Top 5 Female-Founded Startups in India

January 4, 20193 Minutes Read
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Female-founded start-ups are on the rise in India. With their determination, perseverance, and passion, women have come a long way in our country and are now set to change the startup landscape of India. In the world of business, which was majorly a man-driven industry, our women are growing by leaps and bounds. Not only are they making their mark in fashion, food/beverages and lifestyle industries, they are also penetrating into the technology and other sectors and doing great for themselves. As per statistics, of the total number of companies that got seed funding in India, more than 15% are founded by women. This might not sound like a great number, but it is an increase from what it was earlier.

Let’s take a look at some of the very significant female-founded startups in India and their founders:

1.ShopClues-Radhika Ghai Aggarwal

ShopClues is an online marketplace selling everything from technology and fashion to footwear and jewelry. It was established in July 2011 and is based in Gurgaon, India. Radhika Aggarwal is one of the three co-founders on ShopClues and is India's first woman to enter the Unicorn Club. She holds an MBA from the Washington University in St. Louis. Prior to entering into the entrepreneurial venture, Radhika worked in the marketing department of companies like Nordstrom in Seattle and strategic planning at Goldman Sachs. Prior to ShopClues, she had started a company called FashionClues, which was a content portal for NRI women.

2. MobiKwik- Upasana Taku

MobiKwik was founded in 2009 and is a company that provides a mobile phone-based payment system and digital wallet. Upasana Taku and her husband, Bipin Preet Singh are the founding members of this company. The husband-wife duo saw a great opportunity to improve mobile recharge options and this drove them to begin this venture. Before MobiKwik, Upasana had founded another payment gateway called Zaakpay. After completing her MS in Management Science & Engineering from Stanford University, she worked at PayPal in San Jose, California as a product manager, before returning to India in 2008.

3. Freshmenu- Rashmi Daga

FreshMenu is a full-stack online kitchen that serves global cuisine right at your doorstep. Its menu keeps changing on a daily basis unlike ordinary restaurants and has offerings spread across mains, salads, appetisers and desserts. Freshmenu was founded by Rashmi Daga in 2014 out of Bangalore. It now has its branches in Mumbai, Gurugram and Delhi with 26 operational kitchens. Rashmi Daga is an IIM-A alumnus and has previous work experience in many companies including Bluestone.com, Olacabs, TutorVista, LifeScan and more.

4. Infibeam- Neeru Sharma

Infibeam is an internet and e-commerce conglomerate involved in digital payments, online retailing, e-commerce software and internet services. The company was founded in 2007 and has offices in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Neeru Sharma is the co-founder of this company and she heads the corporate and business development sector. Prior to venturing into this company, Neeru was working at Alcatel India as product manager, leading R&D projects in the intelligent network services domain for major telecom partners in India, Australia and France. She holds an MBA degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

5.LimeRoad- Suchi Mukherjee

LimeRoad is India's first boutique fashion marketplace for women. LimeRoad was founded by Suchi Mukherjee in 2012 when she realized that there was no way to discover lifestyle and accessories for women online easily. She has previously worked in eBay UK and was also the Director and a member of Executive Management Team at Skype.

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Social Entrepreneurship: Women Driving Impactful Change in India

A powerful force is reshaping communities and driving positive change -- women-led social entrepreneurship . As the narrative of entrepreneurship evolves, so does the role of women who are not just creating businesses but building ventures with a profound impact on society. Let's explore the realm of women's entrepreneurship and the significant strides in social entrepreneurship .

Social entrepreneurship is about harnessing the power of business to address social and environmental challenges. In India, many women embrace this approach, positioning themselves as business leaders and catalysts for positive change. Their ventures aim not just for profit but also for meaningful impact on the communities they serve.

The landscape of women entrepreneurship in India is growing, with female entrepreneurs actively participating in diverse sectors, including social entrepreneurship. This shift is breaking stereotypes and showcasing the multifaceted roles women can play as business leaders with a mission beyond just financial gains.

One compelling aspect of this transformation is the variety of startup ideas for women in social entrepreneurship. From ventures addressing healthcare disparities to those focused on education, women are bringing innovative solutions to the forefront. These ventures are not just about economic empowerment but about creating sustainable change in the fabric of society.

