A few years ago, the number of women-led startups in India was minimal. But now:
- Over 18% of Indian startups are founded or co-founded by women
- Female entrepreneurship is growing at a CAGR of 12-14%
- Government schemes like Stand Up India, Mahila Coir Yojana, and Mudra Loans have boosted female-led ventures
Trailblazing Women Entrepreneurs in India
1. Falguni Nayar – Founder, Nykaa
A former investment banker, Falguni launched Nykaa in 2012, a beauty e-commerce platform that has grown into a profitable unicorn and is now listed on the Indian stock exchange.
Highlights:
- First Indian woman to build a unicorn without external co-founders
- Nykaa’s IPO was oversubscribed 82x
- Expanded into fashion, wellness, and offline retail
2. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw – Founder, Biocon
India’s biotech queen, Kiran started Biocon in her garage with just ₹10,000 and built it into a biopharmaceutical giant.
Impact:
- Among the richest self-made women in India
- First Indian company to gain USFDA approval for a biosimilar
- A leading voice for women in STEM
3. Richa Kar – Co-founder, Zivame
Richa revolutionized lingerie retail in India by normalizing online shopping for intimate wear. Zivame changed how Indian women buy, talk, and feel about lingerie.
Key Milestones:
- Raised funding from top VCs
- Created a D2C brand with deep customer understanding
- Paved the way for other bold women-centric ventures
4. Ghazal Alagh – Co-founder, Mamaearth
An ex-corporate employee turned mompreneur, Ghazal launched Mamaearth to provide toxin-free baby care products. Today, it’s a household name in clean beauty and wellness.
Why It Works:
- Authentic brand story
- Influencer and digital-first strategy
- Mamaearth became a unicorn in under 6 years
5. Upasana Taku – Co-founder, MobiKwik
One of the few women in India’s fintech space, Upasana helped create a digital wallet long before UPI revolutionized payments.
Achievements:
- MobiKwik serves over 100 million users
- Focused on Tier II and III financial inclusion
- Active advocate for women in tech and finance
Sectors Where Women Are Leading
| Sector | Notable Names | Innovation Area |
| Beauty & Wellness | Falguni Nayar (Nykaa), Ghazal Alagh (Mamaearth) | Organic, clean beauty |
| Fintech | Upasana Taku (MobiKwik) | Digital payments, lending |
| Health & Fitness | Namita Thapar (Emcure), Ria Sharma (Make Love Not Scars) | Healthcare access, mental wellness |
| Fashion & Retail | Masaba Gupta, Aanchal Sukhija | Designer wear, sustainable fashion |
| Tech | Ankiti Bose (Zilingo), Suchi Mukherjee (Limeroad) | AI, e-commerce, digital solutions |
Government and NGO Support for Women Founders
- Stand Up India Scheme: Loans up to ₹1 crore for women entrepreneurs
- WE Hub: Telangana’s incubator for women-led startups
- NITI Aayog’s Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP): Connects mentors, investors, and growth tools
These initiatives help women entrepreneurs overcome traditional barriers like lack of capital, mentorship, and family support.
Challenges Still Faced by Women Entrepreneurs
Despite notable progress, women founders face:
- Funding gap: Women-led startups receive less than 10% of total VC funding
- Bias in business: Gender stereotypes in pitching, decision-making, and leadership
- Work-life balance: Societal expectations around family and motherhood
- Networking barriers: Less access to old boys’ clubs or legacy business networks
Inspiring Trends in 2025
- Rise of women-led D2C brands in lifestyle, fashion, and wellness
- Women angel investors and VCs funding female founders
- Mentorship platforms like SheLeads, Lean In India, and SHEROES
- Female-only coworking spaces creating supportive ecosystems
The message is clear: women are no longer just participating in India’s growth—they are driving it.
Conclusion
The growing wave of women entrepreneurs in India is not just a social shift—it is an economic force. These women are building profitable, impactful, and purpose-driven businesses that challenge stereotypes and change lives.
With more capital, collaboration, and confidence, India is on track to become a global leader in women-led enterprises. The future of business in India is inclusive, diverse, and driven by extraordinary women.
