Priyadarshini Krishnan, Founder, ROOT and SOIL on How to Inspire Inclusion in the Indian Startup Ecosystem
“From the perspective of a woman entrepreneur in the Indian startup landscape, tell us your opinion on how inclusion can be inspired in the Indian startup ecosystem. What steps can be taken by the government, business bodies, VC firms, and entrepreneurs themselves to ensure the inclusion of women entrepreneurs in the Indian startup landscape? A. Reports indicate that women entrepreneurs in India contribute merely 14% to the entrepreneurial landscape, with a mere 2.16% engaging in early-stage entrepreneurial activities, as of January 2024. Alarmingly, over 99% of women-owned businesses comprise single-person microenterprises. This data underscores significant bottlenecks, particularly at the ideation and expansion stages, critical junctures for any enterprise, especially for women who often face challenges in accessing both time and funds.
While the government has introduced commendable schemes to support women entrepreneurs in recent years, the persisting challenges necessitate the implementation of additional initiatives.
There is a pressing need for governmental and venture capital entities to establish a supportive ecosystem for women-led startups, offering access to mentorship and investor networks. Addressing these bottlenecks can catalyze the growth and success of numerous promising women-led ventures, enabling them to flourish and make significant contributions to the entrepreneurial landscape.
Priyadarshini’s message to other women-folk across India on International Women’s Day “Now is the time, like never before, for women to seize the abundant opportunities awaiting them. Governments are actively supporting women entrepreneurs, consumers are more receptive than ever, and technology enables us to work from the comfort of our own homes. If you've been contemplating starting a venture, don't hesitate any longer—take that crucial first step!
The next 15-20 years are poised to be monumental for India, presenting an unprecedented opportunity to uplift and empower women across the nation. Let's collectively work towards making these years transformative for women in India. Wishing a joyous Women's Day to every one of us!”
