Breaking Barriers: She Founders App Redefines Women Entrepreneurship
She Founders, an advocate for women's entrepreneurship, unveiled the She Founders Community Platform and App, a mobile application aimed at empowering and connecting women entrepreneurs. This innovative app offers a supportive and collaborative community to women entrepreneurs, empowering them to thrive in their business ventures.
She Founders is founded by Shivani Singh, a seasoned media professional with 25 years of experience at Star TV, ESPN, and Discovery Network, a startup mentor, and strategic advisor; and Rakhee Singal, who is well-known in the startup ecosystem and is the founder of Easyknowledge.
Bringing together their varied backgrounds, insights, and expertise as startup mentors and strategic advisors, Singal and Singh bond over a common passion for empowering women entrepreneurs. This shared commitment paved the way for the establishment of She Founders.
The ‘She Founders Launchpad’, organised in partnership with Fluid Ventures in Gurgaon on 2 April, 2024, was an event designed to celebrate the remarkable achievements, resilience, and innovation of women entrepreneurs. With over 100 She Founders in attendance, the event featured inspiring stories as women entrepreneurs shared their entrepreneurial journeys, fostering a strong sense of empowerment and collaboration.
Beacon of Hope
Dr. Annurag Batra, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief, BW Businessworld & Founder, Exchange4media in his keynote session at the event highlighted the common issue of women not being encouraged enough to follow their dreams and being pulled down consistently – to which he in turn also mentioned that giving up should not be an option, no matter what the world thinks – it’s about the courage and strength to keep chugging along the path, paving the way for your destiny.
Some of the women founders that graced the event were Simran Khara, Founder, Koparo Clean; Aditi Bhutia Madan (Momo Mami), Founder, Blue Pine Foods and Shumita Kakkar, Founder, United WeCare, where each of them shared their entrepreneurial journeys, their motivation and decision to choose the path of entrepreneurship and what has got them so far.
Founders Talk
Singal addressed the attendees of the event, “Today, we unite to honour the remarkable achievements, resilience, and innovation of women in entrepreneurship. From breaking barriers to shattering glass ceilings, each of you embodies the spirit of determination and excellence. Your stories inspire us, your successes empower us, and your presence enriches our community.”
She urged the women present to celebrate not only how far they had come but also the boundless possibilities that lie ahead when women are allowed to thrive.
Singh welcomed all, setting the context for the significance of the goals of She Founders. She underlined a few key realities, beginning with increased representation. “The number of women entrepreneurs is increasing globally and in India, currently at 18 per cent. In India alone, this equates to 15 million women-led businesses employing 27 million individuals. Enhanced funding, mentorship programs, and policy reforms facilitate this growth in female representation within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
She went on to speak about the diversification of sectors, “Women entrepreneurs are entering a wider range of industries beyond traditional female-dominated sectors. With improved access to education and support networks, they're increasingly active in technology, finance, healthcare, and other high-growth areas.”
Singh pointed out about tech-enabled entrepreneurship, “Digital advancements have made entrepreneurship more accessible to women. We'll see more women leveraging technology in e-commerce, digital services, and tech solutions.”
Lastly, she drew focus on global collaboration and networks and the role of She Founders, “Women entrepreneurs are connecting more with peers, mentors, and investors locally and globally through online platforms and events. This trend, likely to persist, fosters cross-border partnerships, knowledge sharing, and access to wider markets. Which is where She Founders comes in.”
She Founders App
Launching She Founders, a networking platform designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs, the founders – Singal and Singh felt that while there are many platforms for entrepreneurs, there was a need for a space specifically tailored to the unique challenges and strengths of women in business. In a world where traditional networks and connections often cater to established male-dominated spheres, it can be challenging for women, despite their success, to access similar support systems and opportunities.
Singal and Singh mentioned that the app serves as a digital hub where women trailblazers, visionaries, and innovators can connect, collaborate, and empower each other in their journeys. With features personalised to the unique needs and challenges faced by women in business, She Founders provides a supportive community, access to resources and opportunities, and a platform for mentorship, partnerships, and promotion. This app not only provides resources and mentorship but also celebrates the successes and stories of women breaking barriers in the business world.
Singal and Singh emphasise that whether a woman is a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this is the gateway to her success in the dynamic world of business. Inviting all to join hands, they deliberated about forging meaningful connections, and together redefining the future of women entrepreneurship.
As the event drew to a close, the founders, Singal and Singh were overwhelmed with inspiration and empowerment, as each one present at the event witnessed incredible stories of resilience, innovation, and determination from women who dared to dream and turned their visions into reality. Looking forward to carrying the lessons learned, the connections made, and the inspiration shared, the occasion got women to believe that together, they are unstoppable, and will pave the way for a future where gender is no barrier to success and also one where women's entrepreneurship knows no bounds.
