Over 1 Lakh Startups Have Women Leaders: Government

More than one lakh startups in India now have at least one woman director or partner, reflecting the growing role of women in the country’s innovation ecosystem, the government informed Parliament on Tuesday.

According to data shared by Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in the Lok Sabha, a total of 2,12,283 startups have been recognised under the Startup India initiative as of January 31, 2026. Of these, 1,02,054 startups have at least one woman in a leadership role.

The data also shows that 6,789 recognised startups have been closed or struck off, including 2,950 with at least one woman director or partner, as per records maintained by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

The government highlighted that multiple flagship schemes are supporting startups at different stages of growth. These include the Fund of Funds for Startups, Startup India Seed Fund Scheme and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups.

Under the Fund of Funds for Startups, over ₹25,859 crore has been invested in startups through SEBI-registered Alternative Investment Funds, with nearly ₹2,995 crore directed towards women-led ventures since 2020. The Seed Fund Scheme has approved around ₹592 crore for startups, including ₹294 crore for women-led enterprises.

Meanwhile, the Credit Guarantee Scheme has facilitated loans worth ₹925 crore to startups, with ₹39 crore benefiting women-led businesses.

Officials said these initiatives aim to strengthen the startup ecosystem by providing access to capital, encouraging innovation and promoting entrepreneurship across the country, with a strong emphasis on women’s participation.

The government reiterated its commitment to fostering a robust and inclusive startup ecosystem that supports innovation and economic growth nationwide.