Women’s Day 2025: Celebrating Indian Women in Charge 

Why should boys have all the fun?!

For years and years, the business world was considered a man’s game – but Indian women have broken barriers, broke stereotypes, and built billion-dollar companies from scratch. 

From tech to fashion, finance to beauty, these powerhouse women are leading global businesses and proving that entrepreneurship has no gender. 

This womens day (march 8 women’s day), let’s celebrate India’s most inspiring female founders whose companies are thriving even internationally and making India proud on the global stage.

Falguni Nayar – Nykaa

The Queen of Beauty and E-commerce

If there’s one name that revolutionised beauty shopping in India, it’s Falguni Nayar. A former investment banker, she took a leap of faith at 50 and built Nykaa – now a global beauty empire.

Why is Nykaa a game-changer? 

Before Nykaa, buying beauty products in India was confusing and unorganized. Falguni created an online beauty marketplace that brought all the trusted brands, honest reviews and seamless shopping to millions of people.

The global Impact: 

• First Indian unicorn led by a woman. 
• Valued at over $10 billion. 
• Nykaa’s IPO was one of the biggest in India’s stock market history. 
• Expanded into the UAE, Middle East, and beyond. 

The lesson here for all of us is: it’s never too late to start. Falguni proved that age is just a number when you have a vision.

Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw – Biocon

India’s First Biotech Billionaire

Long before “startup culture” was a thing, Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw was building India’s first global biotech company – Biocon.

Why is Biocon special? 

Biocon is India’s largest biopharmaceutical company, making affordable medicines for diabetes, cancer and autoimmune diseases that are saving lives worldwide.

The global impact by Biocon:

• Biocon is now worth over $5 billion. 
• Operates in 120+ countries, including the U.S. and Europe. 
• The first Indian company to manufacture insulin at a global scale. 

The lesson here is Science + business = a life-changing impact. Kiran proved that women can lead in STEM and make a difference in the world.

Upasana Taku – MobiKwik

Fintech Trailblazer 

India’s digital payment revolution wouldn’t be complete without Upasana Taku, the woman behind MobiKwik. She co-founded it at a time when cashless transactions were a dream –  and turned it into a global fintech giant.

Why is MobiKwik important? 

Before UPI became mainstream, MobiKwik was making digital wallets easy for millions – from bill payments to shopping and investments.

The global impact: 

• Served over 108 million users worldwide. 
• Raised over $200 million in funding. 
• Expanded to international (international women’s day) fintech partnerships. 

Lesson here? The future of money is digital. Upasana is leading the way, proving that women can dominate in the fintech sector as well.

Richa Kar – Zivame

Changing India’s Lingerie Industry

Buying lingerie in India used to be an awkward experience. That’s where Richa Kar came in with Zivame, an online lingerie platform that made shopping comfortable, private, and empowering for women.

Why is Zivame a game-changer? 

It created India’s first dedicated lingerie e-commerce platform, breaking the stigma around intimate wear.

The global impact: 

• Serves millions of women across India and beyond. 
• Became India’s top lingerie brand with over 800+ designs. 
• Expanded into international (national women’s day) markets and offline retail stores. 

Lesson? Women know what women need. Richa’s success proves that a problem faced by millions is an opportunity waiting to be tapped.

Ghazal Alagh – Mamaearth

India’s Clean Beauty Revolution

Every mother wants safe products for her baby – but most baby care products were loaded with chemicals. That’s why Ghazal Alagh co-founded Mamaearth, India’s first toxin-free beauty and baby care brand.

What makes Mamaearth special? 

It became the first Indian beauty brand to be100% plastic-positive, cruelty-free, and Made Safe certified.

The global impact: 

• Now a billion-dollar company with a growing international presence. 
• Expanded into skincare, haircare, and wellness products. 
• Valued at over $1.5 billion.

What do we learn from this? 

Eco-conscious brands are the future. Ghazil proved that people are willing to pay for sustainability and safety.

Vineeta Singh – Sugar Cosmetics

India’s Homegrown Beauty Disruptor

What if Indian beauty standards weren’t just influenced by Western brands? That’s the question Vineeta Singh answered when she launched Sugar Cosmetics –  a bold, fun, and India-first beauty brand.

Why is Sugar Cosmetics special?

Unlike many beauty brands that catered to Western skin tones, Sugar Cosmetics focused on Indian women – our climate, our skin tines, and our beauty needs.

The global impact: 

• Sold in over 500+ cities and multiple countries. 
• Over $100 million in revenue and growing fast. 
• Available in international markets like the U.S. and Middle East.

Lesson? Indian beauty brands can go global. Vineeta proved that women-led businesses can challenge the biggest global players.

Vani Kola – Kalaari Capital

The Woman Funding India’s Next Big Startups

Ever wondered who funds India’s biggest startups? 

Meet Vani Kola, one of India’s top venture capitalists and the founder of Kalaari Capital.

Why is Vani a game-changer? 

She isn’t just a founder – she’s an investor shaping India’s startup ecosystem by backing game-changing businesses like Dream11, Myntra, and Zivame.

The global impact: 

• Invested in over 200+ startups. 
• Manages over $650 million in investments. 
• Helped multiple Indian startups scale globally. 

The lesson here is that women belong in every part of business including venture capital.

In short: The Future of Indian Business is Female

These powerful women aren’t just running businesses –  they are shaping the future of India and making a global impact. But there’s still a long way to go: 

• Women-led businesses still receive less funding than men-led ones. 
• Women make up only 14% of India’s entrepreneurs. 

The solution? More investments, more mentorship, and more women supporting women. Because when women rise, entire economies rise. 

This Women’s Day, let’s celebrate these trailblazers – and inspire more women to take the leap into entrepreneurship. The next billion-dollar company could be yours.