Women entrepreneurs in India are boosting the startup ecosystem. India saw the most number of women-led startups turning unicorns in 2021. In the past decade, India has experienced a rapid growth in entrepreneurship, with women in business having made much progress. These entrepreneurs thus need to be celebrated, empowered and supported every day.
“TiE Mumbai encourages all women to live their entrepreneurial aspirations and dreams. The TiE community facilitates entrepreneurs through its network, builds strong startups through its structured programs, puts entrepreneurs / startups on a path to capital and constantly helps in evolving innovation and disruption! This women’s day we encourage all women aspirational entrepreneurs to start planning for their entrepreneurial journeys. There has never been a better a time to build a business and startup,” said Naveen Raju, Executive Director, TiE Mumbai.
“I have always been an Enabler vs Entrepreneur, and so I have always worked on building platforms. In 2000 I started my entrepreneurial journey to ambitiously create India’s 1st Platform for our nascent Designers and Craft-Artisans. My dream was to stir Awareness. Today they are million dollar brands whose journeys we continue to share. I realized how an idea, a belief if changed into a journey can spark global consciousness. Witnessing how India’s travel/ lifestyle community is decimated, I am using immersive storytelling and technology to spur livelihood generation for India’s Travel / Lifestyle Micro & Small Entrepreneur, whilst working to make Solo Women travel Safe + Sustainable + Seamless,” said Soniya Kirpalani, Media-Tech Entrepreneur and Charter Member-TiE Member.
“In 2020, only 2.3 per cent of global VC funding went to women-led startups. What’s fascinating though, is that when startups founded by women do receive funding, they’re more likely to be successful. According to a BCG study, women-led startups deliver more than twice as much revenue per dollar invested. Plus, women tend to hire more women creating a ripple effect in the economy. This is needed more than ever. Women have faced unprecedented challenges balancing personal and professional lives during the pandemic. I aspire to a world where every woman can achieve her full potential. Azent is a company powered by women – a huge percentage of our workforce is female, and we are committed to supporting young women in achieving their dreams. What would a world where every woman reaches her full potential look like? McKinsey Global Research estimates that closing the gender gap could add close to USD 3 trillion to the Indian economy, and US$ 28 trillion to the global GDP. Women are one of the most powerful investments we can make in building a better future,” stated Priyanka Nishar, Founder and Managing Director- Azent Overseas Education.
“The challenges that you would face as an entrepreneur are a part and parcel of the job. The journey will include several wins and misses that will help you find your path towards building your dream. Things have improved over the years with more women coming out in the front running business ventures and holding valuable positions in organisations. This is only the beginning, I’m sure, women will continue to go above and beyond the glass ceilings and redefine what it means to be a woman entrepreneur,” said Smriti Shetty Dalvi, Managing Director and CEO- Florista and Member- TiE Mumbai.