“Delhi’s government has launched a dedicated startup fund to boost women entrepreneurs, offering financial aid, mentorship, and market access. Aimed at addressing gender disparities in India’s startup ecosystem, the initiative seeks to foster innovation and economic growth. With less than 1% of Indian women currently entrepreneurs, this fund could be a game-changer for aspiring women-led ventures.”
Delhi’s Bold Step to Uplift Women-Led Startups
In a significant move to bridge the gender gap in India’s entrepreneurial landscape, the Delhi government has unveiled a new startup fund exclusively for women entrepreneurs. Announced in July 2025, this initiative aims to provide financial support, mentorship, and market linkages to women-led startups, addressing longstanding barriers that have hindered female participation in the startup ecosystem.
Recent data highlights the stark gender disparity in Indian entrepreneurship. According to a research paper presented at NCAER’s India Policy Forum, less than 1% of Indian women are entrepreneurs, placing India well below the global trendline. In contrast, male entrepreneurship aligns with global averages at around 3% for working-age men. The study, drawing from World Bank data across 186 countries in 2022, underscores that India is a significant outlier in low female entrepreneurship, given its economic development stage.
The Delhi startup fund is designed to tackle these challenges head-on. While specific details about the fund’s size and allocation are yet to be fully disclosed, officials have indicated that it will prioritize early-stage women-led ventures in sectors such as technology, healthcare, and sustainability. The initiative also includes provisions for mentorship programs and networking opportunities to help women entrepreneurs scale their businesses and access global markets.
A survey earlier this year revealed that women-led enterprises constitute just 15.4% of India’s 58.5 million businesses, with funding being the primary hurdle. Only 7% of state and 4% of central schemes are tailored for women entrepreneurs, and even fewer focus on critical areas like market linkages and mentoring. The Delhi fund aims to address these gaps by offering tailored financial products, including grants and low-interest loans, alongside incubation support.
This initiative comes at a time when India’s startup ecosystem is showing resilience despite a funding slowdown. In the first half of 2025, Indian startups raised $5.7 billion across 470 deals, with Delhi NCR securing $1.5 billion across 116 deals, making it a key hub for entrepreneurial activity. Fintech led the way with $1.6 billion in funding, but women-led startups, particularly in health tech and beauty tech, are gaining traction.
The Delhi government’s move aligns with broader national efforts to empower women entrepreneurs. For instance, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) recently signed an MoU with L’Oréal India to foster innovation in the beauty and personal care sector, a space where women-led startups are making significant inroads. Additionally, programs like NSRCEL’s Women Startup Program at IIM Bangalore have been supporting growth-stage women-led startups with mentorship and funding access.
The launch of the fund has been met with optimism from the entrepreneurial community. Industry experts believe it could catalyze the creation of new women-led unicorns, building on the momentum of 2021 and 2022 when India saw eight and five women-led unicorns, respectively. However, challenges remain, as no new women-led unicorns emerged in 2023 or 2024, reflecting fluctuating momentum in the ecosystem.
By prioritizing women entrepreneurs, Delhi is not only addressing gender disparities but also tapping into the economic potential of women-led businesses, which already generate an estimated eight million jobs in India. With this fund, the capital city is poised to become a beacon for women innovators, fostering a more inclusive and dynamic startup ecosystem.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports and publicly available data from sources like Times of India, Telegraph India, and Business Standard. Information is accurate as of July 3, 2025, and subject to change as new details emerge.