India is a land where the spirit of entrepreneurship thrives, and at the head are remarkable women creating their paths to success. In this journey, we celebrate our top women entrepreneurs’ strength, innovation, and determination.
These leaders have cracked glass ceilings, reinvented standards, and inspired generations, bringing a new era of female empowerment to India. Join us as we explore the stories of these extraordinary Indian women entrepreneurs, whose businesses not only fuel economic growth but are also beacons of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs around the world.
Top Women Entrepreneurs in India
1. Falguni Nayar
Falguni Nayar is an outstanding figure among India’s top successful women entrepreneurs. With a strong spirit and a visionary mindset, she founded Nykaa, India’s premier beauty and wellness e-commerce platform, revolutionizing the industry landscape. Born and raised in a Gujarati household in Mumbai, Nayar’s journey represents the story of a self-made entrepreneur.
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics and a postgraduate degree from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, She sharpened her skills in the corporate world, eventually rising to the position of managing director of Kotak Mahindra Capital’s investment banking division and director of Kotak Securities.
Nayar made a bold choice in 2012, inspired by her passion for beauty and wellness, investing $2 million of her funds to launch Nykaa. Her determined focus and strategic skill launched Nykaa to incredible heights, with over 850 brands, a strong online presence, and 35 physical stores nationally. Additionally, Nykaa has been at the forefront of introducing international luxury brands to India, offering customers a wide selection of products and services.
Nayar’s constant drive for quality has secured Nykaa’s status as a household name in India’s cosmetics business, demonstrating the great potential and prowess of female entrepreneurs in India. Her incredible career inspires potential female entrepreneurs, illustrating persistence, inventiveness, and accomplishment.
Company Name: Nykaa
Net Worth: 300 Crores
2. Aditi Gupta
Aditi Gupta stands as a shining example among the top successful women entrepreneurs in India. Co-founder of Menstrupedia, a revolutionary venture dedicated to spreading awareness about menstruation, Gupta has been at the head of breaking down taboos around this natural process.
Stemming from her own experiences and fueled by the lack of support during her menstrual cycle, Aditi, along with her husband Tuhin Paul, set on a mission to educate and empower women. Their venture, Menstrupedia, offers a comprehensive online platform complete with illustrations and graphics, striving to dismantle misconceptions and promote menstrual hygiene.
To change society’s preconceptions, Aditi keeps on fighting for the normalization of menstruation, seeing a future in which it is accepted as a natural and celebrated part of a woman’s life.
Aditi Gupta, who originated from Garhwal in Jharkhand and holds a postgraduate degree from the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, represents the essence of social entrepreneurship. Beyond Menstrupedia, she co-founded Menstrupedia Comic, aimed at eliminating myths and normalizing the biological process of puberty in both men and women.
Her dedication to overcoming knowledge gaps and campaigning for change won her a spot on Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 list in 2014. Aditi’s constant work and creative initiatives continue to lead the way for a more informed, inclusive, and empowered society, cementing her reputation as a leader among India’s most prominent female entrepreneurs.
Brand Name: Menstrupedia
Net Worth: 62 Crores
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3. Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw stands tall among the successful women entrepreneurs in India, her story proof of persistence and innovation. As the founder of Biocon, a leading biotechnology company headquartered in Bengaluru, Majumdar-Shaw’s journey utilizes the entrepreneurial spirit of women.
Born into a Gujarati family in Bangalore in 1953, she adopted a less-traveled path, aiming to create her position in the male-dominated business world. With a master’s degree in brewing and a bachelor’s degree in zoology, her early years were filled with difficulties. Despite meeting resistance because of her gender and unproven business model, Mazumdar-Shaw persisted, powered by a vision to reinvent biotech in India.
Mazumdar-Shaw built Biocon into a global powerhouse through pure determination and firm resolution, garnering awards like the Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan for her contributions to society and entrepreneurship. Beyond business success, she champions corporate social responsibility, establishing initiatives focusing on health, education, and infrastructure through Biocon’s CSR wing.
Furthermore, her foundation supports translational research and the Mazumdar-Shaw Cancer Outreach Program, demonstrating her dedication to societal well-being. Today, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s story inspires other aspiring female entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with vision, determination, and creativity, gender is no barrier to success in business.
Company Name: Biocon
Net Worth: 250 Crores
4. Divya Gokulnath
Divya Gokulnath stands among India’s most successful women entrepreneurs, making her mark as the co-founder of BYJU’S, a leading educational technology company with her husband Byju Raveendran. Together, they have revolutionized the landscape of education in India and beyond.
Their concept, BYJU’S, isn’t just an app, it is a beacon of personalized learning, providing customized educational experiences for students of all ages. Divya’s journey from teacher to tech entrepreneur is an example of her commitment to education and innovation. Her relentless pursuit of excellence has powered BYJU to global acclaim, transforming the way millions of students learn.
Born into a family of educators and professionals, Divya Gokulnath’s childhood developed in her a strong desire for knowledge and education. Her entrepreneurial spirit, combined with her dedication to enhancing educational opportunities, has earned her recognition as one of India’s highest-paid tech entrepreneurs. With a strong focus on user experience, content, and brand promotion, Divya has played an important role in BYJU’s outstanding rise, establishing its place as a champion in the education technology sector.
