Mumbai: India's business landscape is witnessing a transformative shift fueled by the innovative spirit and leadership of women entrepreneurs. Breaking barriers and defying societal norms, these visionary women are revolutionising industries, redefining success, and inspiring change like never before. In this captivating feature, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of five extraordinary women and their groundbreaking companies, reshaping India's business paradigm across sectors.
Upasana Taku - Mobikwik: Revolutionising India's Digital Banking Landscape
Often referred to as Fintech's leading lady, Upasana Taku is an influential entrepreneur, serving as the chairperson of the MobiKwik Board and the co-founder, and COO of Mobikwik. She was featured amongst the top 15 richest self-made women in India in the Kotak Wealth Hurun – Leading Wealthy Women List 2020 and 2021. and featured on Forbes Asia's Power Businesswomen list.
Upasana Taku's entrepreneurial journey with Mobikwik has transformed the digital payments and credit landscape in India. As the co-founder of Mobikwik, she has played a pivotal role in reshaping how Indians transact and manage their finances. Passionate about making a positive impact, Taku is an inspiration to aspiring women entrepreneurs.
Taku's outstanding contributions have garnered her significant recognition. She has also been felicitated by the President of India as the First woman to lead a Payments Startup. Her remarkable achievements and dedication have propelled her to the forefront of India's digital payments sector, inspiring others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams and create meaningful change.
Kamalika Bhattacharya - QuoDeck: Pioneering Digital Engagement and Enablement
Kamalika Bhattacharya is the co-founder and the business brain behind QuoDeck, a B2B SaaS Digital Engagement and Enablement Platform that enables organizations to use interactivity and games to engage audiences such as employees, value chains and gig workforces.
Kamalika Bhattacharya, a visionary entrepreneur, has made significant contributions to the realm of digital engagement and gamification. With a passion for leveraging interactivity and games to drive meaningful outcomes, Kamalika has revolutionized the way organizations engage and enable their workforce.
Her expertise in raising private equity and venture capital, coupled with a 22-year-long career working with startups, has laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey. In 2017, she co-founded QuoDeck, an innovative B2B SaaS platform that has grown into a thriving company under her leadership.
Kamalika's relentless pursuit of excellence has propelled QuoDeck to new heights, serving marquee Fortune 500 clients across diverse industries. Recognising the growing demand for mobile-friendly, bite-sized, and entertaining content, Kamalika has tailored QuoDeck's offerings to cater to on-the-go audiences. Through gamification mechanics like "spaced repetition" and hyper-casual games, she enhances engagement and accelerates learning outcomes.
Falguni Nayar - Nykaa: Beauty and Wellness Transformed
Falguni Nayar, the brilliant mind behind Nykaa, has spearheaded a revolution in the beauty and wellness industry. Nykaa's online platform offers a diverse range of high-quality beauty products and services, making them accessible to consumers across India.
Nayar's entrepreneurial journey and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction have propelled Nykaa to the forefront of the Indian beauty market. Going beyond e-commerce, Nayar has also established Nykaa Beauty, a chain of physical retail stores, solidifying Nykaa's influential presence in the realm of beauty and wellness.
Nayar's commitment to inclusivity and empowerment is evident through Nykaa's support for emerging beauty brands and initiatives that promote diversity and body positivity. With a steadfast focus on innovation and customer-centricity, Nykaa continues to revolutionize the beauty landscape in India, inspiring countless individuals to embrace self-expression and self-care.
Divya Gokulnath - Transforming Education with BYJU'S
BYJU'S co-founder Divya Gokulnath is transforming the education landscape in India through her ed-tech startup. BYJU'S offers personalized online learning programs that cater to the individual needs and learning styles of students.
Gokulnath's vision for accessible and engaging education has propelled BYJU'S to become one of India's leading ed-tech companies, empowering millions of students to learn and excel in their academic journeys.
Under Gokulnath's leadership, BYJU'S has continually expanded its reach and impact in the education sector. By fostering a multidisciplinary approach, Gokulnath has ensured that students have access to a comprehensive educational experience that nurtures their intellectual curiosity and helps them develop a well-rounded skill set. With her relentless dedication and passion for transforming education, Gokulnath continues to shape the future of learning in India and inspire a generation of students to embrace knowledge, innovation, and lifelong learning.
Aditi Gupta - Empowering Menstrual Health with Menstrupedia:
Menstrupedia co-founder Aditi Gupta is creating a significant impact in promoting menstrual health and education in India. Menstrupedia, her groundbreaking startup, offers comprehensive and age-appropriate menstrual health resources, breaking taboos and empowering women and girls. Gupta's innovative approach to design and storytelling has gained global recognition, reaching millions of young girls and challenging the stigma surrounding menstruation.
Through collaborations with governments, schools, and NGOs, Gupta has been instrumental in driving initiatives that bring about lasting change and empower women with knowledge and confidence. Her work has garnered numerous accolades and awards, cementing her position as a leading advocate for menstrual health.
With her unwavering dedication, Aditi Gupta continues to inspire a menstrual revolution, championing the rights of women and girls to menstrual health education and challenging societal norms. Her work serves as a beacon of hope, fostering a future where menstruation is no longer a taboo but a subject of empowerment, understanding, and compassion.
These remarkable women entrepreneurs and their pioneering startups are at the forefront of a business revolution in India. Through their visionary leadership, relentless pursuit of innovation, and unwavering determination, they are defying conventional norms, reshaping industries, and inspiring countless others to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. As India continues to evolve as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence, it is the groundbreaking ideas and indomitable spirit of these women entrepreneurs that will shape a more inclusive, prosperous, and dynamic future for the nation's business landscape.
