Women Startup Stories

In the heart of Nashik, a city known for its rich culture and natural beauty, Shreya Adhav discovered her calling — a passion that would go on to shape not only her life but the lives of countless others. Shreya's fascination with nutrition began as a young girl. She was always curious about how food could influence energy, health, and performance. Her interest deepened when she experienced the challenges of staying healthy while pursuing her academic goals. She realized that proper nutrition was not just about eating to fuel the body, but about nourishing the soul and supporting both mental and physical well-being. She soon realized that the world needed more than just another nutritionist — it needed someone who understood the nuances of sports nutrition, an area where science and passion intersect. She became deeply involved in sports nutrition, studying not only how to fuel athletes but how to help them reach their peak performance. Her growing reputation didn’t just remain in India — she was invited to global platforms, including the International Conference on Nutritional Science & Food Technology in Rome in 2018, where she moderated sessions that connected her with like-minded experts from around the world. In 2014, Shreya founded SpirEat Nutrition Clinic, a platform where she could blend her love for nutrition, sports, and holistic well-being into a unique approach that she calls “Nourish Your Soul.” The philosophy behind SpirEat was simple but profound: it wasn’t just about food; it was about creating healthy habits, not restrictions. SpirEat offers something different. It provides personalized nutrition counseling, whether online or in-person, focusing on a holistic approach that blends nutrition, fitness, and mental well-being. Shreya’s dream was clear: to help every individual lead a healthy life and every athlete become a champion by teaching them how to make the right choices — choices that fuel the body, mind, and soul. Her holistic approach is grounded in deep scientific analysis of each client’s needs. Blood chemistry, body composition, and physical manifestations of health issues are meticulously analyzed, allowing Shreya to create customized, balanced nutrition plans that address both macronutrients and micronutrients. At SpirEat, Shreya and her team believe in a deeper metaphor: the lotus. The lotus blooms beautifully, no matter how deeply rooted it is in the mud, symbolizing purity, resilience, and growth. Just like the lotus, SpirEat -Sports Nutrition Clinic believes that anyone — no matter their past struggles or challenges — can bloom and thrive. Nourishing your soul with the right habits, food choices, and movement allows anyone to become their best self.Madhuri Awande https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33

Yazhini Shanmugam ( Param ) (Param), Co-Founder and CEO of Ticket9 embodies the power of transforming fear into a driving force for success. Her entrepreneurial journey—from leaving a secure job to launching a groundbreaking event tech start-up—serves as an inspiring testament to the potential within each of us to face fear and use it as fuel to propel forward. In 2017, Yazhini made the bold decision to leave a high-paying role at a well-established firm. While many might have been anxious about financial stability or professional reputation, Yazhini’s fear was rooted in something deeper: the fear of staying stagnant, of missing out on the dream that had long consumed her thoughts. She wasn't afraid of the unknown in the traditional sense but was more concerned about the regret of never taking the leap to pursue her passion. As she explains, fear is not a barrier but a powerful motivator—one that pushed her to embrace the uncertainties of entrepreneurship and move beyond the comfort zone of a well-charted career path. Yazhini’s own venture, Ticket 9—a Coimbatore-based event-tech startup she co-founded with Santhos Premraj in 2022—was born from a vision to revolutionize event management. But the journey wasn’t easy. Initially, they started out with small savings and a beta version of their platform aimed at physical events. When the pandemic hit, they had to pivot, rapidly adapting to the new normal by incorporating virtual and hybrid events. This agile response during an unprecedented crisis reflects Yazhini's belief in overcoming fear by embracing change. Today, Ticket 9 is an emerging leader in the event-tech space, having raised $120,000 in pre-seed funding and supported over 270 events globally. By simplifying the event planning process through automation, Ticket 9 empowers event organizers to manage everything from invitations to ticket sales with ease. Their innovative platform streamlines workflows with features like a QR-based check-in system and automated event notifications, all designed to enhance the user experience for both organizers and attendees. Ticket 9’s success is a direct reflection of Yazhini and Santhos's commitment to solving real-world problems with technology. But behind the tech is a powerful story of persistence, resilience, and the courage to leap into the unknown. “We have captured approximately 0.7% of the global event industry market, which is valued at over $887 billion," Yazhini shares, "and we’re just getting started." With plans to expand internationally and strengthen their presence in key markets like the UAE and Singapore, the future looks bright for Ticket 9. As Yazhini herself puts it, “Dream big, take risks, and trust in your journey. Even if it’s slow, even if the steps are small, keep marching forward.” The road ahead may not always be easy, but as Yazhini Shanmugam (Param) proves, the rewards of embracing fear and daring to dream are more than worth the effort.Madhuri Awande

