Successful women entrepreneurs in India

Discover the list of women entrepreneurs in India who have made remarkable contributions to the business world. Learn about their success stories with WeWork.

In recent years, India has witnessed a rise in the number of successful women entrepreneurs. These inspiring businesswomen in India have not only broken the glass ceiling but also contributed immensely to the country’s economic growth.

In this blog, we will delve into the world of female entrepreneurship in India, and learn about some of the top women entrepreneurs and their impact on the startup ecosystem.

Who is an entrepreneur?

An entrepreneur is a person who starts and operates a business venture. Entrepreneurs are known for their innovative ideas, risk-taking capabilities, and relentless drive to transform their visions into reality. While entrepreneurship has traditionally been male-dominated, women entrepreneurs in India are now making significant strides.

Types of women entrepreneurs

Women are taking over the world and they are dominating every field. With this, the number of women entrepreneurs has drastically increased in the last few decades. Based on their work, business size and ideas, they can be grouped into the following categories:

1. Social entrepreneurs: These women entrepreneurs work for the betterment of society. They work to solve important social problems with their ventures, whether it is about education, health or women's rights. For example, Aditi Gupta, who started Menstrupedia, helps girls and women learn about menstrual health.
2. Innovative entrepreneurs: Innovation is all about fresh ideas and new services. These women entrepreneurs create new products or services such as Falguni Nayar, the founder of Nykaa, who changed how people shop for beauty products online in India.
3. Small-scale entrepreneurs: These women run small businesses like shops, bakeries or local stores. Though their businesses are small in comparison to other entrepreneurs, they certainly play a big role in their communities.
4. Intrapreneurs: There are also several women who work in big companies and help their companies grow with their new ideas and solutions. They are known as intrapreneurs.

Characteristics of women entrepreneurs

It’s not as easy as it seems to become an entrepreneur. Apart from being hardworking, you need to have some amazing qualities that will help you stand out.

1. Strong and determined: Women entrepreneurs face numerous challenges on a daily basis, be it family responsibilities or funding issues. But if they are strong and determined enough for their business, they can certainly move forward and gain success.
2. Understanding and caring: Qualities which people often overlook in a race to become successful. It is very important for entrepreneurs to understand their customers' needs well and create products that people really want. You cannot ignore the comfort and convenience of your customers and build a big brand out of a business.
3. Good at multitasking: Women are known to be great at handling many things at the same time. If you have this skill as an entrepreneur, then it would easily help you balance your business and personal life.
4. Team players: When you are building a business, teamwork is what you require. Entrepreneurs must value teamwork and create friendly workplaces. This would make their teams happy and more creative.
5. Adaptability: Women entrepreneurs should be quick to adapt so they can adjust to new situations and come up with fresh ideas. This quality will help them grow their businesses even in tough times.

Women entrepreneurship in India

According to the latest State of India’s Livelihood Report (2023) by Access Publications, women entrepreneurs make up almost 14% of the total entrepreneurs in India. In the MSME (micro, small, and medium enterprises) industry, women own around 20% out of a total of 58.5 million enterprises.

Successful women entrepreneurs in India

India is home to numerous successful women entrepreneurs who have carved a niche in various industries. Here is a list of the top 10 female entrepreneurs in India:

1. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw

The founder of Biocon, Kiran is a pioneer in the biotechnology sector. She has put India on the global map for innovative medical solutions.

2. Vandana Luthra

Founder of VLCC, Vandana has revolutionised the beauty and wellness industry in India. Her chain of wellness centres has become a household name.

3. Falguni Nayar

The founder of Nykaa, Falguni has transformed the country’s online beauty and cosmetics retail space. Nykaa is one of the most successful e-commerce platforms in India.

4. Richa Kar

Founder of Zivame, Richa has revolutionised the lingerie market in India, making it accessible and comfortable for Indian women.

5. Radhika Aggarwal

Co-founder of ShopClues, Radhika has played a pivotal role in the growth of e-commerce in India, providing a platform for small and medium-sized businesses.

6. Upasana Taku

Co-founder of MobiKwik, Upasana has been instrumental in promoting digital payments and financial inclusion in India.

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7. Shahnaz Husain

A pioneer in the beauty and wellness industry, Shahnaz Husain has built a global brand synonymous with herbal beauty care.

8. Aditi Gupta

Co-founder of Menstrupedia, Aditi is on a mission to educate and empower women about menstrual health through her innovative comic books and workshops.

9. Vineeta Singh

Co-founder and CEO of Sugar Cosmetics, Vineeta has disrupted the beauty industry with her bold and innovative products, making Sugar Cosmetics a favourite among millennials.

10. Ritu Kumar

A renowned fashion designer, Ritu Kumar has established a distinguished brand in the Indian and international fashion industry.

These top women entrepreneurs in India have not only achieved personal success but have also inspired many aspiring businesswomen in India to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams.

Impact of women entrepreneurs on India’s startup ecosystem

The rise of successful women entrepreneurs in the country has had a significant impact on India’s startup ecosystem. Here are some key contributions:

Innovation and diversity

Women entrepreneurs bring unique perspectives and innovative solutions to the table. Their diverse experiences and insights contribute to the development of products and services that cater to a wider audience. This diversity leads to the creation of more inclusive and user-friendly solutions.

Job creation

Female entrepreneurs in India are significant job creators. Their ventures provide employment opportunities to thousands of individuals, contributing to the reduction of unemployment and the overall economic growth of the country.

Empowerment and inspiration

The success stories of women entrepreneurs serve as a source of inspiration and empowerment for other women. They break societal stereotypes and encourage more women to venture into the world of business, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship among women.

Utilisation of coworking spaces

Many women entrepreneurs prefer coworking spaces due to their flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and collaborative environment. Coworking spaces provide an ideal office space for startups, facilitating networking, mentorship, and growth opportunities. This trend has led to a surge in demand for coworking spaces in India, benefiting the entire startup ecosystem.

Final word

The rise of successful women entrepreneurs in India is a testament to their strength, innovation, and determination. Their contributions to the startup ecosystem are invaluable, and their inspiring journeys encourage more women to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. As coworking spaces continue to provide the ideal environment for startups, the future looks promising for female entrepreneurs in India.

Also Read: How to Start a Business in India

FAQs

Who are some of the top women entrepreneurs in India?

Some of the top women entrepreneurs in India include Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Vandana Luthra, Falguni Nayar, Richa Kar, and Vineeta Singh, among others.

What are the benefits of coworking spaces for women entrepreneurs?

Coworking spaces offer flexibility, cost-effectiveness, networking opportunities, and a collaborative environment, making them ideal office space for women entrepreneurs.

What challenges do women entrepreneurs in India face?

Women entrepreneurs in India often face challenges such as gender bias, lack of access to funding, and balancing work-life responsibilities. However, their resilience and determination help them overcome these obstacles.