Social entrepreneurship ideas are often born from a deep understanding of local challenges. As the architects of many of these initiatives, women bring a unique perspective to problem-solving. Whether providing access to clean water, improving healthcare facilities, or promoting sustainable agriculture, these entrepreneurs are at the forefront of impactful change.

The intersection of entrepreneur ideas for women and social entrepreneurship creates a space where purpose-driven businesses thrive. Women are not just looking for financial success; they seek ways to contribute meaningfully to society. The spirit of collaboration and community building is embedded in their ventures, fostering a sense of shared responsibility and collective well-being.

One notable example is Preeti Singh, a social entrepreneur who founded a venture focused on menstrual hygiene in rural India. Her initiative addresses a critical health issue and empowers women by providing them with sustainable and affordable solutions. Preeti's story represents the transformative potential of women's entrepreneurship in tackling societal challenges.

The emphasis on social entrepreneurship among women is also generating a ripple effect regarding mentorship and support networks. Established female entrepreneurs are actively encouraging and guiding the next generation. This mentorship is crucial in nurturing a culture of innovation and resilience among women venturing into social entrepreneurship.

The momentum of women entrepreneurship in social impact ventures is not just a trend; it signifies a paradigm shift in how businesses operate in India. Organisations and institutions recognise women's value in terms of empathy, collaboration, and a deep understanding of community needs.

The rise of social entrepreneurship driven by women in India is a testament to the transformative power of purpose-driven businesses. As more women explore and invest in entrepreneurial ideas for women that focus on social impact, the future promises a more equitable and sustainable society. These women entrepreneurs are not just building businesses but driving impactful change and leaving an indelible mark on the nation's socio-economic fabric.

At Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation), we believe in empowering women to be independent. We provide online career guidance, existing jobs and other online courses to help them nurture their dream of driving social entrepreneurship in India.

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Wealth Management and Advisory: Career Opportunities for Young Women

An exciting and lucrative avenue in finance is emerging for young women -- wealth management and advisory. As the financial landscape evolves, so do the opportunities for women to carve a niche in this traditionally male-dominated sector. Let's explore the promising career opportunities for women in wealth management.

Wealth management is not just about handling money; it involves strategic planning, investment advice, and creating financial roadmaps for clients. This dynamic sector offers many jobs for women with a keen interest in finance and a desire to empower others financially.

The rise of women in finance is challenging stereotypes and reshaping the narrative of the financial industry. Women's inclusivity in wealth management brings diverse perspectives, innovative thinking, and a more empathetic approach to client relationships. This shift concerns equality and a more holistic and client-focused financial experience.

One noteworthy aspect is the increasing prevalence of online jobs for women in wealth management. The digital age has opened up avenues for remote work, allowing women to balance professional and personal commitments seamlessly. Online platforms offer flexibility and accessibility, making wealth management more accessible as a career opportunity for women.

The role of women empowerment jobs in wealth management extends beyond managing finances; it's about empowering clients to take control of their financial destinies. Women in this field are not just financial advisors but mentors, educators, and advocates for financial literacy contributing to a more informed and economically empowered society.

The financial sector recognises the unique strengths that women bring to wealth management. From communication skills to emotional intelligence, these attributes enhance client relationships and contribute to the overall success of advisory services. The changing dynamics of the industry create an environment where women can thrive and excel in their careers.

As the demand for personalised financial advice grows, so does the need for skilled professionals. This presents a wealth of career opportunities for women willing to invest in their education and build expertise in wealth management. Financial institutions actively encourage women to pursue careers in this field, recognising the value they bring.

An exemplary figure in this context is Neha Sharma, a young professional who found her calling in wealth management. Neha's journey reflects the changing tide for women in finance as she navigated the industry's intricacies to emerge as a successful wealth advisor. Her story inspires young women seeking this dynamic and rewarding career path.

The shift towards creating career opportunities for women in wealth management aligns with broader societal changes. Organisations are realising the importance of gender diversity in their teams, promoting an environment that fosters equal opportunities and values the contributions of women in finance.

The wealth management and advisory world holds tremendous promise for young women in India. The evolving landscape creates exciting career opportunities for women who aspire to make a mark in the financial sector. As women continue to break barriers and thrive in wealth management roles, the future promises a more inclusive and diversified financial industry where expertise knows no gender boundaries.At Glow & Lovely Careers (formerly known as Fair & Lovely Career Foundation), we believe in empowering women to be independent. We provide online career guidance, existing jobs and other courses to help them in India's wealth management field.