Over 50% of startups in Tamil Nadu are led by women, says StartupTN Chairman

Asian Paints chairman R. Seshasayee presenting the awards to the companies that won at the Best of Best Conference and Awards 2026 held in Chennai on Tuesday. | Photo Credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ

Currently, Tamil Nadu has over 16,000 registered startups, and of these, 50.8% are women-led firms, Singai G. Ramachandran, Chairman of StartupTN, said on Tuesday.

Speaking at the Best of Best (BoB) Conference and Awards 2026, he also addressed the issue of creating infrastructure for women.

“Even exceptional talent needs the right infrastructure. Are we really planning infrastructure for women, rather than just hiring them? We are still in a mindset that certain roles are meant for a particular gender. This has to change,” he said.

During the event, Avtar Career Creators Limited and Seramount launched an initiative called ‘Circle of Inclusive Cultures’ (CIC).

“For over a decade, our benchmarking studies have helped organisations understand where they stand on inclusion and learn from those setting higher standards. The Circle of Inclusive Cultures complements this work by taking that learning further, creating opportunities for organisations to exchange practical insights throughout the year,” said Saundarya Rajesh, managing director, Avtar Career Creators Limited. CIC will facilitate dedicated peer learning circles for CEOs, CHROs, inclusion leaders, and other key stakeholders.

R. Seshasayee, chairman, Asian Paints, spoke about his book The Grammar of Silence: Five Centuries. Three Women. Towards Liberation. “Our clothing has changed but patriarchy did not,” he said.

BoB, an annual conference, celebrates organisations recognised through Avtar and Seramount’s Best Companies for Women in India, Most Inclusive Companies Index, and Best Companies for ESG.

This year, the conference also recognised organisations under a new benchmark, Best Companies for Workplace Wellness. The event also recognised select male leaders through the Male Ally Legacy Award for taking initiative to create more inclusive environments for women.

This year’s award was presented to Sudhakar Dokare, regional director, Tata Starbucks Private Limited. Jaison Thomas, managing director–India, Encore Capital Group Inc., and Sibasish Guha, head of department–digital office, HDFC ERGO, were recognised as the jury’s choice awardees.

Published - November 04, 2026 04:30 am IST