Why Should Boys Have All the Funds? SHE Summit 2025 Challenges the Status Quo

The landscape of entrepreneurship in India is undergoing a significant transformation, with more women stepping up to lead businesses, drive innovation, and break long-standing barriers. Despite facing challenges in securing funding, accessing mentorship, and navigating the male-dominated business world, women entrepreneurs have been steadily carving out a niche for themselves. The growth of women-led startups has been fueled by an evolving ecosystem that is now more receptive to diversity, inclusion, and equitable opportunities.

Amid this shift, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers are recognizing the potential of women-led ventures and the need to create stronger support systems for their success. In this spirit, TiE Delhi-NCR hosted the SHE Summit 2025, bringing together women entrepreneurs, investors, and industry enablers to discuss the way forward. The event served as a dynamic space for fostering conversations around funding, leadership, and innovation, offering practical insights to women entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses.

SHE Summit 2025

The summit featured a range of thought-provoking discussions, startup showcases, and mentorship sessions, addressing some of the most pressing issues faced by women in the startup ecosystem. It also provided an opportunity for women-led businesses to interact with investors and industry veterans, creating potential pathways for growth and collaboration.

Conversations That Matter

One of the most engaging sessions at the summit, titled “Why Should Boys Have All the Funds?”, delved into the persistent funding challenges that women entrepreneurs face. The panel, featuring notable investors such as Aarti Gupta of Anikarth Ventures and Ishani Chanana of Sarcha Advisors, explored strategies to bridge the investment gap and encouraged greater participation of investors in women-led startups.

Another highlight was the discussion on “Women in AI: Driving Innovation & Inclusion in Bharat”, which examined how women entrepreneurs are contributing to India’s AI revolution. Founders like Anuja Dhawan of Dubverse and Shubhi Agarwal of LocoBuzz shared their experiences in navigating the AI space and emphasized the need for inclusivity in tech-driven sectors.

Skills, Strategy, and Success

The summit also placed a strong emphasis on skill-building and strategic growth. A masterclass on personal branding by Devapriya Khanna provided entrepreneurs with actionable insights on leveraging their personal brand to fuel business success. Additionally, the Startup Spotlight session gave emerging women entrepreneurs a chance to showcase their ventures before an esteemed panel of investors, offering them exposure and potential investment opportunities.

Another critical discussion revolved around financial empowerment, with Priti Rathi Gupta of LXME highlighting strategies for women to gain financial independence and long-term security. This session underscored the importance of equipping women entrepreneurs with the financial literacy needed to scale and sustain their businesses.

Building a Stronger Network

Networking played a crucial role at the SHE Summit 2025. A specially curated Power Lunch facilitated meaningful interactions between women entrepreneurs and leading investors, fostering partnerships and mentorship opportunities. Additionally, the Voice of Change segment allowed attendees to share their personal journeys, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs of women in business.

Sessions like “Beyond Handshakes: The Power of Networking & Meaningful Partnerships” and “Leading the Way: Women Driving Growth & Success” further reinforced the importance of strategic connections in the entrepreneurial journey. Industry leaders such as Neha Kant and Shruthi Cauvery Iyer shared their experiences, inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace leadership roles with confidence.

What's Next for Women Entrepreneurship? 

As the event drew to a close, Seema Chaturvedi of Achieving Women Equity (AWE) Funds delivered a compelling keynote on the need for more women-led investment funds and the broader vision for financial inclusion. Her address served as a powerful reminder of the work still needed to ensure women entrepreneurs have the support and resources necessary to thrive.

The SHE Summit 2025 was not just another industry event; it was a testament to the growing momentum of women-led entrepreneurship in India. By sparking meaningful conversations, fostering collaborations, and bridging gaps in funding and mentorship, the summit reinforced the collective effort required to create a more inclusive and equitable startup ecosystem.

With more such platforms championing the cause of women entrepreneurs, the future looks promising for those ready to challenge norms, drive innovation, and lead the way forward in India’s ever-evolving startup landscape.