For decades, the tech industry has been a bastion of male dominance, with women facing numerous challenges and biases that have prevented them from reaching their full potential. However, a new generation of Indian women is changing this narrative, using their skills, determination, and resilience to succeed in the tech world.
Breaking Down Barriers with FemTech:
As per the report released by the data platform Tracxn, India has produced more than 8,000 tech-based startups with women founders, which have raised nearly $23 billion till date. According to the data, India tech startups have raised an impressive $155 billion in total funding, with women-led startups capturing 14.8% share of the overall tech funding pie. Of the 8,000startups, 2,316 have received funding till date.
The success of Indian women in tech is laying the foundation for others to follow. They are inspiring a new generation of girls and women to pursue careers in STEM fields, and demonstrating that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
India boasts second-highest funding for women-led companies
“Women entrepreneurs’ share of startups in the Indian tech industry exceeds 18%, and among funded companies the share is more than 14%,” according to Tracxn. From a global outlook, the Indian Tech startup ecosystem comes second, only preceded by the United States, in terms of funding raised by companies with women founders.
Welcome to World of FemTech
FemTech, short for Female Technology, refers to the emerging industry of technology-enabled products and services focused on women’s health and wellness. From menstrual health and fertility tracking to maternal care and menopause management, FemTech is revolutionizing the way women approach their health.
Unleashing the Power of FemTech World:
1. Sheroes: Founded by Sairee Chahal in 2014, Sheroes is a women-only social network that offers a platform for career guidance, health support, and entrepreneurial opportunities for women. Sheroes provides a supportive social network for women, creating an ecosystem of support, guidance and opportunities.
An idea that grew from her earlier venture known as Fleximoms, which had started as a pilot for women on a career break and to identify flexible work options for them. As of 2024, the platform has more than 25 million members. Women can also partner on their Glow & Lovely Community, which is a vibrant community of students, job seekers, and working women who are shaping their careers and creating their own identities. With over 5.5 million members, this online community has grown exponentially in just 4 years, offering a wealth of resources and tools to support your professional journey.
2. MobiKwik: One of the first woman in India to leave her imprint on the fintech/payment start-up, Upasana Taku is credited for co-founding MobiKwik – a fintech unicorn that recently turned profitable. She is the COO of the Gurgaon-based fintech and a Stanford major. She has previously been associated with PayPal and HSBC, which helped her to grow MobiKwik to unicorn status. To promote financial inclusion in our country, Upasana co-founded the fintech with her husband Bipin Preet Singh in 2010 after quitting her role as Senior Product Manager at PayPal in San Francisco and returning to India.
Recognizing a vast opportunity in India’s mushrooming digital payments landscape, Upasana Taku identified a pressing need to democratize access to financial services. To address this, she embarked on a mission to create a cutting-edge neo-banking platform, tailored to empower India’s underserved communities. Backed by Sequoia Capital and Bajaj Finance, today, the startup has almost 3.8 million merchants and 134 million registered users. Upasana has been a driving force in championing diversity and inclusion within MobiKwik. Her efforts have yielded impressive results, with women now comprising 25% of the company’s workforce, setting a new standard for gender parity in the tech industry.
3. PopXo: Founded by the visionary Priyanka Gill, PopXO is a revolutionary digital platform that celebrates the modern Indian woman. What started as her personal fashion blog ‘eStylista’, it has now evolved into India’s largest digital community for women. Offering a unique blend of engaging content, spanning fashion, beauty, lifestyle, and wellness, alongside a seamless e-commerce experience.
By providing a safe, inclusive space for women to connect, share, and shop, PopXO aims to empower its members to take control of their lives, make informed choices, and unleash their full potential.
With more than 88 Million users, the platform covers topics such as fashion, beauty, health, and relationships, POPxo is part of the Good Media Co, the media division of the Good Glamm Group.
4. YourStory: Co-founded by Shradha Sharma, YourStory is India’s leading media platform for entrepreneurs, startups, and innovators. Since its inception in 2008, YourStory has been at the forefront of showcasing the inspiring stories of entrepreneurs, changemakers, and disruptors. Under Shradha’s leadership, YourStory has evolved into a vibrant network that fosters connection, collaboration, and growth. The platform has become a go-to destination for entrepreneurs seeking guidance, mentorship, and networking opportunities. They now have an offshoot known as ‘HerStory’, an initiative to highlight women entrepreneurs.
5. Zivame: Richa Kar founded Zivame, India’s leading online lingerie retailer, dedicated to providing women with comfortable, stylish, and high-quality intimate wear. Since its inception in 2011, Zivame has been at the forefront of disrupting the traditional lingerie market, offering a diverse range of products that cater to different body types, preferences, and needs. Under Richa’s visionary leadership, Zivame has not only transformed the way women shop for lingerie but also challenged societal norms and stigmas surrounding intimate wear. By promoting body positivity, self-love, and empowerment, Zivame has become a beloved brand, trusted by millions of women across India.
Richa’s mission for Zivame is to continue innovating, expanding, and inspiring women to take control of their own comfort, confidence, and beauty. With Zivame, Richa has created a movement that goes beyond just selling lingerie – it’s about empowering women to be their best selves.
Women empowering Women:
As we celebrate the achievements of these women entrepreneurs, we are reminded that their success is not just a personal triumph, but a testament to the transformative power of entrepreneurship in India. By empowering women to take control of their own destinies, we are empowering India to reach new heights of innovation, growth, and prosperity.
