As 2024 comes to a close, it’s impossible to ignore the seismic shifts happening in venture capital—led by women who are rewriting the playbook for startups in India. For years, the industry has been driven by men, with over 88% of funding going to all-male founding teams. But this year, the spotlight has shifted. Women VCs are not only breaking into boardrooms but also breaking barriers, proving that diversity fuels innovation and success.
These visionaries are driving change, backing underrepresented founders, and steering the startup ecosystem toward a more inclusive future. Venture capital is no longer just about funding, it’s about creating opportunities, amplifying unheard voices, and paving the way for the next generation of entrepreneurs. In this year-ender, we celebrate the women-led VC firms—Kalaari Capital, Ankur Capital, Vertex Ventures, She Capital, and Sixth Sense Ventures who’ve made 2024 a landmark year for entrepreneurship and investment in India.
Kalaari Capital: Pioneering Innovation for Startups
Founded in 2006, Kalaari Capital has become a vital player in India’s venture capital landscape, driving innovation and supporting transformative businesses. Under the leadership of Vani Kola, a visionary figure in the startup ecosystem, the firm focuses on early-stage investments across sectors such as e-commerce, technology, and healthcare.
Kalaari boasts an impressive portfolio featuring well-known startups like Dream11, Myntra, Snapdeal, and Cure.fit, showcasing its ability to identify high-potential companies. Beyond financial support, Vani is committed to fostering entrepreneurship and mentoring women founders, helping them overcome obstacles and achieve success in their ventures.
Ankur Capital: Investing in Impactful Startups
Co-founded in 2015 by Ritu Verma, Ankur Capital is dedicated to tackling some of India’s most pressing issues in healthcare, agri-tech, and education. The firm takes a distinctive approach by prioritizing investments that yield significant social impact, focusing on startups that enhance the lives of underserved communities and contribute to sustainable development.
Ritu’s vision for Ankur Capital is centered on promoting social change through entrepreneurship. Under her guidance, the firm has successfully invested in various startups, including Niramai, which provides innovative cancer screening solutions, and AgroStar, an agri-tech platform offering technology-driven resources to farmers. By supporting such initiatives, Ankur Capital aims to develop scalable solutions that improve quality of life while ensuring economic sustainability.
Vertex Ventures
Founded in 1988, Vertex Ventures is significantly influenced by Kanika Mayar, who drives innovation and sustainable growth within India’s startup ecosystem. The firm emphasizes combining global insights with local market knowledge, positioning itself as a key player in early-stage investments across various sectors, including fintech, SaaS, and healthcare.
Under Kanika’s leadership, Vertex has supported some of India’s most innovative startups, such as Licious, a fresh meat delivery service, and MyGate, a smart security app for residential complexes. These investments reflect Vertex’s dedication to backing companies that exhibit rapid growth potential and create lasting value.
She Capital: Backing Women Founders
Established in 2020 by Anisha Singh, She Capital is a groundbreaking venture capital firm focused on empowering women entrepreneurs in India. The firm is dedicated to bridging the funding gap often faced by women-led startups by providing both financial support and mentorship. She Capital actively invests in sectors like consumer technology and health technology, encouraging innovative ideas that can disrupt traditional markets.
Notable investments include Clovia, a women’s intimate wear brand, and Baker’s Dozen, a healthy snack company, highlighting its commitment to diverse business models. Through targeted investments and mentorship, She Capital aims to help women transform their innovative ideas into thriving businesses while fostering a more inclusive entrepreneurial environment in India.
Sixth Sense Ventures
Founded in 2014, Sixth Sense Ventures, led by Nimisha Nagarsekar, is reshaping the Indian startup ecosystem with a strong emphasis on innovative, consumer-focused businesses. The firm has established itself by identifying and nurturing groundbreaking ventures that align with the changing preferences of modern consumers.
Nimisha’s leadership has been crucial in shaping Sixth Sense’s investment strategy, which actively supports women-led startups and reinforces the firm’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. Noteworthy investments include SUGAR Cosmetics, a rapidly expanding beauty brand that caters to the unique demands of Indian consumers, along with other successful ventures like Vahdam Teas and The Moms Co. This dedication highlights Sixth Sense’s mission to empower visionary women founders.
As we bid farewell to 2024, it’s clear that the face of venture capital is evolving and women are leading the charge. These remarkable leaders are not just funding startups, they’re fueling dreams, breaking barriers, and proving that innovation thrives when everyone gets a seat at the table. Whether it’s championing diversity, driving social impact, or fostering the next wave of entrepreneurial talent, these women-led VC firms are shaping a future where opportunity knows no gender. Their stories remind us that true progress comes from empowering others to rise, and as they continue to redefine the rules, they inspire an entire ecosystem to aim higher, think bolder, and build smarter. Here’s to the women shaping tomorrow and to a venture capital landscape that’s finally reflecting the diverse world we live in.
