Time and again, women have proven just how remarkable they are, and the growing number of women entrepreneurs is a clear reflection of that. Not only are women making groundbreaking progress in their respective fields, but they are also breaking traditional barriers and challenging social norms, inspiring others to push beyond limits. Their intellect, vision, and decision-making skills highlight that entrepreneurship demands real talent and resilience.
India is no exception to this revolution. The rise of women entrepreneurs in the country has been nothing short of transformative. With women-led startups growing by 14% annually (LXME India), the entrepreneurial landscape is being reshaped by bold and visionary female leaders. This number clearly shows the growing impact of women in business and how their contribution can help build a stronger and more flourishing economy.
Let us take a closer look and celebrate the success of the top 10 female entrepreneurs in India, including their journeys, achievements, and the powerful influence they have had across industries.
Profiles and Achievements
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Falguni Nayar – Founder, Nykaa
Falguni Nayar started her journey working at Kotak Mahindra but became one of India’s biggest beauty moguls when she founded Nykaa in 2012. Born on February 19, 1963, in Mumbai, she made a bold shift from investment banking to entrepreneurship after closely observing consumer interests and market trends. Today, people across the country turn to Nykaa for their beauty and lifestyle needs. In 2021, Nykaa’s IPO was a huge success and made her one of the richest self-made women in India.
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Vineeta Singh – CEO, Sugar Cosmetics
The ultimate example of self-belief, Vineeta Singh turned down a ₹1 crore job at 23 to pursue her passion for entrepreneurship. She started with a service job that paid her just ₹10,000 a month and eventually went on to build an empire: Sugar Cosmetics, now valued at over ₹4,000 crore. Founded in 2015, Sugar was built to offer bold, affordable, and empowering makeup to women. Today, she not only runs the brand but is also one of the popular Shark Tank India investors.
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Ghazal Alagh – Co-founder, Mamaearth
Ghazal Alagh co-founded Mamaearth in 2016 after struggling to find toxin-free baby products for her child. She decided to build something that other parents could trust. Along with her husband, she launched Mamaearth as a brand that focused on natural and safe skincare. Today, it is one of India’s fastest-growing FMCG brands. At just 36, Ghazal is not only a famous businesswoman in India but also a well-known face from Shark Tank India.
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Suchi Mukherjee – Founder & CEO, LimeRoad
Recognizing that online product discovery was a real challenge for Indian women, Suchi set out to create a platform that focused on simple yet impactful consumer experiences. That vision came to life with LimeRoad, an online fashion platform offering trendy, sustainable options from eco-conscious brands. With her strong background in finance and economics, Suchi created a space in a male-dominated industry and built a trusted fashion platform for modern Indian shoppers.
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Namita Thapar – Executive Director, Emcure Pharmaceuticals
Also appearing as an investor on Shark Tank India, Namita Thapar took over the reins of her father’s pharmaceutical company and steered it toward a vision that prioritized women’s healthcare. Under her leadership, Emcure Pharmaceuticals, a leading Indian multinational based in Pune, has grown significantly, with a sharp focus on accessibility, innovation, and inclusivity in medicine.
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Kiran Mazumdar Shaw – Founder, Biocon
One of India’s richest female entrepreneurs, Kiran Mazumdar Shaw, founded Biocon, one of the country’s biggest biopharmaceutical companies, in 1978. She initially struggled to find a job in the brewing industry due to gender bias but pushed forward to create her space in biotechnology. Today, she is one of the most respected and top businesswomen in India. Kiran has received several awards for her healthcare innovation and was featured in Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen list of 25 accomplished women shaping the business landscape.
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Richa Kar – Founder, Zivame
It takes courage to build a brand around something society hesitates to talk about. Richa Kar became a symbol of empowerment when she launched India’s first online lingerie store, Zivame, in 2011. At a time when talking about innerwear was awkward or inappropriate, Richa chose to break the stigma and build a brand that allowed women to shop confidently and comfortably. Today, Zivame is a go-to destination for women who want affordable yet stylish lingerie.
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Faye D’Souza – Founder, Beatroot News
Known for her powerful and ethical journalistic approach, Faye D’Souza gained national recognition as a news anchor who always asks tough, relevant questions. After leaving mainstream media, she launched her new app and youth content brand, Beatroot News, aiming to keep the audience informed, drama-free. She represents a new era of women in business who are turning credibility, truth, and substance into their core products.
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Aditi Gupta – Co-founder, Menstrupedia
Breaking social norms and speaking about what is often considered taboo in India, Aditi Gupta turned her personal experiences into a mission. She co-founded Menstrupedia in 2012; it is an educational platform that uses storytelling and comics to teach young girls about menstruation. Her goal was to make menstrual education accessible, relatable, and stigma-free. In 2014, she was listed in Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 for her bold and meaningful work.
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Upasana Taku – Co-founder, MobiKwik
Upasana Taku stands out in the women in business list for her work in the fintech space. She co-founded MobiKwik in 2009 to make digital payments easier for people, especially those in smaller towns. Despite entering a male-dominated space, she built one of India’s leading digital wallet companies. Her work in financial inclusion and innovation led her to be featured in Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen list, which honors 25 influential women driving change in Asia’s business world.
Impact on Industry
According to The Economic Times, women entrepreneurs’ contribution to India’s GDP is growing by 10% annually, highlighting the pivotal role they play in shaping the economy’s future. Here is how they have impacted the industry:
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Transforming the Beauty and Wellness Sector
Nykaa, for instance, has transformed the beauty and wellness sector by making beauty products easily accessible to everyone. Similarly, Sugar Cosmetics and Mamaearth have made a mark by offering affordable, high-quality makeup and toxin-free products, respectively, while promoting a cleaner, healthier India.
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Breaking Barriers in Fashion and Pharmaceuticals
Suchi Mukherjee’s LimeRoad created a user-centric online fashion industry, while Namita Thapar’s leadership at Emcure Pharmaceuticals helped expand the company globally, opening new doors for innovation.
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Challenging Media Norms
Faye D’Souza has disrupted the traditional media landscape with Beatroot News, a platform driven by credibility and transparency, providing an alternative to mainstream media.
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Shattering Gender Barriers
From developing products that cater to women’s needs to championing industries previously dominated by men, the top 10 female entrepreneurs in India have not only built successful businesses but also broken down long-standing gender barriers. Their leadership continues to inspire innovation and growth across diverse sectors.
Lessons and Takeaways
- Hard Work: The success of these women entrepreneurs underscores the importance of consistent hard work. They have shown that dedication is key to overcoming obstacles and achieving business growth.
- Passion and Resilience: Their journeys demonstrate how passion for their work and resilience in the face of failures and challenges fuel long-term success.
- Financial Literacy: The importance of understanding financials and managing resources effectively is crucial. These top businesswomen in India have proven that financial literacy is a major driver of sustainable growth.
- Risk Management: Women in business often face additional challenges. Their ability to assess and manage risks has been integral in building successful companies like Nykaa, LimeRoad, and Mamaearth.
Conclusion
Driven by unwavering determination and backed by the power to make a difference, these famous businesswomen in India have built some of the most successful and influential platforms. Each success reinforces the undeniable truth that women entrepreneurs can lead, create, and drive change. All that is required is the opportunity to empower them, just as they have empowered us with their groundbreaking foundations.
At Innov8, we empower female entrepreneurs to innovate and create impactful businesses. Join us in shaping the future.
