1 Lakh+ Registered Indian Startups Have At least 1 Woman Director

By: WE Staff | Wednesday, 18 March 2026

• As of January 31, 2026, there are 2,12,283 entities recognized under the Startup India initiative
• The initiative, which started on January 16, 2016, is focused on promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment
• This is an indication that women are increasingly participating in the startup ecosystem in India

On January 31, 2026, there were a total of 2,12,283 entities that were considered to be startups in India according to the Startup India (an initiative of the Government of India) program that was set up to encourage entrepreneurship, innovation and investment in all sectors of the economy since it started on January 16, 2016.

The goal of this program was to create a supportive environment for these three areas of business. The startup sector has grown significantly since the inception of the program. Data presented in Parliament indicate that 1,02,054 of these startups have at least one female director which reflects an increase in female entrepreneurship in India.

However, for various reasons, there are some startups that have ceased operations; 6,789 startups were closed during this period of time, including 2,950 startups that had at least one female director.

The Department of Industrial Promotion has the responsibility of formally recognizing such startups as part of their Startup India Initiative.

Startups have benefited from numerous government programmes’ that are intended to support them at every stage of their evolution. Following the launch of the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) in 2020, approximately ₹25859 crores have been disbursed as equity investment to posterity.

More than ₹2995 crores of this money has been distributed exclusively to female entrepreneurs. As part of its initiative to assist prospective entrepreneurs and be an innovative financial solution to the need for growth capital funding for new ventures, this figure is part of the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), which has to date distributed ₹592 crores to emerging and early stage businesses, with more than ₹294 crores awarded to women operated start-ups.

The state-wise data reflects substantial growth in the number of women entrepreneurs involved in these state through programs including FFS, SISFS and CGSS in some of the largest states, including Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.

This was provided by Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in response to an inquiry presented to the Lok Sabha.