Did you know that startups founded or co-founded by women generate 78 cents in revenue for every dollar of funding, while male-founded startups generate only 31 cents?

Yet, women still receive only a fraction of global venture capital funding.

So, which female-founded startups are defying the odds and making a massive impact?

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the most innovative and successful startups led by women, proving that the future of entrepreneurship is.

 

The Rise of Female-Led Startups

Over the past two decades, the startup ecosystem has witnessed a significant increase in female entrepreneurs.

Between 2001 and 2005, women’s startup activity rates averaged 6.1%. This figure rose to 10.4% during the 2021-2023 period across 30 countries, indicating a growing presence of women in the entrepreneurial landscape.

In the United States, female entrepreneurship has seen remarkable growth. In 2019, women accounted for 29% of new business owners. By 2023, this number had surged to 49%, marking a substantial shift towards gender parity in business ownership.

Despite these advancements, challenges persist. Globally, startups with at least one female founder constitute approximately 20% of all startups. However, female-founded startups received only $5 billion in venture capital funding, highlighting a significant funding gap.

Nevertheless, numerous female-founded startups have achieved notable success.

For instance, Bumble, founded by Whitney Wolfe Herd in 2014, has become a leading dating app with a feminist approach. Additionally, in Europe, there are now over 35 unicorns founded by women, nearly matching the total number of European unicorns by the end of 2013.

These trends underscore the increasing impact of female entrepreneurs in the startup ecosystem, reflecting both progress made and the ongoing need to address existing disparities.

 
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Key Challenges

1. Funding Gaps

One of the biggest struggles for women-led startups is getting investment. Female founders receive only a small fraction of venture capital funding compared to male-led startups. Many investors still tend to fund businesses run by men, making it harder for women to grow their startups.
 

2. Gender Bias in the Industry

Many female entrepreneurs face unconscious bias when pitching their ideas. Investors often ask men about how they’ll grow their business, while women are asked about risk and failure. This makes it tougher for female founders to gain confidence from investors and secure funding.
 

3. Lack of Mentorship and Networks

Many industries are still male-dominated, meaning women often have fewer connections to successful entrepreneurs and investors who can guide and support them. Without strong networks, it can be harder for women to find business partners, customers, and funding.
 

4. Work-Life Balance Pressures

Balancing a startup and personal life can be challenging, and women often take on more family responsibilities than men. This can make it harder to dedicate time and energy to building a business, especially in high-pressure startup environments.
 

5. Limited Representation and Role Models

When people don’t see many successful female entrepreneurs in their field, it can be harder to imagine achieving the same success.

There are fewer high-profile women in tech, finance, and other major startup industries, making it tough for new female founders to find inspiration and encouragement.

 
However, despite these challenges, many female entrepreneurs are breaking barriers and proving that women-led startups can succeed. With more awareness, investment, and support, the future looks brighter for women in business.
 

Top 11 Female Founded Startups

1. Glossier
2. Rent the Runway
3. Away
4. Airwallex
5. Mammoth Biosciences
6. Canva
7. Bumble
8. Partiful
9. Little Otter
10. Elvie
11. Blueland

 

1. Glossier - Emily Weiss

Glossier is a direct-to-consumer beauty brand that revolutionized the cosmetics industry with a community-driven, digital-first approach. The company started as a blog called Into The Gloss, where founder Emily Weiss engaged with beauty enthusiasts and built a loyal audience.

This deep connection with consumers led to the creation of Glossier, a brand focused on minimalist, skincare-first beauty products.

Unlike traditional beauty companies that rely on retailers, Glossier sells directly to customers online, using social media and influencer marketing to fuel its rapid growth.

The brand is known for its aesthetic packaging, dewy skin-focused makeup, and cult-favorite products like the Boy Brow eyebrow gel and Milky Jelly Cleanser.
 
Year Founded
2014
 
Valuation
As of 2019, Glossier was valued at $1.2 billion after securing Series D funding.
 
Notable Achievement
Glossier became one of the first digitally native beauty brands to reach unicorn status. It successfully built a strong community-driven brand that disrupted the traditional beauty retail model.

The company expanded from online sales to brick-and-mortar stores and has been recognized as a pioneer in the direct-to-consumer (DTC) beauty industry.

