45% of Indian startups led by women in India 

Recently former BJP MP Smriti Z Irani praised India’s thriving startup ecosystem on Twitter, highlighting that 45% of Indian startups are led by women. She attributed this success to India’s young, dynamic population, innovative ideas, and transformative government policies under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, positioning India as a global startup powerhouse.

Irani noted that India boasts the third-largest startup ecosystem globally, with over 50% of startups in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. The country has 108 unicorns valued at over US$340.80 billion, showcasing its significant contribution to global innovation. She emphasized that India ranks second in global innovation, reflecting the versatility and adaptability of its entrepreneurs.

Irani highlighted a staggering $141 billion investment in Indian startups from 2014 to 2023, underscoring investor confidence in the ecosystem. 

Here are three top Indian startups led by women:

Nykaa: Falguni Nayar, at 46, founded Nykaa in 2012 after leaving a secure job at Kotak Mahindra. Despite early challenges, Nykaa became India’s largest online cosmetics seller by 2023. Falguni’s journey from 100 orders in its first year to a woman-led unicorn by 2020 is inspirational.

MobiKwik: Upasana Taku, a Stanford graduate, co-founded MobiKwik in 2009 with her husband after leaving a lucrative job in the US. She launched Zaakpay in 2012, receiving recognition as the first woman to lead a payments startup. By 2021, MobiKwik reached a $700 million valuation.

Mamaearth: Ghazal Alagh, motivated by her children’s needs, founded Mamaearth in 2016 with her husband, Varun. Starting with toxin-free baby care products, Mamaearth expanded into skincare and cosmetics, achieving a ₹9,800 crore valuation by 2023. Ghazal’s commitment to quality ensures the safety and efficacy of Mama-earth products.