Author: PIS Team

Why Women Founders Still Struggle to Raise Capital The startup ecosystem is evolving fast, but one gap still persists—access to venture capital for women founders. Despite building scalable, high-impact businesses, women-led startups receive a very small share of total VC funding globally. But here’s the truth: it’s not about lack of capability—it’s about lack of access. That’s exactly the gap She Capital was created to fill. It’s not just another venture capital firm—it’s a bold step toward rewriting how funding works for women in India. The Vision Behind She Capital Founded in 2018 by Anisha Singh, She Capital was built…

A New Chapter for Women-Led Entrepreneurship in India Across India, millions of women have been quietly building businesses from their homes—creating handicrafts, food products, textiles, and more. Yet, one challenge has remained constant: access to markets. Without proper retail channels, branding, or distribution, many of these businesses never reach their true potential. This is where SHE Marts steps in. Announced in the Union Budget 2026–27, the SHE Marts initiative is designed to transform rural women entrepreneurs from small-scale producers into full-fledged business owners. It marks a powerful shift—from micro-income generation to structured enterprise building. What Are SHE Marts? SHE Marts,…

Breaking the First Barrier: Access to Credit For many aspiring women entrepreneurs, the biggest challenge isn’t the idea—it’s funding. Not venture capital, not scaling capital—but the very first push: a loan to start. Traditional banking systems have often made this difficult, especially for first-time founders without collateral or credit history. This is exactly the gap the Stand-Up India Scheme was designed to solve. Launched in 2016, Stand-Up India is more than a loan scheme—it’s a movement to empower women and underrepresented communities to take their first step into entrepreneurship. It shifts the narrative from “lack of access” to “structured opportunity.”…

The Rise of Government-Backed Startup Funding in India India’s startup ecosystem is no longer just growing—it’s accelerating. From tier-1 cities to emerging hubs, founders are building across AI, fintech, health tech, and beyond. But behind this growth lies a critical question: who gets early support when ideas are still fragile? This is where government-led initiatives like the Startup India Seed Fund Scheme (SISFS) and the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) are changing the game. Backed by the Startup India mission, these programs are not just funding startups—they are building the foundation for innovation at scale, especially for women founders…

The Funding Gap No One Can Ignore In a world where startups are shaping the future of industries, one reality still stands out—women founders remain significantly underfunded. Despite building high-impact, scalable businesses, female entrepreneurs receive a disproportionately small share of global venture capital. It’s not a reflection of capability, but of access. And that’s exactly where the Google Women Founders Fund steps in—not just as a financial support system, but as a powerful shift toward equity in the startup ecosystem. This initiative isn’t just about writing checks. It’s about changing the narrative around who gets funded, who gets seen, and…

A Modern Wellness Brand with Ancient Roots  In a time when health concerns like PCOS, stress, poor digestion, and lifestyle disorders are becoming increasingly common, many people are looking beyond quick fixes and turning toward natural healing. This is where Namhya Foods is making a meaningful difference.  Founded in 2019, Namhya Foods is redefining how Ayurveda fits into modern life. Instead of complicated remedies or hard-to-find ingredients, the brand offers simple, effective solutions- herbal teas, powders, and cereals—that seamlessly blend into everyday routines.  It’s not just about wellness trends. It’s about going back to what has always worked.  The Story Behind…

Rethinking What Children Eat—The Healthy Way  In a market flooded with sugary cereals and processed snacks, finding truly nutritious food for children can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly where Slurrp Farm steps in—bringing back the goodness of traditional Indian ingredients in a way that today’s kids actually enjoy.  Launched in 2016, Slurrp Farm has quickly become a trusted name among modern parents who want clean, wholesome, and convenient food options for their children. By combining the nutritional power of millets with smart, ready-to-eat formats, the brand is redefining what “kids’ food” looks like in India.  This isn’t just about replacing junk food—it’s about building healthier habits from the very beginning.  The Story…

A Legacy Rooted in Ayurveda and Modern Luxury  In today’s fast-paced beauty landscape, where trends come and go overnight, Forest Essentials offers something far more enduring- timeless beauty rooted in Ayurveda. It’s not just a skincare brand; it’s an experience that blends ancient rituals with modern luxury, inviting you to slow down and reconnect with mindful self-care.  Founded in 2000, Forest Essentials has become synonymous with premium Ayurvedic skincare in India and beyond. With formulations inspired by 6,000-year-old traditions and crafted using natural ingredients sourced from India’s rich landscapes, the brand has successfully transformed everyday beauty routines into indulgent rituals.  The…

In a market crowded with loud claims and fast-moving trends, a new-age skincare brand is taking a quieter, more intentional route. ClayCo, launched in 2024, is redefining beauty by blending ancient global rituals- especially Japanese- with modern science.  Instead of overwhelming consumers with complicated routines, ClayCo invites them to slow down and reconnect with skincare as a ritual. The result? Products that don’t just work- but feel indulgent, calming, and deeply personal.  The Founder’s Vision: From Global Inspiration to Indian Innovation  ClayCo is the brainchild of Niharika Jhunjhunwala, an entrepreneur who brings both global exposure and a sharp business mindset to the beauty space.  A London School of Economics alumna and former founder…

India’ skincare industry has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past few years—and right at the forefront of this shift is Dot & Key. With its vibrant packaging, fruit-infused formulations, and science-backed approach, the brand has become a favorite among millennials and Gen Z consumers looking for skincare that feels as good as it works.  Founded in 2018, Dot & Key didn’t just aim to sell products—it set out to simplify skincare, make it approachable, and most importantly, make it effective. Today, it stands as one of India’s fastest-growing beauty brands, blending innovation, accessibility, and a deep understanding of its…