In the vibrant city of Visakhapatnam, a transformative movement is quietly unfolding. It’s one that’s not just helping mothers overcome the challenges of breastfeeding, but also reshaping how we support new moms in their most vulnerable moments. At the heart of this movement is NariCare a startup founded by Gayathri Kanumuri, a former software developer turned advocate for maternal health and breastfeeding. The idea for NariCare was born out of Gayathri's deeply personal struggle with breastfeeding after giving birth to her daughter in 2020. What she thought would be a natural and instinctive process soon became a source of anxiety. From painful latching issues to concerns about her milk supply, Gayathri Kanumuri found herself overwhelmed, isolated, and guilt-ridden. Society’s tendency to place blame on mothers for not producing enough milk compounded her stress, making it even harder for her to navigate the emotional and physical demands of postpartum life. "My daughter was cluster feeding, and even after long feeding sessions, she would cry as if she hadn’t received any milk. I was told by well-meaning family members that I wasn’t producing enough, and it shattered my confidence," Gayathri recalls. "I felt like I was failing as a mother." It was at this lowest point that Gayathri found solace in the guidance of a lactation consultant. Within two weeks, her breastfeeding experience transformed—both physically and emotionally. She gained the confidence and knowledge she needed to continue breastfeeding, and this turning point sparked an idea: if she had struggled with these issues, how many other mothers were out there facing the same challenges without the proper support? This realization became the driving force behind NariCare, founded in September 2022. The startup was incubated at NSRCEL Indian Institute of Management Bangalore under the Women Startup Programme, and its mission is simple but powerful: to empower women with the knowledge, resources, and community support they need to succeed in their breastfeeding journeys. For Gayathri, NariCare is not just a business; it’s a mission. Her own breastfeeding struggles taught her that the right support at the right time can change everything. Now, she’s on a mission to ensure that every mother has access to that support. "Breastfeeding is a gift we give our children, and it’s one that should be nurtured with care, knowledge, and love. At NariCare, we are committed to breaking through the myths, providing the right support, and empowering mothers to succeed," Gayathri says. As NariCare continues to grow and impact mothers around the world, one thing is certain: Gayathri Kanumuri’s journey from a corporate techie to a champion for breastfeeding has ignited a movement—one that ensures every mother feels supported, heard, and empowered on her unique breastfeeding journey.Madhuri Awande Visit our website : https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #womenfounder #startup #entrepreneur

Parnavi Khanvilkar and Pruthvi Thakur co-founders of Xen, are reshaping the way creative professionals in architecture and design communicate with the world. Their journey started with a deep understanding of the unique challenges that creative fields face in crafting a compelling narrative. Both architects by training, Parnavi and Pruthvi combined their passion for storytelling with their expertise in design to build xen —a communications agency with a bold mission: to give creative professionals a voice that resonates. Xen isn’t just a communications agency; it’s a platform dedicated to elevating the profiles of architects, designers, and creative professionals. Their approach is rooted in unconventional communication strategies that leave lasting impressions, enabling clients to build strong, distinct brands. As architects themselves, Parnavi and Pruthvi know firsthand the intricacies of creative work, and they channel this insight into helping their clients achieve meaningful visibility in a crowded market. Driven by a passion for human connection, the co-founders believe that great storytelling has the power to transform businesses. They craft powerful narratives for websites, social media, and media publications, ensuring their clients’ work reaches the right audience. Whether creating engaging project descriptions or managing a full-scale digital marketing campaign, Xen’s work reflects the founders’ belief in the transformative power of communication. Parnavi, an architect with 11 years of experience and a master’s degree in Theory and Design, is a multitasking powerhouse. From juggling roles as an architect, professor, mother, and homemaker, she brings a boundless curiosity and zest for creativity to every project. Her motto—asking the right questions is more important than seeking the right answers—shapes her innovative approach to problem-solving. Pruthvi, with a master’s in Architectural History and Theory, blends her love for writing with a deep understanding of architecture. Her work is fueled by a belief in the importance of clear and effective communication. As a history buff and academic, she brings a holistic perspective to Xen, constantly pushing boundaries and embracing challenges with patience and determination. Together, Parnavi and Pruthvi are building more than just a business—they’re crafting a movement. Xen is helping creative professionals articulate their vision, build impactful brands, and connect meaningfully with the world, one story at a time. Their dedication to their craft is inspiring a new generation of creatives to embrace the power of authentic communication and bold self-expression.Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #womenfounder #startup #communication #strategy #xen

