Women Startup Stories

In 2020, amid the uncertainty of a world in flux, a bold idea was born in the heart of Kolkata—one that aimed to reimagine how people interact with their finances. At the center of it was Arpita Sinha a passionate entrepreneur with a mission: to empower every individual—regardless of their background, knowledge, or experience—to make confident, informed financial decisions. Arpita co-founded Cashvisory alongside Utkarsh Choudhary with a vision to democratize financial advice—an industry long dominated by jargon, complexity, and exclusivity. While traditional platforms focused on the privileged few, Cashvisory set out to level the playing field with a completely digital, DIY platform designed for everyone. What makes Cashvisory different? It’s not just about investments—it’s about education and empowerment. Users are guided through their financial journey using gamified tools, real-time “what-if” simulations, and simplified explanations of complex concepts. It’s fintech meets fun, tailored for India’s young professionals hungry for smarter money management. In just six months, Cashvisory recorded a 350% growth in its user base, helping thousands take their very first steps toward investing. With eyes set on reaching 10,000 users by mid-2024, the team is just getting started. This traction recently caught the attention of the startup ecosystem. In a major milestone, Cashvisory secured ₹1.2 crore in a pre-seed funding round, led by SucSEED Indovation Fund, along with EvolveX, We Founder Circle, and angel investors like Ashok Agrawal, Upasna Koul, and Deepika Asthana. The funds will drive their go-to-market strategy, including the rollout of an AI-powered mobile app and tailored investment portfolios across stocks and smallcases—tools typically reserved for HNIs, now made accessible to everyday users. Cashvisory brings a fresh perspective to financial empowerment. It’s making complex financial decisions simple, and more importantly, accessible to all. With Arpita at the helm, Cashvisory isn’t just another fintech platform—it’s a financial revolution, putting power back into the hands of the people. Because smart money isn’t just for the few—it’s for everyone.Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #womenfounder #startup #finance #AI #entrepreneur #consultant

Bhakti Doshi Dholakia – Founder, The Lil Kid Co. Empowering Teachers. Engaging Parents. Inspiring Kids. Where Play Sparks Stories and Stories Spark Play As a brand strategist, researcher, and mother of two, Bhakti Dholakia saw a shift in childhood—more toys, but less imagination; more screen time, but less meaningful play. Determined to bring back the magic, she founded The Lil Kid Co., a purpose-driven venture that transforms learning into an adventure through play. With a background in commercial arts and years of experience in brand building, Bhakti combined her creative insights with real-life parenting to develop products that nurture creativity, cognitive growth, logic, and values. What started as fun, educational tools for parents evolved into a powerful learning ecosystem, bridging homes and classrooms. Soon, The Lil Kid Co.partnered with schools to equip teachers with engaging tools, making learning interactive and immersive. Today, the brand empowers educators, supports parents, and inspires children—offering a holistic learning experience rooted in storytelling and exploration. - Multi-Skill Development: Focusing on language, arithmetic, creativity, values, and logic. - Storytelling & Play: Tools like story wheels and rhyming housie that spark imagination. - Support for Schools & Families: Helping teachers innovate and parents engage meaningfully. To reignite the joy of independent play, celebrate the power of stories, and create products that grow with your child. Every product is designed to be open-ended, encouraging creativity and self-discovery. - STORYTELLING: Builds imagination, empathy, and love for learning. - FREE PLAY: Encourages independent exploration and confidence. - CREATIVITY: Fosters self-expression and innovation. - ADVENTURE: Turns learning into an exciting, personal journey. Bhakti's vision is clear: to spark curiosity, ignite imaginations, and build bridges between home and school. She believes in empowering teachers, engaging parents, and most importantly-inspiring kids to explore the world with wide eyes and open hearts. Because at The Lil Kid Co., play isn't just play. It's a story waiting to be told.Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #womenfounder #startup #education