 
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2. Rent the Runway - Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss

Rent the Runway is an American fashion rental company that provides customers with access to designer clothing and accessories through a subscription-based and on-demand rental model. The company aims to make luxury fashion more accessible while promoting sustainability by encouraging clothing reuse.

Rent the Runway allows users to rent high-end dresses, handbags, and everyday apparel from top designers for special occasions or regular wear. The company has expanded its offerings to include pre-loved clothing sales, giving customers the option to purchase used designer items at discounted prices.
 

Year Founded
2009

 
Valuation
Rent the Runway went public in October 2021 with a valuation of approximately $1.7 billion. However, the company has faced financial challenges post-IPO, leading to fluctuations in its market value.

 
Notable Achievement
Rent the Runway revolutionized the fashion industry by pioneering the clothing rental model at scale, changing how consumers engage with luxury fashion.

The company has partnered with major designers and brands, making high-end fashion accessible to a broader audience while promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion consumption.

 

3. Away - Jen Rubio

Away is a modern travel and lifestyle brand that has redefined the luggage industry with its thoughtfully designed products.

Founded by former Warby Parker executives Steph Korey and Jen Rubio in 2015, Away focuses on creating luggage and travel accessories that combine functionality with sleek aesthetics.

Their products are designed by travelers, for travelers, featuring durable materials and practical details to enhance the travel experience.
 
Year Founded
2015
 
Valuation
In 2019, Away achieved a valuation of $1.4 billion after raising $100 million in funding led by Wellington Capital Management.
 
Notable Achievement
Away’s innovative approach to luggage design and direct-to-consumer sales strategy led to rapid growth, with the company reaching profitability by the end of 2017 and being on track to generate $150 million in revenue by late 2019.

The brand’s influence is evident as competitors attempt to mimic their designs, and Away’s continuous innovation has led to the launch of new collections, addressing customer needs for stylish, functional, and lightweight travel gear.

 
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4. Airwallex - Lucy Liu

Airwallex is a global financial technology (fintech) company that provides businesses with seamless cross-border payment solutions, foreign exchange services, and financial infrastructure.

Founded in 2015 in Melbourne, Australia, Airwallex has expanded rapidly, serving over 100,000 customers worldwide.

The company’s platform integrates a proprietary banking network with application programming interfaces (APIs), enabling businesses to manage international payments efficiently.

Airwallex’s services include payment processing, multi-currency accounts, expense management, and embedded finance solutions, catering to a diverse range of industries.
 
Year Founded
2015
 
Valuation
As of November 2024, Airwallex was reportedly in talks to raise $200 million in funding, aiming for a valuation of $6 billion.
 
Notable Achievement
Airwallex has formed strategic partnerships to enhance its global presence.

Notably, in 2024, the company collaborated with McLaren Racing to optimize the team’s financial operations, leading to significant improvements in payment processing efficiency.

This partnership not only streamlined McLaren’s financial workflows but also increased Airwallex’s brand recognition in the global market.

 

5. Mammoth Biosciences - Janice Chen

Mammoth Biosciences is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of CRISPR-based diagnostic tools and therapeutic solutions.

Leveraging its proprietary ultracompact CRISPR systems, the company aims to create long-term curative therapies and decentralized precision diagnostics.

Co-founded by CRISPR pioneer Jennifer Doudna, along with Trevor Martin, Janice Chen, and Lucas Harrington, Mammoth Biosciences is dedicated to delivering on the full promise of genetic medicine.

Year Founded
2017
 

Valuation
In September 2021, Mammoth Biosciences achieved a valuation exceeding $1 billion following a $150 million Series D funding round led by Redmile Group.
 
Notable Achievement
In April 2024, Mammoth Biosciences entered into a collaboration with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals to develop in vivo CRISPR-based gene editing therapies.

This partnership included a $100 million upfront payment and up to $370 million in milestone payments per target, underscoring the potential of Mammoth’s CRISPR technology in therapeutic applications.

 

6. Canva - Melanie Perkins

Canva is an Australian multinational software company that offers an online design and visual communication platform.

Founded in 2013 by Melanie Perkins, Cliff Obrecht, and Cameron Adams, Canva aims to empower users worldwide to design and publish a wide array of content, including social media graphics, presentations, posters, and more.

