Women Lead Nearly Half of Indian Startups: Yukti Gaur
As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, it is imperative to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women who are leading the charge in India’s startup ecosystem. According to Yukti Gaur, CEO of IP India, women lead nearly half of India’s 1,52,139 startups. This remarkable statistic is a testament to the growing presence and influence of women in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
In an interview, Yukti Gaur emphasized the importance of breaking barriers and achieving equality, stating, “If a woman has her logic in order, she can command the room.” Her words serve as a powerful reminder that women are capable of achieving greatness when given the opportunity and support.
The theme of International Women’s Day 2025, “Accelerate Action,” is a clarion call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments to accelerate the pace of change towards gender parity. The path to achieving this goal demands urgency, and it is crucial that we acknowledge the progress made so far while also acknowledging the challenges that remain.
The startup ecosystem in India has witnessed significant growth in recent years, with the number of startups increasing by over 50% in the past five years alone. This growth has been fueled by a combination of factors, including government initiatives, investor interest, and a supportive ecosystem.
Despite the challenges that women entrepreneurs face, they have been able to make a significant impact in the startup ecosystem. According to a report by the Indian Startup Ecosystem Report 2025, women-led startups have been able to achieve significant milestones, including raising funding, expanding their teams, and creating innovative products and services.
One of the key challenges that women entrepreneurs face is the lack of access to funding. According to a report by the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM), women-led startups in India face a significant funding gap, with an average funding gap of over 70%. This gap can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the lack of access to networks, the lack of role models, and the lack of confidence.
Another significant challenge that women entrepreneurs face is the lack of representation in leadership positions. According to a report by the World Economic Forum, women hold only 22% of leadership positions in India, which is significantly lower than the global average of 34%.
Despite these challenges, women entrepreneurs have been able to achieve significant success in the startup ecosystem. According to a report by the Startup India Hub, women-led startups in India have been able to achieve an average revenue growth rate of over 50% in the past five years, which is significantly higher than the average revenue growth rate of over 20% for all startups in India.
In conclusion, the growth of women-led startups in India is a significant development that requires urgent attention and action. As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, it is crucial that we recognize the achievements of women entrepreneurs and call for greater action to address the challenges they face.
The path to gender parity demands urgency, and it is crucial that we work together to break barriers and achieve equality. As Yukti Gaur so eloquently stated, “If a woman has her logic in order, she can command the room.” It is time for us to come together and empower women to take their rightful place in the startup ecosystem.
Source: https://ascendants.in/industry/rekha-gupta-delhi-cm-net-worth/
