Rohit
In the past decade, India has witnessed a new wave of entrepreneurs—strong, passionate, and determined women who are changing the way we think about business. These women are not just running companies; they’re breaking barriers, creating jobs, and inspiring millions.
From tech startups to beauty brands, these trailblazers have proven that gender has nothing to do with success. Here’s a look at the Top 10 Indian Women Entrepreneurs —each with a powerful story that shows what happens when ambition meets purpose.
1. Falguni Nayar – Founder of Nykaa
Industry: Beauty and Lifestyle
Founded: 2012
Headquarters: Mumbai
Falguni Nayar’s story is a true example of courage and reinvention. After working for nearly 20 years in investment banking at Kotak Mahindra, she started Nykaa at the age of 50. Her goal was simple—to make beauty products accessible to Indian women everywhere.
Today, Nykaa is one of India’s biggest e-commerce success stories. It sells thousands of beauty and fashion products and even has physical stores across the country. When Nykaa went public in 2021, Falguni became India’s richest self-made woman billionaire.
Her journey proves that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.
2. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw – Founder of Biocon Limited
Industry: Biotechnology
Founded: 1978
Headquarters: Bengaluru
Long before “startups” became a buzzword, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw started Biocon in a small garage with almost no money but a big dream—to make affordable medicines in India.
Today, Biocon is one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical companies, producing insulin and life-saving drugs for millions of people. Kiran has received global recognition, including being featured in Forbes’ Most Powerful Women list multiple times.
Her success story shows how science, business, and compassion can come together to create lasting impact.
3. Vineeta Singh – Co-founder of Sugar Cosmetics
Industry: Beauty and Personal Care
Founded: 2015
Headquarters: Mumbai
When Vineeta Singh started Sugar Cosmetics, many doubted that a new makeup brand could compete with global giants. But she saw a gap—Indian women wanted products that suited their skin tones and the country’s climate.
Sugar Cosmetics quickly became a favorite among millennials. Its bold, affordable, and cruelty-free makeup products are now available in over 550 cities.
Vineeta, also known for being one of the investors on Shark Tank India, is a strong advocate for confidence and individuality. One of her clear message is: “Be fearless and own your story.”
4. Richa Kar – Founder of Zivame
Industry: Fashion and E-commerce
Founded: 2011
Headquarters: Bengaluru
Richa Kar’s idea for Zivame came from a real-life problem. Buying lingerie in India was awkward and uncomfortable for many women. She wanted to change that.
Zivame became India’s first online lingerie store, giving women a private, judgment-free way to shop. Despite facing criticism and conservative mindsets, Richa stayed strong. Today, Zivame is a trusted brand with both online and offline stores across India.
Her story is proof that solving a genuine problem can lead to lasting success.
5. Ghazal Alagh – Co-founder of Mamaearth
Industry: Skincare and Wellness
Founded: 2016
Headquarters: Gurugram
When Ghazal Alagh became a mother, she couldn’t find baby products that were safe and toxin-free. Instead of settling for less, she decided to create her own brand—Mamaearth.
What started as a small venture soon turned into one of India’s fastest-growing skincare companies. Mamaearth offers natural, eco-friendly products and became a unicorn startup in 2022. Its parent company, Honasa Consumer Ltd., got listed in 2023.
Ghazal believes that “business should make the world a better place.” Her story shows how personal passion can turn into a powerful movement.
6. Divya Gokulnath – Co-founder of BYJU’S
Industry: Education Technology
Founded: 2011
Headquarters: Bengaluru
Divya Gokulnath began her journey as a teacher and later helped build BYJU’S, which became one of the world’s biggest online learning platforms. Her focus has always been on making education fun and easy to understand for students.
Even though BYJU’S faced challenges in recent years, Divya has continued to steer the company toward long-term innovation and quality learning.
Her story inspires educators and entrepreneurs alike—showing that true success is about creating impact, not just profit.
7. Upasana Taku – Co-founder of MobiKwik
Industry: Fintech
Founded: 2009
Headquarters: Gurugram
In a time when digital payments were just beginning, Upasana Taku co-founded MobiKwik with a vision to simplify money transfers for millions of Indians.
Today, MobiKwik serves over 130 million users and provides services like mobile wallets, credit, and Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL). A Stanford graduate, Upasana is one of the few women leading a fintech company in India’s competitive startup space.
Her focus on innovation and financial inclusion continues to shape the future of digital payments in India.
8. Malika Sadani – Founder of The Moms Co.
Industry: Personal Care and Wellness
Founded: 2016
Headquarters: Gurugram
Malika Sadani started The Moms Co. because she wanted safe, natural products for herself and other mothers. Her brand focuses on chemical-free skincare, baby care, and wellness items.
In 2021, The Moms Co. was acquired by The Good Glamm Group, allowing it to reach a wider audience. Malika continues to promote sustainability and honest branding, proving that ethical business can also be profitable.
9. Suchi Mukherjee – Founder of Limeroad
Industry: Fashion and E-commerce
Founded: 2012
Headquarters: Gurugram
Suchi Mukherjee created Limeroad as a platform for small businesses and women sellers to showcase their products online. With a background at global companies like eBay and Skype, she brought her tech experience to India’s growing digital marketplace.
Limeroad became one of India’s first social shopping platforms, blending creativity with entrepreneurship. Suchi’s work encourages women to build financial independence through online business opportunities.
10. Aditi Gupta – Co-founder of Menstrupedia
Industry: Health and Education
Founded: 2012
Headquarters: Ahmedabad
Aditi Gupta is a changemaker in the truest sense. She co-founded Menstrupedia, a platform that educates young girls and communities about menstruation through comics and digital tools.
Her work has reached thousands of schools and has been recognized by UNESCO and other international organizations. Aditi’s mission goes beyond business—she’s transforming awareness, breaking taboos, and empowering girls with knowledge.
What We Can Learn from These Women
Each of these women started small, faced challenges, and built something extraordinary. Here are a few lessons their journeys teach us:
- Find a problem worth solving. Most of these businesses began with a simple personal pain point.
- Start small but stay consistent. Every big company started as a small idea.
- Stay true to your purpose. These women built brands that reflect their values, not just profits.
- Learn from failure. Every challenge is part of the journey.
- Empower others. True success is when you lift others as you rise.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the richest woman entrepreneur in India in 2025?
A: Falguni Nayar, founder of Nykaa, continues to be India’s richest self-made woman entrepreneur with a net worth exceeding $3 billion.
Q2: Which sectors have the most women entrepreneurs?
A: E-commerce, beauty, health-tech, and fintech are currently leading sectors for women-led startups.
Q3: Are women-led startups getting more funding now?
A: Yes. 2025 has seen a steady rise in venture capital funding for women-led and sustainable businesses.
Q4: What challenges do women entrepreneurs still face?
A: Limited access to investors, societal expectations, and balancing work-life responsibilities are still common hurdles.
Q5: How can aspiring women begin their entrepreneurial journey?
A: Start by researching your idea, find a mentor, use government startup schemes, and build your online presence early.
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Conclusion
The women featured here have changed the face of Indian entrepreneurship. They’ve proven that success isn’t defined by gender but by determination, creativity, and vision.
As India’s economy continues to grow, women entrepreneurs will play a central role in shaping the nation’s future. Their stories remind us that with courage, persistence, and purpose—any dream can become a reality.
