India’s entrepreneurial landscape is experiencing a remarkable transformation, with women business leaders emerging as powerful catalysts for economic growth and innovation. This comprehensive guide explores the achievements of India’s most influential women entrepreneurs in 2025, showcasing their contributions across various sectors and their impact on the nation’s business ecosystem.

State of Women Entrepreneurship in India: 2025 Statistics

Overall Growth

• Women own 13.76% of total registered businesses in India (8.05 million enterprises)
• 17% increase in women-owned businesses from 2023 to 2024
• Women entrepreneurs employ an estimated 22-27 million Indians

Funding Landscape

• Women-led startups raised $3.5 billion in funding during 2023-24
• 24% increase in women-founded startups receiving seed funding
• 157 women-led companies achieved ₹100+ crore revenue milestone

Government Initiatives Impact

• Stand-Up India scheme facilitated ₹40,600 crore in loans to women entrepreneurs
• MUDRA Yojana distributed 68% of loans to women entrepreneurs
• 27,000+ women benefited from Startup India’s mentorship programs

Sector-wise Distribution

• Technology and Digital Services: 28%
• Retail and E-commerce: 22%
• Healthcare and Wellness: 15%
• Education and Training: 12%
• Manufacturing: 11%
• Others: 12%

Market Analysis: The Evolution of Women Entrepreneurship

Key Growth Drivers

1. Digital Transformation

• 60% of new women-led businesses incorporate digital technologies
• 35% growth in women entrepreneurs in e-commerce
• 72% increase in digital-first business models

2. Access to Capital

• 125% increase in gender-focused investment funds
• ₹12,000 crore allocated to women-specific business loans
• 45% growth in alternative financing options

3. Education and Skill Development

• 82% of women entrepreneurs hold post-graduate degrees
• 300+ government-sponsored skill development programs
• 50,000+ women enrolled in entrepreneurship courses

4. Policy Support

• Gender-specific tax benefits
• Simplified compliance requirements
• Enhanced maternity benefits

Regional Distribution

• South India leads with 37% of women-owned businesses
• West India follows at 28%
• North India at 22%
• East India at 13%

Future Outlook

Projected Growth (2024-2025)

• Expected 25% increase in women-owned businesses
• Projected ₹75,000 crore contribution to GDP
• Anticipated 2 million new jobs creation

Emerging Opportunities

• Green technology and sustainability
• Direct-to-consumer brands
• Health tech and biotech
• Financial technology
• Educational technology

Impact Analysis

Economic Impact

• Contribution to GDP: ₹45,000 crore (2024)
• Job creation: 22 million direct employment
• Export contribution: ₹12,000 crore

Social Impact

• 65% of women entrepreneurs actively mentor other women
• 78% contribute to social causes
• 82% promote sustainable business practices

Top 50 Women Entrepreneurs in India

1. Falguni Nayar

• Role: Founder & CEO, Nykaa
• Founded: 2012
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹5,143.8 crore
• Journey: Former investment banker turned entrepreneur who revolutionized India’s beauty retail landscape
• Notable Achievement: Led Nykaa to a successful IPO in 2021, making it one of India’s first profitable unicorns

2. Divya Gokulnath

• Role: Co-founder, BYJU’S
• Founded: 2011
• Valuation: $22 billion (2024)
• Background: Started as a teacher, co-created India’s largest edtech platform
• Impact: Serves over 150 million students globally

3. Ghazal Alagh

• Role: Co-founder, Mamaearth
• Founded: 2016
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹1,800+ crore
• Innovation: Pioneered toxin-free personal care products in India
• Achievement: Led successful IPO in 2024

4. Upasana Taku

• Role: Co-founder, MobiKwik
• Founded: 2009
• Active Users: 120+ million
• Background: Former PayPal executive
• Achievement: Built India’s leading digital credit platform

5. Radhika Ghai

• Role: Co-founder, ShopClues, Kindlife.in
• Founded: 2011
• Current Venture: Kindlife.in (Founded 2021)
• Achievement: Built ShopClues into a unicorn
• Innovation: Pioneering clean beauty and wellness e-commerce

6. Ruchi Kalra

• Role: Co-founder, OfBusiness
• Founded: 2015
• Valuation: $5 billion (2024)
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹7,000+ crore
• Achievement: Built three unicorns simultaneously – OfBusiness, Oxyzo, and Oface

7. Debjani Ghosh

• Role: President, NASSCOM
• Joined: 2017
• Impact: Leading India’s $227 billion IT industry
• Achievement: First woman to lead NASSCOM
• Innovation: Driving digital transformation initiatives

8. Hardika Shah

• Role: Founder & CEO, Kinara Capital
• Founded: 2011
• Loan Portfolio: ₹4,000+ crore
• Impact: Provided financial inclusion to 100,000+ small business entrepreneurs
• Innovation: Developed AI-driven credit assessment technology

9. Vineeta Singh

• Role: Co-founder & CEO, SUGAR Cosmetics
• Founded: 2015
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹500+ crore
• Background: IIM-A graduate, rejected ₹1 crore job offer
• Achievement: Built a leading D2C beauty brand

