Telangana has emerged as a thriving hub for women entrepreneurs, securing the 7th position in India with 917 women-led start-ups. This milestone reflects the increasing participation of women in the state’s entrepreneurial landscape, contributing to its growing economy and innovation ecosystem.
Maharashtra leads the rankings with 2,916 women-led start-ups, followed by Uttar Pradesh (1,784) and Delhi (1,610). Other states with a strong presence of female entrepreneurs include Gujarat (1,432) and Tamil Nadu (1,334). Telangana’s steady rise in this sector is evident, with a consistent increase in women-driven businesses each year.
In 2019, Telangana had just 306 start-ups with at least one female director. However, this number has seen a steady rise over the years: 391 in 2020, 520 in 2021, and continued growth in 2022 and 2023. The state’s supportive policies, incubators, and funding initiatives have played a crucial role in encouraging more women to venture into entrepreneurship.
On a national scale, India’s start-up ecosystem has witnessed a significant rise in women-led businesses. As of October 31, 2024, India has 1.52 lakh recognized start-ups, of which 73,151 have at least one woman director. These enterprises span various industries, including construction, agriculture, education, food and beverages, healthcare, life sciences, and IT services.
The increasing participation of women in start-ups highlights India’s commitment to fostering gender diversity and inclusion in business. With continued government support and industry-driven initiatives, the number of female-led enterprises is expected to rise further, paving the way for a more balanced and inclusive entrepreneurial landscape.