Priya Singh is a visionary co-founder who has set out to transform public transportation in India and beyond through Chalo With a deep passion for human, social, and economic development,she has helped create a company that is not just about technology but about making travel better for millions of people. Her work is focused on digitizing public transportation, ensuring that travel is more accessible, efficient, and seamless for everyone. Since its inception in 2019, Chalo Mobility has grown into India’s leading bus transport technology company.It offers live bus tracking and contactless payment solutions, turning what used to be long waits and inconvenient cash payments into a streamlined, efficient process. Today, Chalo’s technology powers 15,000 buses across 52 cities in India and has even expanded internationally,reaching Thailand and the Philippines.It is changing the daily commute for millions of people, making bus travel safer, more reliable, and more convenient. One of the game-changing innovations launched at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) was a feature that allows users to recharge their Rupay NCMC directly from an NFC-enabled mobile phone, eliminating long queues and providing a more seamless travel experience. This achievement, a result of partnerships with NPCI, UVIK, and Yes Bank, is just one of the ways Chalo is simplifying public transport, one feature at a time. Priya’s vision goes beyond just solving the logistical challenges of public transportation. She recognizes that buses form the backbone of most cities' public transport systems. With over 85% of Indians relying on public transport and only 15% able to afford private vehicles, improving bus travel is critical.The company’s work has a ripple effect, not just making commuting easier but helping cities become more livable, reducing traffic congestion, and contributing to sustainability. Mumbai, for instance,recently hit a milestone where nearly 20% of bus transactions are now digital,a significant shift in the way people travel,thanks to Chalo's innovation. Priya's mission-driven approach to building Chalo Mobility isn't just about creating a successful company.It’s about creating real, lasting impact on the lives of everyday commuters.With a strong belief that better transport leads to better cities and better lives,Chalo is redefining what public transportation can be, one city at a time. In an age where private transport is causing more problems than solutions, Chalo's purpose stands out—simplifying travel for everyone. Whether it’s offering real-time tracking,digital payments,or reducing the stress of commuting,the company’s innovations are reshaping the way people move. For Priya, it’s not just about buses, it’s about building the infrastructure of a smarter, more connected future.A future where transportation isn’t just a service, but a key to human development and societal progress.Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33

In a world where digital connections shape brand narratives,Qoruz stands out as a pioneering force in influencer marketing. Founded in 2015 by visionaries Praanesh Bhuvaneswar and Priya Vivek Qoruz is not just a platform; it’s a revolution. It empowers brands to discover, engage, and measure the impact of influencers with unmatched precision and creativity. Praanesh, as CEO and Co-Founder, embodies relentless innovation. "At Qoruz, we're crafting the future of influencer marketing," he states. Their mission has always been clear: to elevate the influencer marketing landscape in India and beyond, making it accessible for all marketers, from SMEs to enterprises. With a commitment to continuous improvement, Qoruz has become a trusted partner, adapting to the ever-evolving digital marketplace. On the other side, Priya Vivek’s journey as Co-Founder is a testament to resilience and empowerment. Driven by a passion for data and transparency, Priya has transformed the influencer marketing sphere. Under her leadership, Qoruz has developed a robust SaaS platform that equips brands with the tools to make informed decisions, optimize campaigns, and achieve remarkable ROI. Her story is one of overcoming challenges and championing innovation, inspiring aspiring women entrepreneurs everywhere. The Indian influencer marketing industry is experiencing a meteoric rise, projected to reach ₹900 crore by the end of 2021 and continue growing at an impressive 25% CAGR until 2025. Qoruz is at the forefront of this growth, harnessing data-driven insights to ensure that brands can not only keep pace but lead in this dynamic landscape. Qoruz offers an all-in-one influencer marketing platform designed for success. With over 20 customizable filters, brands can effortlessly discover the perfect influencers tailored to their needs, based on demographics, keywords, and budget. Real-time insights enable marketers to stay ahead of trends, refine strategies, and analyze competitors effectively. As we share Priya’s compelling story, we hope to motivate aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals in the startup ecosystem. Her dedication to empowering brands and promoting transparency in influencer marketing has made Qoruz a beacon of innovation and trust. Join us in celebrating this journey and exploring how Qoruz is redefining the future of influencer marketing—one campaign at a time. Together, we can continue to break boundaries and inspire the next generation of leaders. Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #womenfounder #startup #entrepreneur #marketing #influencermarketing