10. Priyanka Gill

• Role: Founder, PopXo and Plixxo
• Founded: 2014
• Current Role: Co-founder, Good Glamm Group
• Achievement: Built India’s largest digital content platform for women
• Innovation: Pioneered influencer marketing in India

11. Dr. Geetha Manjunath

• Role: Founder & CEO, Niramai Health Analytix
• Founded: 2016
• Innovation: AI-based breast cancer screening
• Patents: 15+ international patents
• Impact: Screened over 100,000 women

12. Neha Juneja

• Role: Co-founder, Greenway Appliances
• Founded: 2011
• Impact: 2.5+ million clean cookstoves sold
• Achievement: Reduced carbon emissions by 4.5 million tons
• Innovation: Developed eco-friendly household solutions

13. Anju Srivastava

• Role: Founder, Wingreens Farms
• Founded: 2011
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹350+ crore
• Impact: Employs 300+ rural women
• Innovation: Farm-to-fork business model

14. Shahnaz Husain

• Role: Founder, Shahnaz Herbals
• Founded: 1970
• Present in: 138 countries
• Achievement: Pioneered herbal cosmetics in India
• Impact: Employs thousands of women

15. Richa Kar

• Role: Founder, Zivame
• Founded: 2011
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹300+ crore
• Innovation: Revolutionized lingerie retail in India
• Achievement: Built India’s largest intimate wear brand

16. Aditi Gupta

• Role: Co-founder, Menstrupedia
• Founded: 2012
• Impact: Educated 15+ million girls about menstruation
• Innovation: Created comic-based menstrual education
• Present in: 20+ countries

17. Suchi Mukherjee

• Role: Founder & CEO, LimeRoad
• Founded: 2012
• Active Users: 50+ million
• Innovation: Social commerce platform
• Achievement: Built discovery-led shopping platform

18. Vandana Luthra

• Role: Founder & Chairperson, VLCC
• Founded: 1989
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹1,500+ crore
• Present in: 12 countries
• Impact: Trained over 100,000 beauty professionals

19. Rashmi Daga

• Role: Founder & CEO, FreshMenu
• Founded: 2014
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹200+ crore
• Innovation: Cloud kitchen concept
• Impact: Operates 60+ cloud kitchens

20. Meena Ganesh

• Role: Co-founder, Fresh to Home
• Founded: 2015
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹1,200+ crore
• Innovation: Direct-from-fishermen supply chain
• Impact: Supports 1,500+ coastal partners

21. Pooja Dhingra

• Role: Founder, Le15 Patisserie
• Founded: 2010
• Outlets: 15+ across India
• Innovation: Introduced macarons to Indian market
• Achievement: Authored multiple bestselling cookbooks

22. Ritu Dalmia

• Role: Founder, Diva Restaurants
• Founded: 2000
• Restaurants: 11 across India and Italy
• Achievement: Michelin-star recognition
• Innovation: Introduced authentic Italian cuisine to India

23. Anita Dongre

• Role: Founder, House of Anita Dongre
• Founded: 1995
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹800+ crore
• Brands: AND, Global Desi, Anita Dongre
• Impact: Employs 2,800+ rural artisans

24. Masaba Gupta

• Role: Founder, House of Masaba
• Founded: 2009
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹90+ crore
• Innovation: Digital-first fashion brand
• Achievement: Successful Netflix series

25. Dipali Goenka

• Role: CEO & Joint MD, Welspun India
• Joined: 2004
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹12,000+ crore
• Achievement: World’s largest home textile company
• Innovation: Implemented blockchain in supply chain

26. Ritu Kumar

• Role: Founder, Ritu Kumar Designs
• Founded: 1969
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹500+ crore
• Achievement: Padma Shri recipient
• Impact: Preserved traditional Indian crafts

27. Radhika Piramal

• Role: Vice Chairperson, VIP Industries
• Joined: 2009
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹2,000+ crore
• Achievement: Transformed legacy business
• Innovation: Introduced smart luggage

28. Aditi Avasthi

• Role: Founder & CEO, Embibe
• Founded: 2012
• Acquisition: $180 million by Reliance
• Innovation: AI-based learning platform
• Impact: Serves 10+ million students

29. Vidya Shah

• Role: Chairperson & CEO, EdelGive Foundation
• Founded: 2008
• Impact: Supported 150+ NGOs
• Grants: ₹500+ crore disbursed
• Achievement: Pioneered strategic philanthropy

30. Neeru Sharma

• Role: Co-founder, Infibeam
• Founded: 2007
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹1,000+ crore
• Innovation: B2B e-commerce platform
• Achievement: First e-commerce IPO in India

31. Ekta Kapoor

• Role: Joint Managing Director, Balaji Telefilms
• Joined: 1994
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹400+ crore
• Achievement: Revolutionized Indian television
• Innovation: Created ALTBalaji streaming platform

32. Apurva Purohit

• Role: President, Jagran Group
• Joined: 2015
• Revenue Management: ₹3,000+ crore
• Achievement: Author of bestselling business books
• Impact: Transformed multiple media businesses

33. Dr. Garima Sawhney

• Role: Co-founder, Pristyn Care
• Founded: 2018
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹400+ crore
• Innovation: Asset-light surgery platform
• Achievement: Unicorn status in 2024

