technology has played a crucial role in the growth of women-led startups in India. It has provided female founders with better access to investors and markets that can help their businesses thrive. Furthermore, technology-driven ventures such as crowdfunding and online marketing have made it much easier for women to raise money and raise awareness for their products and services. Commenting on the changing landscape of the industry, Garima Mitra, Co-founder, Treelife said, “In H1 2023, women-led startups navigated a challenging landscape, raising just $289 Mn—a striking 88% and 55% decrease in funding and deal size, respectively, compared
to H1 2022. In the face of these challenges, women entrepreneurs have exhibited exceptional resilience and made remarkable progress. Presently, we are witnessing a flourishing ecosystem for Indian startups led by women. The inherent agility that women possess in strategically utilizing technology and their swift adoption of AI in women-led businesses will contribute significantly to their success.”
The future of entrepreneurship is female. Women have been underrepresented in the business world, but that is fast changing. Zahara Kanchwalla, Co-Founder & CEO of Rite Knowledge Labs says, “The Internet economy has made it easier for women to start and grow their ventures. They are now reaching global markets with their products and services, and have access to a vast pool of resources and support. Unlike popular belief, women are risk-takers and innovators. Also, they inherently focus on social impact. As more women become entrepreneurs, we will see a more diverse and inclusive economy that benefits everyone. Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, and it’s important to have a strong support system in place. Be it your family, friends, mentors or colleagues. Having people who believe in you and can offer support and advice is essential for success”
These women have demonstrated that the right attitude and knowledge result in a successful and sustainable business in the long term. Moreover, there are more investors and accelerators now that are encouraging women entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs from all walks of life to participate in the startup ecosystem. The presence of more and more women-run startups in India is transforming the scene and creating an equal-opportunity ecosystem for all. It is exciting to observe these positive changes and to witness the kind of tangible impact they can have on our society.
Media Desk
