Over 1 Lakh Startups in India Feature Women in Leadership Roles

Key Takeaways

Over 1.02 lakh recognized startups have a woman in leadership.

AIFs invested approximately Rs.

2,995 crore in women-led startups.

The Startup India initiative fosters innovation and investment.

The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme allocated Rs.

294 crore for women-led ventures.

Indian tech startups raised $9.1 billion in 2025.

New Delhi, March 17 (NationPress) According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, out of 2.12 lakh startups recognized, more than 1.02 lakh have at least one woman serving as a director or partner, as reported by the government on Tuesday.

Data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs indicates that 6,789 recognized startups have closed, with 2,950 of them featuring at least one woman in a directorial or partnership role, as stated by MoS, Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in Lok Sabha.

As of January 31, 2026, Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) supporting startups have made investments totaling approximately Rs. 25,859 crore in selected entities. Additionally, since 2020, around Rs. 2,995 crore has been directed towards women-led startups through AIFs under the scheme, according to the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.

Since its inception in 2021, the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme has allocated about Rs. 592 crore to chosen startups, with around Rs. 294 crore specifically set aside for women-led businesses, the statement added.

Launched in January 2016, the Startup India initiative aims to create a robust ecosystem for fostering innovation, supporting startups, and attracting investments within the country's startup realm.

Under this initiative, the government has rolled out key programs including the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) to assist startups across various stages of their business lifecycle.

The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups, which has been active since April 2023, has provided loan guarantees totaling approximately Rs 925 crore to startup borrowers, with around Rs 39 crore allocated for women-led startups, the report further noted.

In 2025, Indian tech startups successfully raised $9.1 billion, marking a 23 percent year-on-year increase, even as funding became more selective and tied to specific milestones, a recent report highlighted.

The technology startup ecosystem in India is transitioning from a phase of volume-driven growth to one characterized by execution-led maturity, concentrating capital on scalable, commercial-ready ventures, the report stated.

aar/pk

Point of View

The increasing participation of women in the leadership of startups signifies a positive shift towards gender equality in entrepreneurship. This trend not only enhances innovation but also contributes to economic growth, making it a pivotal focus for policymakers and investors alike.

NationPress

20 Jun 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of recognized startups have a woman director or partner?

Over 48% of recognized startups have at least one woman director or partner.

How much have AIFs invested in women-led startups?

AIFs have invested approximately Rs. 2,995 crore in women-led startups since 2020.

What is the Startup India initiative?

Startup India is a government initiative launched to foster innovation and support the startup ecosystem in the country.

What is the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme?

It is a scheme that provides financial support to startups, with specific allocations for women-led ventures.

How much have Indian tech startups raised in 2025?