34. Ashwini Asokan

• Role: Founder & CEO, Mad Street Den
• Founded: 2013
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹200+ crore
• Innovation: AI for retail personalization
• Achievement: Global presence in 15 countries

35. Prukalpa Sankar

• Role: Co-founder, Atlan
• Founded: 2018
• Recent Valuation: $450 million
• Innovation: Data collaboration platform
• Achievement: Used by Fortune 500 companies

36. Sairee Chahal

• Role: Founder, SHEROES
• Founded: 2013
• Users: 20+ million women
• Innovation: Women-only social platform
• Achievement: Created largest women’s community

37. Neelam Chhiber

• Role: Co-founder, Industree Foundation
• Founded: 1994
• Impact: Empowered 30,000+ artisans
• Innovation: Sustainable crafts ecosystem
• Achievement: Presidential Award recipient

38. Malini Saba

• Role: Founder & Chairman, Saba Group
• Founded: 2000
• Revenue (2023-24): $800+ million
• Sectors: Steel, Mining, Agriculture
• Impact: Operations in 20+ countries

39. Priti Rathi Gupta

• Role: Founder, LXME
• Founded: 2018
• Users: 1+ million women
• Innovation: Women-focused financial platform
• Achievement: ₹500+ crore assets under advice

40. Smita Deorah

• Role: Co-founder, LEAD School
• Founded: 2012
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹400+ crore
• Impact: Serves 3,000+ schools
• Innovation: Integrated school management system

41. Gazal Kalra

• Role: Co-founder, Rivigo
• Founded: 2014
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹1,000+ crore
• Innovation: Relay trucking model
• Achievement: 50+ patents in logistics

42. Swati Bhargava

• Role: Co-founder, CashKaro
• Founded: 2013
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹250+ crore
• Users: 10+ million
• Innovation: Cashback and rewards platform

43. Richa Singh

• Role: Co-founder, YourDOST
• Founded: 2014
• Impact: 2+ million counseling sessions
• Innovation: Online mental health platform
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹100+ crore

44. Vani Kola

• Role: Founder & Managing Director, Kalaari Capital
• Founded: 2006
• Achievement: One of India’s most successful venture capitalists
• Portfolio Value: Manages $650+ million
• Impact: Invested in 90+ startups including Dream11, Myntra, and Urban Ladder
• Innovation: Pioneered early-stage venture investments in Indian startups

45. Shradha Sharma

• Role: Founder & CEO, YourStory Media
• Founded: 2008
• Impact: Platform has featured 100,000+ startup stories
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹75+ crore
• Achievement: Built India’s largest digital platform for startups
• Innovation: Pioneered digital-first startup journalism
• Recognition: Fortune 40 under 40, Most Powerful Women in Business

46. Deepika Padukone

• Role: Founder & CEO, 82°E
• Founded: 2022
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹100+ crore
• Innovation: Clean beauty and skincare brand
• Achievement: Successful D2C launch with global reach
• Impact: Promoting sustainable beauty practices
• Additional Ventures: Ka Enterprises (investment firm)

47. Akanksha Hazari

• Role: Founder & CEO, LoveLocal (formerly m.Paani)
• Founded: 2014
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹150+ crore
• Innovation: Digitizing local retail stores
• Impact: Connected 100,000+ local retailers
• Achievement: Raised $18 million in Series A funding
• Recognition: Global Winner of Hult Prize

48. Pallavi Mohadikar Patwari

• Role: Founder & CEO, Karagiri
• Founded: 2017
• Revenue (2023-24): ₹120+ crore
• Innovation: Direct-to-consumer handloom saree platform
• Impact: Empowered 2,000+ weavers across India
• Achievement: Bootstrapped to profitability
• Recognition: Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2023

49. Ankiti Bose

• Role: Co-founder, Zilingo (Current: New Startup)
• Founded: 2015 (New venture in 2024)
• Achievement: Built Zilingo to $970 million valuation
• Innovation: B2B tech platform for fashion industry
• Impact: Connected 6,000+ suppliers across Asia
• New Venture: AI-powered fashion tech platform
• Recognition: Bloomberg 50, Fortune 40 under 40

50. Chitra Gurnani Daga

• Role: Co-founder, Thrillophilia
• Founded: 2009
• Achievement: India’s largest adventure travel booking platform
• Innovation: B2B tech platform for fashion industry
• Revenue: $12.5 million in 2024
• Recognition: Featured in all major media outlets for contributions to the travel industry

Conclusion

The landscape of women entrepreneurship in India continues to evolve and expand, with these 50 leaders serving as inspirational role models for future generations. Their success stories demonstrate the immense potential and opportunities available in India’s growing economy, while their achievements contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic business ecosystem.

These entrepreneurs have not only built successful businesses but have also created lasting impact through:

• Employment generation
• Innovation in traditional and emerging sectors
• Social impact initiatives
• Mentorship programs
• Sustainable business practices

As India moves forward, the role of women entrepreneurs becomes increasingly crucial in shaping the nation’s economic future and inspiring the next generation of business leaders.