Company Name: Byju’s
Net Worth: 4550 Crores
5. Roshni Nadar Malhotra
Roshni Nadar Malhotra stands as a beacon of inspiration among the top successful women entrepreneurs in India. Born and raised in Delhi, she pursued her academic journey with a degree in Communication from Northwestern University, where her interest in media and film blossomed. Later, she improved her business skills by receiving an MBA from the renowned Kellogg School of Management.
As the daughter of millionaire industrialist Shiv Nadar, the founder of HCL Technologies, entrepreneurship seemed to be in her DNA. She began her professional career by joining HCL Tech, where she assumed the mantle of chairman, becoming the first woman to lead a listed IT company in India.
Malhotra’s leadership prowess and strategic vision have significantly contributed to the growth and development of the HCL Group’s brand, marking her as a trailblazer in the male-dominated tech industry.
Company Name: HCL Technologies
Net Worth: 50 Billion
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6. Vandana Luthra
Vandana Luthra stands tall among the top successful women entrepreneurs in India, her journey symbolizing the peak of women entrepreneurship in the country. As the founder of VLCC Health Care Ltd, a famous name in the beauty and wellness sector across Asia, the GCC, and Africa, Luthra has not only transformed the industry but has also become an inspiration for aspiring female entrepreneurs worldwide.
From humble beginnings in 1989, when she launched a beauty and slimming services center in New Delhi with a modest investment of Rs 20,000, to now steering a Rs 2,225 crore empire, Luthra’s story demonstrates determination, innovation, and constant dedication to her vision.
Her awards and honors highlight her impact and success. From receiving prestigious awards like Padma Shri for outstanding contribution to Trade & Industry in 2013 to being crowned with the Asia Business Leaders Forum Trailblazer Award and Enterprise Asia Female Entrepreneur of the Year Award glory, Luthra’s success speaks volumes about women’s success as Entrepreneurs in India.
With a net worth of Rs 1,300 Crores, she continues to lead not just as a business magnate but also as the chairperson of the Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill and Council (B&WSSC), shaping the future of the industry and empowering countless women to follow their entrepreneurial dreams. Vandana Luthra’s remarkable journey serves as the context of Inspiration, showcasing the immense potential and strength of women in the entrepreneurial landscape of India.
Company Name: VLCC
Net Worth: 1300 Crores
7. Shradha Sharma
Shradha Sharma stands tall among the top successful women entrepreneurs in India, her journey symbol of strength and vision. Rising from her career at famous news media organizations like the Times of India and CNBC in Mumbai, Shradha noticed a major gap in the narrative: the untold stories of aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women in India.
Despite facing rejection from traditional media channels, her constant determination led to the launch of YourStory in 2008. This online platform became a light for entrepreneurs, claiming over 70,000 stories today, with a dedicated team of 100+ individuals offering content in 11 local languages.
Shradha Sharma’s progressive spirit was recognized, as she received the L’Oreal Paris Femina Award and was named one of the world’s top 500 LinkedIn influencers. Her journey represents the victory of female entrepreneurship in India, motivating numerous more to create their routes in the field of business.
Through YourStory, Shradha Sharma embarked on a mission to democratize entrepreneurship narratives, showcasing the roller coaster of emotions and challenges entrepreneurs face. Her relentless pursuit of amplifying unheard voices and untold stories has transformed YourStory into a cornerstone of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Shradha’s leadership and innovation have not only elevated her as one of the most successful and influential female entrepreneurs in India but they have also pushed women’s entrepreneurship to the forefront of the national economic narrative.
Company Name: VLCC
Net Worth: 8.5 Million
8. Upasana Taku
Upasana Taku stands as one of the top successful women entrepreneurs in India, co-founding Mobikwik alongside her husband, Bipin Preet Singh. Their idea, MobiKwik, emerged as a fintech startup with a digital payments revolution. It is a virtual wallet seamlessly integrated with a vast network of companies and services, offering users the convenience of recharging and paying at registered outlets through the Mobikwik wallet.
With a unique feature called “SuperCash,” Mobikwik rewards its customers with cashback, promoting loyalty and engagement. Upasana Taku’s journey towards business success is underlined by her strong fintech background, developed through senior roles at prestigious institutions like PayPal and HSBC. Her academic expertise, including a bachelor’s in engineering from NIT Jalandhar and a master’s degree in management science from Stanford University, laid the foundation for her illustrious career spanning over 13 years in payments and financial services.
2012 Upasana Taku expanded her business by launching Zakpe, a digital payment gateway for e-commerce businesses. Her persistent quest for excellence gained recognition when she became the first woman to lead a payments startup, earning her an esteemed award from the President of India in 2018.
Notably, her achievements have been globally claimed, with Forbes listing her as one of “Asia’s Women to Watch” in 2016. Upasana Taku’s story illustrates the firm spirit of successful female entrepreneurs, inspiring aspiring women entrepreneurs in India and abroad.