The platform’s intuitive drag-and-drop interface and extensive template library have made design accessible to individuals and businesses alike.

Year Founded
2013
 

Valuation
As of 2024, Canva’s valuation soared to nearly $50 billion, reflecting its significant growth and market presence.
 
Notable Achievement
Canva has experienced remarkable growth, boasting over 200 million monthly active users as of 2024.

The platform’s user-friendly design tools have democratized graphic design, enabling individuals and organizations to create professional-quality visuals without extensive design experience.

Canva’s commitment to innovation is evident through its strategic acquisitions, such as the AI image generation platform Leonardo.ai, and the continuous expansion of its product offerings to meet diverse user needs.

 
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7. Bumble - Whitney Wolfe Herd

Bumble is a social networking platform that empowers users to connect in dating, friendship, and professional contexts.

Founded in 2014 by Whitney Wolfe Herd, Bumble differentiates itself by requiring women to make the first move in heterosexual matches, aiming to challenge traditional gender norms and promote respectful interactions.

The platform has expanded its services to include Bumble BFF for finding friends and Bumble Bizz for professional networking.
 
Year Founded
2014
 
Valuation
Bumble’s valuation peaked at $13 billion in 2021, shortly after its initial public offering (IPO). However, by 2022, the valuation decreased to $6 billion, reflecting market fluctuations and industry challenges.
 
Notable Achievement
In 2024, Bumble reported total revenue of $1.0716 billion, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. The Bumble app specifically contributed $866.3 million to this revenue, indicating a 3% year-over-year growth.

 

8. Partiful - Shreya Murthy

Partiful is an event planning and management platform that simplifies organizing social events.

Users can create customized event pages, send invitations, track RSVPs, and manage event details seamlessly.

The platform caters to various occasions, from intimate gatherings to large parties, aiming to cultivate real-world connections.
 
Year Founded
2020
 
Valuation
In 2022, Partiful raised $20 million in a funding round led by Andreessen Horowitz, achieving a pre-money valuation of $120 million.

By late 2024, reports indicated that Partiful secured additional funding, elevating its valuation to approximately $400 million.
 
Notable Achievement
In 2024, Partiful expanded its services by launching iOS and Android applications, enhancing user accessibility. This expansion contributed to the platform being honored as Google’s “Best App of the Year” in 2024.

 
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9. Little Otter - Rebecca Egger and Dr. Helen Egger

Little Otter is a digital mental health company dedicated to providing comprehensive, evidence-based care for children aged 0-18 and their families.

Founded in 2020 by mother-daughter duo Dr. Helen Egger, a renowned child psychiatrist, and Rebecca Egger, a former Forward Deployed Product Lead at Palantir, Little Otter addresses the mental health needs of both children and their families through a virtual care platform.

The company offers services such as therapy, psychiatry, and parent coaching, emphasizing a holistic approach to family mental health.

Year Founded
2020
 
Valuation
Specific valuation figures for Little Otter are not publicly disclosed.

However, the company has raised a total of approximately $36.35 million in funding to date, including a $9.5 million strategic funding round in February 2025.
 
Notable Achievement
In February 2025, Little Otter secured $9.5 million in strategic funding from investors such as Pivotal Ventures, Torch Capital, and CRV. This funding aims to expand the company’s services to families covered by Medicaid and commercial insurance plans.

Additionally, Little Otter plans to enhance its AI-powered platform to improve patient triage and deliver personalized care.

 

10. Elvie- Tania Boler

Elvie is a British femtech company dedicated to developing innovative, female-first technology that empowers women by addressing intimate health and wellness needs.

Founded in 2013 by Tania Boler, Elvie has introduced groundbreaking products such as the Elvie Trainer, a smart pelvic floor exerciser, and the Elvie Pump, a silent wearable breast pump.

These products have garnered numerous awards for innovation and design, including the CES Innovation Award and Red Dot Award.
 
Year Founded
2013
 
Valuation
In April 2024, Elvie secured £9.6 million in funding, achieving a valuation of £290 million.
 
Notable Achievement
Elvie’s remarkable growth is reflected in its financial performance. The company’s turnover increased from £37 million in 2020 to £78 million in 2022.

