Business

Women-Led Tech Startups Achieve Record Low Funding with 25% Decline, Totaling USD 1 Billion

Published

11 months ago

March 9, 2025

A recent report released on Friday highlights a concerning trend: tech startups co-led by women secured only USD 1 billion in funding in 2024, representing a 25% decline from the previous year. The market intelligence platform Tracxn indicates that India boasts over 7,000 active women-led startups, which comprise 7.5% of all startups in the country.

So far, women-led startups in the tech sector have raised a total of $26.4 billion, with 2021 marking the peak funding year at $6.3 billion. The report, titled ‘Women-led Startups in India Report 2025,’ sheds light on crucial funding trends, sectoral growth, journeys of unicorns, and their positioning on a global scale.

On an international level, Indian startups contributed 15.18% to total funding in 2022, with women-led startups raising $5 billion compared to a global total of $32.8 billion. In 2024, India ranked third globally for funding raised by startups co-led by women, following the US and UK, making up 3.96% of worldwide funding for women-led enterprises.

The retail sector stands out with women-led startups securing a total of $7.8 billion in funding, followed by ed-tech at $5.4 billion and enterprise applications at $5 billion.

Bengaluru leads the way with the highest number of women-led startups and funding raised, trailed by Mumbai and the Delhi-NCR region.

The journey of women-led unicorns in India has seen significant highs and lows. The year 2021 saw the establishment of 8 new unicorns, with steady increases in 2019 (3), 2020 (4), and 2022 (5). However, the years 2017, 2023, and 2024 witnessed no new unicorn formations, indicating inconsistent momentum. In terms of acquisitions, 2021 recorded the most at 45, but this number dropped by 20% to 36 in 2022 and further declined by 30.5% to 25 in 2023. In 2024, the total number of acquisitions fell to just 16.

Business

India May Buy More Oil From Venezuela Instead of Russia

Published

1 week ago

January 31, 2026

Namma Kudla

Business : The United States has told India that it can soon resume buying oil from Venezuela.The suggestion is part of a U.S. effort to reduce India’s dependence on Russian crude oil.

This pitch comes as India plans to cut Russian oil imports by several hundred thousand barrels per day in the coming months. Under the Trump administration, the United States had imposed a 25 % tariff on countries that bought Venezuelan oil, including India.

Now, the U.S. wants India to resume Venezuelan oil purchases to help diversify India’s energy sources. The United States is also trying to reshape energy ties with India as part of broader diplomatic engagement.

Venezuela’s interim president Delcy Rodríguez said she agreed with India on energy cooperation in a recent phone call with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. PM Modi said both sides agreed to deepen their partnership and expand cooperation in all areas.

Venezuela has the world’s largest proven oil reserves. Recently, Venezuela opened its oil sector to private investment to attract foreign capital and boost production.

India was one of the major buyers of Russian crude after the Ukraine war began in 2022. But India is now seeking alternative suppliers as part of its energy strategy.

Business

Chicken Prices Remain Stable in Local Markets

Published

2 weeks ago

January 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Chicken prices remained stable in local markets today.Traders said there was no major change in rates.Consumers continued to make regular purchases.

Boneless chicken is priced at ₹210 per kilogram.Regular chicken is available at ₹160 per kilogram.Chicken liver is being sold at ₹120 per kilogram.

Country chicken is priced higher due to demand.It is selling at ₹360 per kilogram.Live chicken is available at ₹130 per kilogram.

Skinless chicken is priced at ₹200 per kilogram.Vendors said supply is sufficient in the market.They expect prices to remain steady in the coming days.

Customers expressed satisfaction with the current rates.Market officials said there is no shortage of chicken.

Business

Gold Prices Edge Up in India on January 19, 2026

Published

3 weeks ago

January 19, 2026

Namma Kudla

Gold prices in India recorded a slight increase on January 19, 2026, supported by global market trends, local demand, and movements in the rupee-dollar exchange rate.

As per market estimates, 24-carat gold, which is considered pure gold, is priced at ₹14,569 per gram, or ₹1,45,690 per 10 grams. 22-carat gold, commonly used for jewellery, is trading at around ₹13,355 per gram, or ₹1,33,550 per 10 grams.

The prices have risen marginally compared to the previous day. The increase is mainly linked to a weaker Indian rupee against the US dollar, which makes imported gold more expensive.

Gold rates vary slightly across cities such as Mangalore and other parts of the country. These differences depend on local taxes, transportation costs, jeweller margins, and regional demand.

Demand for gold remains strong due to the wedding season and festive buying, which continues to support higher prices. Investors also turn to gold during uncertain economic conditions, as it is seen as a safe-haven asset.

Experts say that global geopolitical developments, inflation concerns, and central bank policies are also influencing international gold prices, which in turn affect domestic rates.

Market participants expect gold prices to remain firm in the near term if the rupee stays weak and demand continues at current levels.