Women-Led Startups in India Flourish A Glimpse into the Growth In recent years, women-led startups in India have shown remarkable growth, as highlighted in the Women in India’s Startup Ecosystem Report by WISER. Over the past five years, these startups have significantly expanded their presence, with their share increasing from 10% of the total in 2017 to 18% in 2022.
The Indian startup ecosystem, as a whole, has been experiencing a remarkable surge. The number of startups in the country has skyrocketed, escalating from around 6,000 in 2017 to a staggering 80,000 in 2022. Amid this meteoric rise, women-led unicorns, which are startups valued at over $1 billion, have also seen substantial growth, increasing from 8% to 17% during the same period.
One of the driving factors behind this success story is the increasing funding support for Indian startups from venture capitalists (VCs). In 2017, these startups received $5.9 billion in funding, and by 2022, this figure had risen significantly to $21.9 billion. Importantly, the share of this funding directed towards women-led startups has also increased, climbing from 11% to 20% during this timeframe.
This data signifies a shifting landscape in India’s startup ecosystem, where women entrepreneurs are making their mark and gaining a more substantial foothold in the industry. The growing number of women-led unicorns is a testament to their potential for disruptive innovation and significant market impact.
As India continues to foster a supportive environment for entrepreneurship and innovation, these trends are expected to flourish further, propelling more women-led startups to the forefront and contributing to the nation’s dynamic economic landscape.