Company Name: MobiKwik
Net Worth: 800 Crores
9. Anisha Singh
Anisha Singh, India’s famous female entrepreneur, is a testament to resilience and determination. Having weathered life’s roller-coaster rides, she emerged victorious as the co-founder and CEO of Mydala, India’s largest deals platform. Anisha, originally from New Delhi, began her career on Capitol Hill, advocating for entrepreneurs before moving to Boston to work on e-learning ecosystems.
A strong advocate for women’s causes, Anisha fearlessly champions gender equality, unafraid to speak her mind. She graduated with a master’s degree in political communication and an MBA in Information Systems from American University, Washington DC, she represents the spirit of success and empowerment.
Anisha’s influence extends beyond business; she served as a judge on MTV Dropout, a reality show spotlighting entrepreneurship. Recognized globally as one of the top 100 diversity leaders, Anisha Singh’s journey inspires aspiring women entrepreneurs across India and beyond.
Company Name: Mydala
Net Worth: 20 Crores
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10. Ghazal Alagh
Ghazal Alagh is a role model for Indian women entrepreneurs, reflecting stability and creativity in the business world. As the co-founder of Mamaearth, a Gurgaon-based company that initially focused on baby care products but later expanded into beauty and personal care, Ghazal Alagh has demonstrated her prowess in building a multiple products brand.
Her path received considerable attention when she appeared on the first season of Shark Tank India, where she demonstrated her vision and financial ability to a national audience. Together with her husband Varun Alagh, Ghazal initiated Mamaearth in New Delhi in 2016, driven by a profound passion for simplifying early parenthood.
Under Ghazal’s leadership, Mamaearth succeeded, proving her dedication to innovation and customer-centricity. The company’s growth path reached new heights when its parent entity, Honasa Consumer Ltd, went public in November 2023, boasting a staggering market capitalization exceeding Rs 12,500 crore. Today, Mamaearth’s net worth stands at a remarkable $300 million or Rs. 2488 Crores, firmly establishing Ghazal Alagh as one of India’s most successful women entrepreneurs.
Her educational background in IT and her artistic efforts at institutions such as the School of Visual Arts and the New York Academy of Art demonstrate her wide skill set and persistent pursuit of excellence. Currently serving as the Co-founder, Chief Mama, and Chief Innovation Officer at Honasa Consumer Pvt. Ltd. (Mamaearth), Ghazal continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and break barriers in the entrepreneurial world.
Brand Name: Mamaearth
Net Worth: 9800 Crores
11. Vineeta Singh
Vineeta Singh is an example of Indian women entrepreneurs, representing perseverance, creativity, and success. Born in 1983 in Anand, Gujarat, her journey commenced with academic excellence at Delhi Public School, R. K. Puram, followed by prestigious placements at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad and the Indian Institute of Technology Madras.
Singh’s career path led him to various projects from internships at ITC and Deutsche Bank to leadership roles in e-learning and HR. It was in 2015 that she started on her entrepreneurial journey, founding Sugar Cosmetics, a venture that quickly grew into a strong empire in the beauty sector.
Today, Vineeta Singh’s entrepreneurial ability is obvious not only in her net worth, estimated at Rs 300 crore but also in her role as the CEO and co-founder of Sugar Cosmetics. Singh’s influence goes beyond her business as a judge and investor on Shark Tank India, a reality television show in which she actively mentors and encourages young Indian women to pursue their entrepreneurial goals. Singh is transforming the face of Indian entrepreneurship, motivating generations of women to design their paths to success.
Brand Name: Sugar Cosmetics
Net Worth: 300 Crores
12. Richa Kar
Richa Kar is a shining example of an Indian woman entrepreneur who began her journey in information technology. Following the completion of her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the prestigious Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, Richa ventured into the retail sector, joining Spencer’s. It was here that the roots of her entrepreneurial spirit were planted, eventually leading to the launch of Zivame, an e-commerce lingerie company.
Recognizing a significant gap in the market for women’s intimate apparel, Richa Kar invested her savings into the establishment of Zivame in 2011. In a groundbreaking move, she secured her first investment of US$3 million for Zivame in May 2012, setting the stage for its remarkable growth path. Today, Zivame is valued at US$13.6 million and has become synonymous with revolutionizing lingerie shopping in India.
Zivame’s e-commerce platform and physical shops have not only changed the shopping experience but have also played a critical part in breaking down societal taboos around lingerie, ensuring that every woman has access to comfortable and powerful products. Richa Kar’s entrepreneurial journey stands as a testament to the transformative power of vision, perseverance, and a commitment to empowering women.
Brand Name: Zivame
Net Worth: 750 Crores
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Conclusion
In conclusion, these top successful women entrepreneurs in India exemplify the strength, innovation, and determination of female entrepreneurs in India. Their stories inspire countless others to pursue their dreams and break barriers in the business world.
Through their remarkable achievements, they have not only transformed industries but also paved the way for future generations of Indian women entrepreneurs. As we celebrate their successes, let us continue to support and empower women entrepreneurs, recognizing their invaluable contributions to society and the economy.