Driven by curiosity and a passion for authenticity, Malini Adapureddy embarked on a mission to transform the Indian skincare industry. With 15 years of experience in consumer brands across India and Southeast Asia, paired with an MBA from INSEAD and engineering degrees from IIT Kharagpur, she had the expertise and vision to make a difference. In March 2021, Malini founded Deconstruct a science-based skincare brand built on the principles of transparency and effectiveness. Frustrated by the vague marketing practices of existing skincare brands, she set out to create a brand where ingredients, results, and science were crystal clear. Deconstruct’s approach was simple yet revolutionary—demystify skincare with straightforward labels, evidence-backed formulations, and products tailored to Indian skin needs. The brand’s focus on beginner-friendly skincare resonated with consumers. With a range of products like serums, moisturizers, and sunscreens crafted from gentle yet powerful actives, Deconstruct quickly built a loyal customer base. Backed by investors like Kalaari Capital Capital, DSG Consumer Partners, V3 Ventures , and L'Oréal’s BOLD venture fund, the brand’s growth was phenomenal—a staggering 1,000% in FY25, reaching an annualized net revenue of Rs 200 crore. Under Malini’s leadership, Deconstruct became a beacon of integrity in an often-overwhelming industry. Her journey is a testament to the power of combining expertise, passion, and a relentless commitment to transparency. Malini Adapureddy continues to inspire countless consumers and entrepreneurs, proving that skincare can be both effective and honest.Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #womenfounder #startup #skincare #D2C #womeninbusiness #cosmetic

At just 27, Meghana Jagadeesh is not only the co-founder and CEO of GoCodeo a groundbreaking Gen-AI platform for white-box software testing — she’s also the voice of bold ambition in a space often reserved for seasoned veterans. But her story isn’t just about building tech; it’s about breaking barriers. Before stepping into the founder’s chair, Meghana was already charting her course through the bustling hallways of some of the world’s most influential tech giants — Google, TikTok, and ShareChat. Each stint added a layer to her expertise, sharpened her strategic edge, and planted the seeds of what would become her own startup journey. But the real turning point? It wasn’t a title or a paycheck. It was an idea — a vision to revolutionize how software is built and tested, one AI agent at a time. Enter GoCodeo, co-founded with Jatin Garg — an IIT Kanpur alumnus and AI/ML expert with over a decade of deeptech experience. Their mission? To empower developers with intelligent tools that eliminate the grunt work and bring clarity to code testing like never before. But every revolution starts in silence — and theirs began without a single marketing dollar. Harnessing the power of community and organic growth, Meghana used her sharp instincts in SEO and developer marketplaces to build a global user base. In just 7 months, GoCodeo skyrocketed from 0 to 11,000 users — and today, it boasts over 16,000 developers across 40 countries and 150 companies. That’s not just traction. That’s momentum. Yet, behind the growth and glossy milestones lies a journey marked by resilience. When Google for Startups Accelerator welcomed GoCodeo into its fold — the youngest company to be selected — it was more than validation. It was a spark. Google didn’t just open doors; it handed Meghana the confidence to walk through them, head held high. And the accolades kept coming. From being chosen for Nasscom’s prestigious Generative AI Foundry to earning global recognition — GoCodeo is no longer a name rising in the shadows. It’s making waves. But ask Meghana about her proudest achievement, and she won’t talk about funding rounds or user counts. She’ll speak of her mother — B. R. Sheelavathi. A teacher by profession, and a beacon of strength by nature, Meghana’s mother raised her with a relentless drive for excellence and a deep-rooted belief in staying true to oneself. “She’s my role model, my north star,” Meghana says. “Everything I do — every late night, every bold move — echoes her lessons of resilience and grace.” She’s not just building a company. She’s building a movement — one where deeptech is more inclusive, where innovation is rooted in empathy, and where young women can lead from the front, unapologetically.Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #womenfounder #startup #coding #software

