Women Founders to Watch in 2025

New Delhi [India], July 28: In 2025, a new wave of women entrepreneurs is reshaping industries with innovation, resilience, and purpose. These trailblazing founders are making bold moves in sectors ranging from tech and sustainability to fashion, wellness, and finance. With a focus on inclusivity, impact, and creativity, they are not only building successful businesses but also inspiring a new generation of leaders. Whether pioneering eco-friendly solutions or revolutionizing digital platforms, these women are setting new benchmarks for leadership and vision. Keep an eye on these changemakers — they are redefining what it means to lead in the modern world.

Laila Faisal, Founder of Laila Faisal Studio

Laila Faisal is a multi-faceted entrepreneur building her mark across fashion and lifestyle. As founder of Laila Faisal Studio, a multi-brand space opening in Delhi this September, she champions Indian homegrown labels through storytelling and shared growth. She also helms LRF Designs, her signature Indianwear label known for blending elegance with ease. Her vision goes beyond fashion as COO at Sound of Music, the brand that brought IMAX and world-class automation to Indian homes. An active trader in forex and crypto, Laila represents the new wave of women entrepreneurs bold, intuitive, and deeply committed to making Indian talent shine on the global stage.

Sneha Sharma, Founder of And PR

Sneha Sharma is the founder of And PR, a boutique luxury marketing agency that works exclusively with premium brands across fashion, jewellery, interiors, and F&B. In just two years, she’s built more than just an agency, she's created an ecosystem. With the launch of And Social and And Productions, Sneha now offers everything from strategy to content under one seamless umbrella, tailored for brands that value storytelling, identity, and high-impact visibility.

Her background in fashion gave her a deep understanding of what luxury brands truly need not just coverage, but clarity, curation, and connection. With a sharp eye and a strong voice, Sneha has quietly carved a space where premium Indian brands feel seen, understood, and celebrated.

Priyanka Goswami,  Founder & Director of Wooray

Wooray, the most luxurious and premium kids indoor play area is a one stop solution for kids who are looking for the best entertainment. Priyanka Goswami started her journey in 2022 with their boutique play area in Gurugram (Delhi NCR), but today WooRay is expanding through both company-owned centers and franchises. After 15 years in the corporate world, Priyanka Goswami recognized a pivotal gap in the children’s entertainment industry. Fueled by her vision to raise the standards of kids’ play in India, she embarked on a global journey, curating the finest experiences from around the world to bring home.

With Wooray steeping and penetrating in the Delhi-NCR markets, She is eyeing on expansion to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities as well. With much expected on the way, Wooray recently opened in the heart of Punjab- Ludhiana.

In August 2025, Wooray Elite is launching in Hyderabad and then Chandigarh. WOORAY stands out for its hygiene, safety, gourmet food, and spacious design—serving the elite clientele in every city. With a national brand partnership on the horizon, we’re set for Pan India and overseas expansion. Our journey continues with passion and purpose.

Christine Samandari, Co-Founder & Director of L’Opéra

Christine Samandari is a co-founder and Director of L’Opéra, the most prominent French Bakery and Pastry operation in India. L’Opéra is an authentic Pastry & Bakery House, Salon de Thé and Café Restaurant, specializing in French products in India. Since its inception it has always stood for quality and excellence. Christine was born to an artist mother and an academician father. She has a Ph.D. in Social Psychology and a MA of Anthropology and Sociology. She is married and has two children and two grandchildren. Christine has served the society in a variety of capacities over the last thirty years. Prominently from 1988 until 2008 as the Head of the European and Francophone Branch of the Bahá’í International Community’s Office of Public Information, in Paris. Christine has travelled extensively, given numerous talks and lectures and participated in many radio, television, and press interviews. In 2008, Christine and her family moved to New-Delhi India where she started a new career as an entrepreneur and social activist. In 1994, the French Government elevated Christine to the rank of “Knight” in the prestigious “National Order of Merit”.

Surabhi Trivedi, Founder of Media Maniacs Group

Surabhi Trivedi is the Founder and CEO of Media Maniacs Group, a PR and digital marketing agency she launched in 2016 with a vision to build a firm aligned with her intellect and passion. Under her leadership, Media Maniacs has grown into a notable player serving diverse sectors, including real estate, startups, education, lifestyle, healthcare, and e‑commerce. The agency offers full‑service capabilities: public relations, influencer and digital marketing, brand strategy, content creation, web development, and graphic design. She has emphasised client‑centric storytelling, realistic commitment, strategic creativity, and data‑driven outcomes as the core of her approach.

Archana Khosla Burman, Founder of VERTICES PARTNERS & ZONE

Archana Khosla Burman is a leading corporate lawyer, entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and Co-Founder of VERTICES PARTNERS, a top-tier law firm with offices in Mumbai, Gurugram, and Bengaluru. With over 20 years of experience, she has advised on PE/VC transactions, M\&As, and strategic acquisitions across multiple sectors. Archana is featured in the Forbes Legal Power List, Asia Legal Business 40 Under 40, and ET Women Leading in Business. She serves on advisory boards of several startups and is a strong advocate for women’s leadership. At FICCI FLO, she now serves as the National Vertical Head, having previously led FLO Mumbai as Chairperson. Her initiatives in entrepreneurship and education have earned her the National Start-Up Award 2023–24. Archana is also the Co-Founder & CEO of ZONE, an upcoming premium activewear brand for children. She actively mentors emerging entrepreneurs and champions gender equity through her work on POSH committees and beyond.

Upasna Gulati, Founder of Crea Brand Management

Upasna Gulati, the visionary founder of Crea Brand Management, has been a dynamic presence in the marketing, brand, and social media landscape for the past seven years. Her journey is a testament to resilience and strategic acumen, particularly as she rebuilt her agency from the ground up after the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under Upasna's leadership, Crea Brand Management has forged impressive partnerships and achieved significant milestones. She has a strong track record of collaborating with leading hospitality brands, including Hyatt, and notably spearheaded the successful launch of Radisson Red in Chandigarh Tricity. Her expertise also extends to a long-standing association with the Louvre Hotels Group, where she has been instrumental in the brand strategy for Golden Tulip Jalandhar since its pre-launch phase.

Beyond hotels, Upasna excels at curating high-profile events, such as the acclaimed Wine Jazz and celebrity bar takeovers in Tricity, executed in collaboration with prestigious brands like Olive and Ran Baas Palace Patiala. Her innovative approach and dedication to excellence were recently recognized with the Iconic Marketing Consultancy in Tricity award.

Upasna's influence also reaches beyond the local market, as she actively serves as a marketing consultant and brand strategist for a diverse portfolio of brands in Hyderabad and Kochi. Her ability to adapt, innovate, and consistently deliver results makes her a true leader in the field of brand management.

Kanika Talwar, Co-Founder of CosIQ

Kanika Talwar is the Co-Founder of CosIQ, an intelligent skincare brand known for high-performance formulations rooted in clinical science, clean ingredients, and functional actives. With extensive experience in management, operations, and IT, she has led cross-functional teams across geographies, driving operational excellence and business growth. Skilled in launching and scaling ventures, Kanika brings a results-driven approach to everything she does. At CosIQ, she’s redefining skincare with minimalist, pH-balanced solutions that deliver real, visible results while staying true to integrity and transparency in beauty.