New Delhi: According to a recent study by TiE Delhi NCR, research firm Zinnov, Google, NetApp, and venture capital firm Indian Angel Network, around 18% of India’s unicorn startups are founded or co-founded by women. Additionally, 20 other firms are in the pipeline to become unicorns, indicating the growing presence of women in the Indian startup ecosystem.
Despite the comparable metrics, success, and high entrepreneurial intent, socio-cultural barriers hinder women founders’ growth, according to the study. The study found a huge gender disparity in the Indian startup ecosystem, with women founders facing an investment loss of about USD 3.7 billion over the past three years due to a disparity in ticket size.
From an investor’s perspective, the study found that women founders come across as more cautious compared to their male counterparts, which lowers deal size offers to them. Furthermore, negotiations can be more challenging for women founders as they face more scrutiny on their commitment compared to their male counterparts.
The startups that are in the pipeline to become unicorns include Locus, Pratilipi, WinZO, Infinity Learn, Doubtnut, Portea, SirionLabs, and more. Women-founded or co-founded startups that have already become unicorns include acko, MyGlamm, BYJU’s, Pristyn Care, MobiKwik, Open, and others. The total valuation of unicorns built by women founders stands at over USD 30 billion, with total equity investments raised by them exceeding USD 12 billion.
The study highlights the need for a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs in India. It is crucial to address the challenges faced by women founders in terms of access to funding and resources, and to provide them with equal opportunities to grow and succeed. With the growing number of women-led startups in India, there is immense potential for the country’s economy to thrive and for the startup ecosystem to become more diverse and inclusive.
