India ranks second to the US in all-time funding for women-run tech startups, raising $26 billion. With over 7,000 active women-led startups, Bengaluru leads in funding, followed by Mumbai and Delhi-NCR. Notably, the retail sector dominates funding at $7.8 billion, while acquisitions of women-led startups have seen fluctuations in recent years, emphasizing the ongoing journey to close the gender funding gap.
In a groundbreaking report, India has emerged as the second-largest recipient of all-time funding for women-led tech startups, amassing a remarkable $26 billion, just behind the United States. This achievement highlights the vibrant landscape of over 7,000 active women-run startups, which account for 7.5% of the nation’s total. Notably, 2021 marked a peak in funding, with women-led ventures receiving $6.3 billion, as per findings from Tracxn, a premier startup analytics firm.
Leading the charge is Bengaluru, which boasts the highest concentration of women-led startups and cumulative funding. Close contenders include Mumbai and the Delhi-NCR region. On a broader international scale, Indian women-led startups made a significant contribution, capturing 15.18% of the total funding in 2022, securing $5 billion out of the global $32.8 billion.
The report indicates that by 2024, India held the third position globally for funding raised by women-led startups, following the US and the UK, translating to 3.96% of the worldwide funding earmarked for such ventures. The retail sector shines brightly, attracting $7.8 billion, while edtech and enterprise applications follow, drawing in $5.4 billion and $5 billion, respectively.
Active sectors include B2C e-commerce, internet-first brands, and fashion tech, with a surge in startups co-led by women. While 2021 witnessed the most acquisitions, totaling 45, there has been a notable decline: from 36 in 2022 to 25 in 2023, and dropping further to 16 in 2024.
As the report emphasizes, “These startups are not only securing massive funding but also redefining industries, generating employment, and setting new benchmarks for future entrepreneurs.” Despite challenges in addressing the gender funding gap, the surge of women-led startups truly underscores India’s evolving entrepreneurial narrative.
India stands tall as a beacon of opportunity for women-led tech startups, securing its place by raising a staggering $26 billion. Bengaluru’s leadership in this realm, coupled with pivotal contributions from sectors like retail and edtech, showcases the impact of these innovative entrepreneurs. While setbacks in acquisitions raise concerns, the resilience and growth of women-founded ventures illuminate a path toward bridging the gender funding gap, promising a brighter future for equal entrepreneurial efforts in India.
Original Source: ommcomnews.com