Swetha Ashok journey into the world of nutrition wasn’t just a career choice; it was a calling shaped by her own battles with health challenges. A biochemist with a deep-rooted understanding of microbiology and nutrition, she recognized the power of balanced meals in shaping overall well-being. However, her mission extended beyond simply prescribing diet plans—she sought to educate, empower, and transform lives. From a young age, Swetha struggled with digestive issues, asthma, and weight fluctuations. She experienced firsthand how stress and poor lifestyle choices could impact health. However, rather than succumbing to fad diets and quick fixes, she embarked on a journey to understand the root causes of health concerns. Her passion led her to work as a research assistant at the Institute of Chemical Technology in collaboration with Science for Society and the National Institute of Nutrition. She later transitioned into the corporate nutrition world, but something was missing—she wanted to make a real impact, on her own terms. In 2019, she took a leap of faith and founded The Gut Guru, a platform dedicated to holistic wellness. Swetha’s approach is unique: she doesn’t just tell people what to eat; she teaches them why. She dismantles diet myths, promotes mindful eating, and emphasizes the connection between food, gut health, and mental well-being. With clients across the globe, she helps individuals tackle thyroid issues, diabetes, PCOS, hypertension, and weight management—all through customized, sustainable nutrition plans. Her philosophy is simple: health is not about restriction but understanding. She believes that transformation isn’t driven by short-term willpower but by mindful, consistent habits. Through workshops, challenges, and one-on-one consultations, she equips people with the knowledge to become health-independent, breaking free from the toxic cycle of dieting. At The Gut Guru,the focus isn’t just on physical health but on overall wellness. The organization prioritizes gut health, mindful eating, sustainable lifestyle changes, and movement, creating a holistic roadmap for well-being. Swetha’s commitment extends beyond her clients; a portion of her revenue supports initiatives that improve access to nutrition education and wellness resources. Through her own struggles and triumphs, Swetha has become a beacon of hope for those lost in the noise of misinformation. She reminds us that health is not about chasing perfection but about embracing consistency—one small change at a time. Join her movement and take control of your health, not just for a season but for a life. Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #womenfounder #startup #guthealth #healthtech #d2c

Vinita Nair & Shyameli Dutta : The Women Redefining India’s Mobility Landscape In the dynamic world of Indian media and entertainment, Vinita Nair and Shyameli Dutta made their mark as creative trailblazers. With over a decade of experience in broadcasting, television, and digital media, their expertise in storytelling, concept development, and production was unparalleled. Yet, during their frequent travels for Box Office Entertainment, their successful production house, one problem kept resurfacing—finding reliable and affordable cabs in unfamiliar cities. What began as a common frustration sparked a powerful idea. They saw India’s mobility landscape as fragmented, with countless cab services competing for attention but lacking a unified platform. Vinita and Shyameli, alongside their co-founder Nishant Sapkale decided to tackle this challenge. They envisioned a platform that would empower commuters by providing seamless access to multiple cab aggregators—offering choice, transparency, and simplicity in a single app. In 2024, ChooseApp was launched—a groundbreaking mobility super app designed to transform how India commutes. By partnering with major players like Ola, Uber, Rapido, Meru, Gozo, Mega, Blusmart, Carzonrent, and Avis, ChooseApp became India’s first meta-search platform for cabs. Users could easily compare fares, ratings, wait times, and reviews from various aggregators and book the best option directly through the app. Their vision went beyond mere aggregation. Vinita and Shyameli aimed to simplify urban mobility by eliminating app clutter and making affordability and convenience accessible to all. Whether it was local rides, outstation trips, airport transfers, or rentals, ChooseApp covered it all—powered by a seamless booking process focused on exceptional user experience. With their creative background, they crafted ChooseApp not just as a practical tool but as an experience—rewarding users with coins and incentives to enhance their journeys. Their approach was about making commuting effortless, efficient, and even enjoyable. Today, Vinita Nair and Shyameli Dutta are leading a bold transformation in the mobility tech space, proving that creativity and technology can unite to reshape industries. With ChooseApp, they have built a solution born from their own experiences, now embraced by countless users across India. Their journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the determination of two women who dared to challenge the status quo. As they continue to expand ChooseApp’s reach, their mission remains clear—to simplify mobility, empower aggregators, and deliver unparalleled convenience to commuters everywhere.Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #womenfounder #startup #mobility #chooseapp