As the founder and Managing Partner of Rukam Capital one of the few solo general partners in venture capital, Archana Jahagirdar has carved out a niche in a male-dominated industry, becoming a trailblazer among women founders in India and globally. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, innovation, and the power of belief in creating lasting impact. Her contributions to the startup ecosystem have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of her leadership, she was nominated to the National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC), a prestigious committee chaired by Hon'ble Cabinet Minister Shri Piyush Goyal. In 2022, Mint honored her as one of the '100 Women Entrepreneurs Building and Shaping India.' The following year, Inc42 named her among the 41 women torchbearers of India's startup investment space. These accolades reflect not only her success but also her role as a driving force behind the growth of the entrepreneurial landscape in India. Before the inception of Rukam Capital, she honed her skills in early-stage investing, deal sourcing, and setting up accelerators, making significant contributions through her work with the Indian Angel Network. Brands like Burger Singh benefited from her expertise, but her vision extended far beyond individual success stories. She saw the immense potential in India’s startup ecosystem, a belief that inspired her to launch Rukam Capital in 2019. Today, Rukam Capital stands as a beacon for startups, having invested in 18 companies across diverse sectors, including Sleepy Owl, GoDesi, BECO, Pilgrim, and more. Recently, she launched Rukam Sitara, a 100 Cr tech fund aimed at unlocking the immense potential within India's tech landscape. Her ambition is clear: to energize the startup ecosystem, offering opportunities for founders, investors, and talent to collaborate and innovate at an unprecedented scale. She has been instrumental in organizing India's licensed version of Slush Helsinki, New Delhi Slush'd, and co-led the Indian startup delegation at Latitude 59, Estonia. Her commitment to fostering community within the startup ecosystem is further exemplified by her founding of Bootstrap Incubation and Advisory Foundation, a not-for-profit dedicated to bringing together stakeholders to share knowledge, collaborate, and create lasting change. At Rukam Capital, the focus is on investing in early-stage consumer products and services with exceptional growth potential. The firm combines innovation with a mission-driven approach, proving that investments with purpose can deliver substantial returns. Her journey reflects not just the success of a venture capitalist but the emergence of a visionary determined to transform India's entrepreneurial landscape, creating a ripple effect of positive change for generations to come.Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #womenfounder #startup #venturecapital #entrepreneur #technology #innovation #d2c #growth #consulting #strategy

Smriti Tomar is on a mission to transform the way India’s millennials think about money. As the founder and CEO of Stack Wealth she is driven by a vision to make financial planning accessible and affordable for the 440 million millennials who contribute to 70% of the country’s household income. For Smriti, this isn’t just a business; it’s a revolution aimed at helping young Indians achieve true financial security and freedom. Smriti’s journey to Stack wealth began in the world of data analytics, where she honed her skills at EXL Services, focusing on the overseas finance and banking sectors, particularly Citibank in Latin America. It was here that she first recognized the glaring gap in financial management tools available to the average Indian investor. She saw how complex and exclusive wealth-building strategies were reserved for the elite, leaving everyday people with limited options that barely kept pace with inflation. Determined to change this, Smriti embarked on a path to create Stack Wealth, a modern wealth management platform designed from the ground up to democratize financial planning. Stack empowers retail investors by offering expert-managed investment strategies, diversified asset classes, and personalized portfolio management—all in an effortless and automated manner. With features like autopilot savings, personalized investment rules, and even passive income opportunities through the Stack Card, Smriti’s platform is a game-changer for those looking to build their wealth without the steep learning curve. But Smriti’s vision doesn’t stop at financial technology. She’s passionate about fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity, especially when it comes to female entrepreneurship. Outside of her work at Stack, she loves discussing startups, marketing, culture, fitness, and the challenges and triumphs of women in business. With a team of experts in finance, AI, data science, engineering, and design, Stack Finance is not just another app—it’s the future of wealth management in India. Smriti and her team have over 25 years of experience managing assets worth over $10,000 crore for more than a million investors. By blending cutting-edge technology with high-end investing expertise, Smriti has created a digital wealth management solution that caters to every investor, making premium financial strategies accessible to all. Smriti Tomar’s story is one of vision, determination, and a relentless drive to break down barriers. Through Stack wealth, she’s not just building a company; she’s building a movement towards financial empowerment for India’s millennials.Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #startup #womenfounder #entrepreneur #technology #innovation

