The recently unveiled 2025 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List shines a powerful spotlight on the extraordinary contributions of Indian women across various sectors, from finance to technology, and from entrepreneurship to arts and philanthropy. This inaugural list recognizes 97 influential women, highlighting their remarkable impact on India's burgeoning economy.

Topping the "Professionals" category, with her company boasting a staggering valuation of Rs 3,81,700 crore (approximately USD 45.8 billion), is Shanti Ekambaram, Deputy Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Bank. Her leadership in driving digital banking innovation and expanding financial inclusion has been instrumental in the bank's significant market presence. Ekambaram's position at the pinnacle of this category underscores the growing influence of women in India's robust financial services sector, which dominates the list with 23 women leaders.

The Hurun India list categorizes women leaders across nine distinct pillars, offering a comprehensive view of their diverse contributions. Beyond professionals, the list also celebrates:

• First-Generation Women Wealth Creators: Leading this inspiring cohort is Radha Vembu, Co-founder of Zoho Corporation, with an impressive personal wealth of Rs 55,300 crore. Her success with Zoho, a global technology company providing software solutions, exemplifies the power of self-made wealth and innovation. She is closely followed by Jayshree Ullal, CEO of US-based Arista Networks (Rs 48,900 crore), and Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw of Biocon (Rs 32,000 crore), both stalwarts who have built billion-dollar businesses from the ground up. Other notable names in this category include Falguni Nayar (Nykaa), Neha Narkhede (Confluent), and Kavitha Subramanian (Upstox). These ten wealth creators collectively command a personal wealth of nearly Rs 2 lakh crore.

• Next-Generation Women Leaders: Spearheading this group is Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Chairperson of HCL Technologies, whose company is valued at an impressive Rs 4,87,400 crore. Nadar Malhotra represents women who are not only inheriting legacy businesses but are also actively modernizing them for global scale, driving significant enterprise value. Priya Agarwal Hebbar (Hindustan Zinc) and Nisaba Godrej (Godrej Consumer Products) are also prominent figures in this category, showcasing the continued influence of established business families.

• Women Investors:Shweta Jalan, Managing Director at Advent International, leads the investor category, demonstrating the increasing role of women in shaping India's investment landscape.

• Philanthropists:Rohini Nilekani, with donations amounting to Rs 154 crore through her foundation, tops the philanthropy category, highlighting the significant social impact driven by women leaders.

• Young Women Leaders: The list celebrates emerging talent, with Devanshi Kejriwal, Co-founder and CPO of Skillmatics, at 28, being recognized as a leading young woman leader. Even younger is Mrunal Panchal (26), founder of MRUCHA Beauty, who tops the "Most Followed Influencer Founders" category with 5.5 million Instagram followers, showcasing the burgeoning power of digital entrepreneurship.

• Women Artists: At 87, veteran painter Arpita Singh is the oldest honouree, proving that age is no barrier to creativity and impact.

• Most Followed Celebrity Investors: Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor leads this category with 94.1 million Instagram followers, having invested in brands like MyGlamm and Shunya.

The 2025 Candere Hurun India Women Leaders List is a powerful testament to the diverse and impactful roles women play in shaping India's economic and cultural narrative. It underscores not just their individual achievements but also the collective strength and growing influence of female leadership across industries. For startups, this list serves as an inspiring reminder of the boundless potential and the rich talent pool available in India.