Five years ago, Ishita Kumar Saxena stood at a crossroads, embracing the profound yet overwhelming transition into motherhood. Sleepless nights and unending stress left visible traces on her skin, but the deeper struggle was finding balance amid the chaos. Despite investing time and money in countless skincare products, nothing addressed her specific needs. The market seemed saturated with one-size-fits-all solutions, ignoring the uniqueness of individual journeys and transitions. Driven by frustration and curiosity, Ishita delved into the world of Aromatherapy. Her research was more than academic—it was personal. She experimented with aromatic blends, carefully crafting formulas aimed at easing her own struggles. And, to her surprise, they worked. Her skin began to heal, her mind found moments of calm, and the transformation sparked something beyond mere relief—it inspired a mission. Ishita started sharing her handcrafted blends with family and friends, each with their own stories of stress, transition, and need for healing. What began as a passion project quickly evolved. Requests poured in for customized blends targeting everything from sleep issues to emotional stress. As word spread, it became clear Ishita had uncovered something valuable. Thus, Arezou by Ishita Saxena was born—a brand dedicated to providing personalized aromatherapy-inspired skincare and wellness solutions. What made Arezou unique was its intelligent platform that tailored formulations to meet the individual needs of every customer. She embraced her credentials with pride, becoming India's only Certified Soap Maker from the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetics Guild, USA, a Certified Clinical Aromatherapist, Certified Herbalist, and Certified Skincare Oils Formulator. Her expertise went beyond product creation; it was about sharing knowledge and inspiring others. Today, Arezou is a cherished name among those seeking holistic beauty and wellness solutions. Its carefully crafted products cater to individuals at various life stages—whether transitioning into motherhood, dealing with stress, or seeking emotional rejuvenation. From gentle cleansers to therapeutic oils, every formulation is designed with intention. Arezou’s retail line provides accessible options, while one-on-one consultations offer tailored blends that address specific needs. This commitment to personalization has made Arezou a trusted name in the wellness space. Guided by principles of quality, purity, and purpose, Ishita ensures Arezou’s products are made with the highest quality ingredients, mindfully chosen to enhance overall well-being. Ishita Saxena’s journey from a struggling mother to a pioneering entrepreneur is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of transformation. Arezou continues to flourish, with Ishita’s vision of holistic beauty and wellness touching lives across India.Madhuri Awande Visit website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #womenfounder #startup

Founded by Sonali Kuruvilla and Preneetha Balachandar , this homegrown brand isn’t just another name in the cosmetics industry—it’s a revolution in simplicity, inclusivity, and authenticity. Designed specifically for Indian skin tones, Sommer Beauty has swiftly made its way onto the shelves of reputed retail outlets in just eight months. But what makes their journey truly remarkable is that neither Sonali nor Preneetha had any prior experience in beauty or cosmetics. Sonali was a seasoned PR professional, while Preneetha had studied fashion. Their venture into makeup was an uncharted territory, one they bravely stepped into during the Covid lockdown—a period of transformation that birthed many new businesses. Some faded, but Sommer Beauty is only beginning to bloom. After completing her studies, Sonali found herself in the fast-paced world of PR, where she worked for six years. But when the pandemic brought life to a standstill, she saw an opportunity. She decided to quietly work on an idea that had long been brewing in her mind—a new kind of beauty brand. She reached out to her college friend Preneetha, who was working with handlooms and weavers at the time. "When Sonali called, I didn’t think twice. I had always wanted to start my own business, and I loved branding. This was my chance to build something meaningful," Preneetha shares. With no industry knowledge, the duo started from scratch—researching, experimenting, and learning. They saw a glaring problem in the beauty space: the overwhelming number of products and complicated makeup routines. "Makeup should be fun, not intimidating. It shouldn't take hours or require a million products," Sonali states firmly. Their goal became clear—they wanted to create fuss-free, multipurpose products that worked for everyone, from minimalists to glam enthusiasts. For two years, they tirelessly perfected their formulation. "There are plenty of multipurpose products out there, but they all had drawbacks—some were too watery, others too waxy. None of them provided the seamless, soft matte finish we envisioned," explains Sonali. The result? Huesicles—a versatile, easy-to-use range of creamy tints in three stunning shades: Tropic, Palm, and Sunset. Designed to be used on the eyes, cheeks, and lips, these vegan, cruelty-free, and fragrance-free products redefine effortless beauty. "With Huesicles, you can do your entire makeup in under three minutes and step out feeling fabulous!" they say with pride. The brand sells online, through select retail outlets, and at curated pop-ups. Their organic growth on social media is fueled by authentic customer testimonials, real-life product demonstrations, and a commitment to showcasing diverse beauty.Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #womenfounder #startup #business #cosmetic #D2C #skincare

