In a society where gender disparity has long been prevalent, the rise of women entrepreneurs in India is a testament to the indomitable spirit of women breaking barriers and conquering new frontiers. These trailblazing women are leading the charge, inspiring others with their tenacity, innovation, and exceptional business acumen. In 2023, India celebrates the remarkable achievements of its top 20 women entrepreneurs who have not only shattered glass ceilings but are also becoming beacons of hope for aspiring women entrepreneurs across the country.
These women have defied societal norms, showing that success knows no gender boundaries. Through their journeys, they have proven that passion, dedication, and perseverance can lead to outstanding accomplishments. By breaking into traditionally male-dominated industries, they have paved the way for more inclusive workplaces. Their success stories serve as a source of motivation for women across the nation to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams fearlessly.
Trends and Statistics on Female Entrepreneurs in India:
Sure, I can help you with that. Here are some bullet points on the trends and statistics on female entrepreneurs in India:
- About 14 percent of Indian women own or run businesses, according to the Sixth Economic Census, conducted in 2014.
- More than 90 percent of companies run by women are microenterprises, and about 79 percent are self-financed.
- Women entrepreneurs comprise 13.76 percent in India, according to a survey by Forbes.
- About 58 percent of the female entrepreneurs were in the age range of 20-30 when they started out.
- Nearly 73 percent of them report revenue of approximately Rs 10 lakhs in a financial year.
- Almost 57 percent of these women started out solo, i.e., without any other member.
- India has 432 million working-age women and 13.5 –15.7 million women-owned businesses that provide direct employment to 22–27 million people.
Now, let’s delve into the stories of the top 20 women entrepreneurs in India who are leading the way with their extraordinary ventures:
- Richa Kar, founder of Zivame, an online lingerie store that offers a variety of styles, brands and sizes. She founded Zivame in 2011 and the company had a revenue of Rs 147 crore for 2020-21.
- Falguni Nayar, founder and CEO of Nykaa, an online beauty retailer that sells cosmetics, skincare, haircare and wellness products. She founded Nykaa in 2012 and the company had a revenue of Rs 2,441 crore for 2020-21.
- Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, chairperson and managing director of Biocon, a biopharmaceutical company that develops and manufactures biosimilars, novel biologics and small molecules. She founded Biocon in 1978 and the company had a revenue of Rs 6,529 crore for 2020-21.
- Suchi Mukherjee, founder and CEO of Limeroad, an online fashion platform that offers curated collections of clothing, accessories and home decor. She founded Limeroad in 2012 and the company had a revenue of Rs 162 crore for 2019-20.
- Rashmi Daga, founder and CEO of FreshMenu, an online food delivery service that offers chef-made meals across various cuisines. She founded FreshMenu in 2014 and the company had a revenue of Rs 141 crore for 2019-20.
- Shradha Sharma, founder and CEO of YourStory, a media platform that covers stories of entrepreneurs, startups, social impact and innovation. She founded YourStory in 2008 and the company had a revenue of Rs 25 crore for 2019-20.
- Swati Bhargava, co-founder and CEO of CashKaro, a cashback and coupon site that offers rewards and discounts on online shopping. She founded CashKaro in 2013 and the company had a revenue of Rs 73 crore for 2019-20.
- Sairee Chahal, founder and CEO of SHEROES, a social network for women that offers career guidance, mentorship, health and wellness resources, and community support. She founded SHEROES and the company had a revenue of Rs 12 crore for 2019-20.
- Ashwini Asokan, co-founder and CEO of Mad Street Den, an artificial intelligence startup that provides computer vision solutions for various industries such as retail, gaming, security and healthcare. She founded Mad Street Den in 2013 and the company had a revenue of Rs 40 crore for 2019-20.
- Suman Agarwal, co-founder and director of Image Consulting Business Institute (ICBI), a training institute that offers courses and certification in image management, soft skills and personal branding. She founded ICBI in 2010 and the company had a revenue of Rs 50 crore for 2019-20.
- Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, chairperson and managing director of Biocon Limited, a biopharmaceutical company that develops and manufactures biosimilars, novel biologics and small molecule drugs. She founded Biocon in 1978 and the company had a revenue of Rs 6,529 crore for 2019-20.
These women entrepreneurs of India in 2023 are not only role models but also visionaries who are shaping India’s entrepreneurial landscape. Their ventures, fueled by passion, creativity, and resilience, have not only achieved remarkable success but also inspired countless other women to break barriers and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. As they continue to thrive and make significant contributions to their respective industries, these exceptional women are steering India toward a more inclusive, innovative, and prosperous future. Their success stories are a powerful reminder that when given the opportunity, women can achieve extraordinary feats and transform the nation’s economy, one venture at a time.