Akanksha Priyadarshini the Co-Founder and CEO of Aurassure, she is spearheading a transformative approach to combating pollution. Aurassure is a pioneering startup that utilizes an IoT-enabled, intelligent system to monitor and analyze environmental conditions. By delivering real-time data and forecasts on air pollution, weather anomalies, and natural disasters, Aurassure empowers communities to build resilience against climate change and aids governments in making sustainable decisions. Akanksha's journey began in a defense family, with her childhood spanning from the tree-lined streets of Ludhiana to the bustling cities of Pune and Siliguri, eventually leading her to Bhubaneshwar. Despite her love for nature, she was acutely aware of the increasing pollution in the air. This awareness deepened during her BTech at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, where the pollution from the nearby steel plant was so severe it affected her family's health and many of her peers. Driven by a desire to find practical solutions, Akanksha's academic curiosity evolved into a mission. While working with Phoenix Robotics, she encountered the challenge of costly pollution control solutions for small industries. This experience inspired her to develop more affordable and effective alternatives. In 2022, Akanksha founded Aurassure with a vision to bridge the information gap between citizens and policymakers. The company’s innovative system uses IoT technology to monitor air quality, dust levels, and weather parameters, providing comprehensive data for disaster management and environmental protection. Aurassure's breakthrough came when Google partnered with them, integrating their technology with satellite-based data to enhance forecasting accuracy. This collaboration enabled Aurassure to develop a hyper-local air quality monitoring system, offering up to 95% accuracy in weather predictions and detailed pollution insights. The system now supports over 150 cities across India, including Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Rajkot, Aurangabad, and Navi Mumbai. The company’s success attracted significant investment from Unicorn Ventures India, which provided Rs 4 crore in seed funding. This support is being used to expand Aurassure’s data analytics capabilities, team, and market reach, with plans to deploy 1000 devices in eight additional cities and eventually extend operations to Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe. Aurassure’s mission is to enhance urban livability by providing actionable data and fostering responsible climate actions. Aurassure has already made strides in improving air quality monitoring with devices like Aurassure Care and Aurassure Trust, addressing both indoor and outdoor environmental concerns.Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #startup #womenfounder #entrepreneur #climatechange #weathermonitoring #AI #pollutioncontrol #womeninbusiness #technology #innovation

Meet Sonalika Pawar the pioneering CEO of Bold and Beyond a name that's become synonymous with innovation and excellence in the PR and marketing arena. In her transformative role, Sonalika has catapulted what was once Meraki Creative Inc. into a powerhouse of creativity and strategy, elevating it to new heights of success. Under Sonalika’s visionary leadership, Bold & Beyond has grown from a modest team of 2-3 to a formidable 40-member squad, specialized across diverse industry verticals. This dynamic agency has forged over 200 prestigious partnerships with leading brands, such as Puma, BMW, Heineken, and The Leela Palace Bengaluru, among others. With an impressive 300% annual growth rate since its inception, Bold & Beyond has redefined the landscape of PR and marketing. Sonalika’s journey is one of audacious dreams and relentless perseverance. She launched Bold & Beyond with nothing but a bold vision and a few dedicated team members, working from cafes before securing a dedicated office space within six months. Her leadership philosophy goes beyond achieving business success. It’s about fostering a culture of innovation, empowering her team, and championing diversity. When faced with setbacks, Sonalika tackled them head-on. The transition to data-driven strategies, national market expansion, and the complexities of remote work posed significant challenges. Yet, she navigated these hurdles with resilience and adaptability, implementing balanced policies that maintain team cohesion while embracing flexibility. Sonalika’s success is also attributed to her patience, resilience, and her knack for connecting with people. These qualities, combined with the unwavering support from her husband, Shylesh, and her dedicated team, have been the bedrock of her journey. Each milestone reached is a shared triumph, woven together by a network of support and shared dreams. As she continues to chart Bold & Beyond’s course, Sonalika’s favorite quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson resonates deeply: “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Currently, Bold & Beyond is embarking on an exciting new chapter with Mysore Saree Udyog (MSU), a renowned brand celebrated for its cultural heritage. This partnership aims to blend tradition with modern innovation through strategic digital, creative, and influencer marketing campaigns. By spotlighting MSU's rich heritage and dynamic apparel, Bold & Beyond is set to amplify the brand’s presence both locally and globally. In Sonalika Pawar, we see a leader who not only drives success but also embodies the spirit of bold innovation and authentic leadership. Her journey is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with vision, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. Madhuri Awande Visit our website: https://lnkd.in/dwVWAA33 #startup #womenfounder #entrepreneur #womeninbusiness