Charu Gupta co-founder of Future AGI is on a mission to redefine the AI landscape. With over 15 years of experience scaling businesses, leading high-impact teams, and navigating the chaos of startups, she is building the future of AI—one breakthrough at a time. Born and raised in Madhya Pradesh, Charu grew up in a middle-class household where stability was the ultimate goal. Excelling in academics, she graduated as a gold medalist from NIT Bhopal and later earned an MBA from IIM Lucknow. She landed a prestigious job at Bank of America, yet corporate life felt uninspiring. She craved the adrenaline rush of solving real-world challenges. Her breakthrough came in 2011, when India’s startup ecosystem was in its infancy. She joined Healthkart, followed by Medlife, becoming a key player in their growth stories. From setting up processes to scaling operations, she mastered the art of turning ideas into thriving businesses. After years of fueling other startups’ success, Charu knew it was time to create something of her own. The AI revolution was booming, but enterprises struggled with one critical flaw—accuracy. Research from Gartner showed that 85% of AI projects failed due to reliability challenges, a problem that was stalling progress across industries. Enter Future AGI. In 2023, Charu and co-founder Nikhil pareek—an AI researcher with deep technical expertise—set out to build the world’s most accurate multimodal AI evaluation platform. Their mission? To help enterprises achieve 99% AI accuracy while cutting development cycles by up to 95%. The journey wasn’t easy. Fundraising in AI tooling was a tough sell. Investors questioned whether companies needed better evaluation tools at all. But Charu and Nikhil believed in their vision. After countless rejections, Future AGI secured $1.6 million in pre-seed funding from Powerhouse Ventures, Snow Leopard Ventures, and other top investors. - In Sales Tech:A Series E company used Future AGI’s platform to enhance its AI agent pipeline, achieving 99% accuracy and cutting iteration time by 10x. - In AI-Generated Visuals:A creative-tech firm optimized its image generation process, reducing costs by 90% while maintaining near-perfect accuracy. - In Robotics & Autonomous Vehicles:Future AGI’s synthetic data engine allows enterprises to simulate edge cases and improve AI model safety before deployment. With a 30-member team of AI researchers, engineers, and business leaders from Microsoft, Amazon, and top universities, Future AGI is rapidly scaling. The company is already testing pilots with major enterprises, proving that trustworthy AI is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. With plans to hit $1 million in revenue within a year, Charu and her team are proving that AI doesn’t just need to be powerful—it needs to be trustworthy, scalable, and future-ready.Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #startup #founder #AI #entrepreneur

Ria Shah has always believed in the power of movement—not just the kind that fuels workouts, but the kind that drives change. As a passionate fitness enthusiast and marathon runner, she spent years chasing the perfect activewear—one that blended style, functionality, and comfort. But every time she hit the stores, she was met with the same uninspiring choices: standard cap sleeves, dull colors, and fits that simply didn’t do justice to the diverse shapes of Indian women. What started as a personal frustration soon became a bigger realization—if she was struggling to find activewear that felt and looked great, millions of other women probably were too. That was the moment Ria knew: if the perfect fit didn’t exist, she would create it herself. Determined to bridge this gap, Ria took a data-driven approach. She didn’t just assume what women wanted—she asked them. She created a Google survey, reaching out to 50-60 women between the ages of 18 to 45, diving deep into their activewear struggles. The results were eye-opening. Women didn’t just want gym wear—they wanted versatile, stylish, and functional athleisure that could transition seamlessly from morning workouts to coffee runs, work meetings, and beyond. They needed designs that weren’t just imported, but tailored for the Indian body type—offering the right fit, breathability, and confidence. RiACTIVE isn’t just another activewear brand; it’s a statement of confidence and empowerment. Every design is carefully crafted to complement real Indian bodies, ensuring a flattering fit, premium comfort, and effortless style. The Collection: - A diverse range of colors, cuts, and patterns to break free from the monotony of standard activewear. - Sculpting yet breathable fabrics that move with you—whether you’re lifting weights, running a marathon, or simply running errands. - Styles that transcend the gym, designed for the modern woman who is always on the move. At RiACTIVE, movement isn’t just physical—it’s a way of life. It’s about showing up for yourself, chasing goals fearlessly, and embracing every space with confidence. Whether you’re powering through a workout, building a business, or conquering everyday challenges, RiACTIVE moves with you—supporting, sculpting, and celebrating the unstoppable woman that you are. Because in a world that never stands still, you deserve athleisure that moves as boldly as you do.Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #womenfounder #startup #activewear #D2C