The Indian government disclosed that out of 2.12 lakh recognized startups, more than 1.02 lakh have at least one woman director or partner. Ministry of Corporate Affairs data revealed that 6,789 startups are closed, with 2,950 having a woman director or partner, as stated by MoS, Commerce and Industry Jitin Prasada in Lok Sabha. Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) supported by the government have invested approximately Rs. 25,859 crore in startups by January 31, 2026. Since 2020, around Rs. 2,995 crore have been invested in women-led startups by AIFs under the scheme.
The Startup India Seed Fund Scheme, operational since 2021, has sanctioned about Rs. 592 crore for selected startups, with Rs. 294 crore allocated for women-led ventures. Launched in January 2016, the Startup India initiative aims to foster innovation, startups, and investments in the country’s startup ecosystem. Various flagship schemes like Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS), Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS), and Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups (CGSS) are being implemented to support startups at different business stages.
The Credit Guarantee Scheme for Startups, active since April 2023, has secured loans totaling around Rs. 925 crore for startup borrowers, including approximately Rs. 39 crore for women-led startups. A recent report highlighted that Indian tech startups raised $9.1 billion in 2025, marking a 23% increase year-on-year. The technology startup ecosystem in India is transitioning from volume-driven expansion to execution-led maturity, with funding being more selective and milestone-oriented.