This growth underscores Elvie’s significant impact on the women’s health technology sector.

 
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11. Blueland- Sarah Paiji Yoo

Blueland is an eco-friendly company revolutionizing household cleaning by offering sustainable, refillable products designed to eliminate single-use plastic waste.

Founded in 2018 by Sarah Paiji Yoo and John Mascari, Blueland’s product line includes cleaning sprays, hand soaps, and other household items that utilize water-free tablets.

Users simply add water to their reusable “forever” bottles and drop in a tablet to create cleaning solutions, significantly reducing plastic consumption.

Year Founded
2018
 
Valuation
The company has raised approximately $35.1 million in funding over several rounds, including a $20 million Series B round in February 2022.
 
Notable Achievement
In 2022, Blueland achieved profitability, reflecting its successful business model and growing consumer demand for sustainable products.

 

Why Female-Led Startups Deserve More Investment

1. Data Shows They Perform Well

Studies have consistently shown that startups founded by women often outperform those led by men in key areas.

For example, a report by BCG found that female-founded startups generate more revenue—delivering twice as much per dollar invested compared to male-founded ones.

Yet, women receive only a small fraction of venture capital funding. This proves that investing in female entrepreneurs isn’t just about diversity—it’s also a smart financial decision.

 

2. Examples of VC Firms & Initiatives Supporting Female Founders

Despite the funding gap, some investors recognize the potential of women-led startups. Firms like Female Founders Fund, BBG Ventures, and All Raise specifically back female entrepreneurs.

Tech giants like Google and Salesforce have also launched funding initiatives for women-led businesses. These efforts help bridge the gap, but more investment is still needed to level the playing field.

 

3. The Need for More Diversity in the Investment Space

One reason women receive less funding is that venture capital is still male-dominated. A study by PitchBook found that less than 15% of decision-makers at VC firms are women.

Since investors tend to fund people who look like them or share their background, this creates a cycle where mostly male entrepreneurs get funded.

Increasing diversity among investors—by supporting more female VCs and decision-makers—can lead to a more inclusive investment landscape, benefiting both women-led startups and the broader economy.

 
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The Bottom Line

Investing in female-founded startups isn’t just about fairness—it’s about backing high-performing businesses that deliver strong returns.

With more support from VC firms, corporate initiatives, and diverse investors, the startup ecosystem can become more balanced, unlocking even greater innovation and success.

 

The Future of Female Entrepreneurship

1. Encouraging Trends & What’s Next

The future looks bright for female entrepreneurs. More women are starting businesses than ever before, and industries like tech, healthcare, and fintech are seeing more female-led innovation.

Governments and organizations are also stepping up, creating grants, accelerators, and funding opportunities tailored for women. The shift toward diverse leadership in companies and venture capital firms is slowly improving access to funding.

While challenges remain, the momentum is growing, and more women are breaking barriers in the startup world.

 

2. Advice for Aspiring Female Founders

If you’re a woman looking to start a business, here are a few key tips:

• Build a strong network. Connect with mentors, join female founder groups, and seek advice from experienced entrepreneurs.
• Be bold in seeking funding. Don’t shy away from pitching your ideas to investors, and explore female-focused VC firms and grants.
• Leverage your strengths. Women-led startups often succeed by focusing on innovation, customer experience, and problem-solving—embrace those qualities.
• Stay persistent. Rejection is part of the journey, but many successful founders have faced setbacks before making it big.

 

3. Call to Action: Support, Invest, and Celebrate Women in Startups!

Everyone—investors, consumers, and industry leaders—has a role to play in supporting female entrepreneurs.

• Investors: Allocate more funding to women-led startups and bring diversity to decision-making teams.
• Consumers: Choose to buy from female-founded brands and spread the word about their products.
• Companies & Policymakers: Create more programs that mentor and fund women entrepreneurs.

The world is waking up to the power of female entrepreneurship, but there’s still work to do.

By investing in women-led businesses, we fuel innovation, strengthen economies, and create a more inclusive future. Now is the time to support and celebrate the women shaping the startup world.

How RocketDevs helps Female Founders

By connecting them with top-notch pre-vetted developers who have been screened to Silicon Valley standards, RocketDevs helps female founders build, launch and scale their products with the best possible talent.

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