Women from tech sector have been quick to absorb developments, have a knack for business.
Senior women professionals in the IT space are increasingly investing in developing their entrepreneurial mindset and skill set.
More and more women having work experience of 10 years and above are either quitting to start on their own or looking to innovate within large firms.
With the entrepreneurial spirit growing among Indians, women are not far behind. Though still miniscule, the number is only growing year after year. Of the total 1,282 tech startups between 2009 and 2012, only 80 have been founded by women. Of this, about 45% are based in Bangalore. A report by Nabard states that in the year 2011, there were about 2% technology women entrepreneurs in Karnataka. This has risen to 19% in the year 2012.
“Women from Bangalore have been early adopters of technological and managerial courses and have a knack for business ventures. With the financial and investment scenario seemingly better than some Indian cities, the city has seen a rise in women entrepreneurs,” says Pinkesh Shah, director of programs, Institute of Product Leadership.
Also, the state policies, IT infrastructure gives edge to women in Bangalore over those in other cities to start their own tech companies. The city has 929 tech startups, of which 23 are founded by women.
After working for 12 years in an IT firm, Seema Joshi, who is currently a product manager, has enrolled herself for a course in product entrepreneurship. “After so many years in this space, I think I am ready to build a product out of India for an MNC or probably start something on my own,” says Joshi. She feels that the entrepreneurial spirit in India is still at a nascent stage and hence, it will take time for women to some out and take the plunge.
“In India, we do not encourage risk-taking ability in a person. This is more true for women who are often burdened with family responsibility. However, I feel it depends on individuals how they go out and live their dream.”
For Nilambari Shirodkar, who has 14 years experience in IT space, starting her own firm gives her the opportunity to learn something new. “I have been on the technical side for many years. I know each and every aspect of product development. Having this experience behind me, I now want to learn how to market a product and make money from it. My entrepreneurial venture will give me that opportunity,” says Shirodkar.
“Having a job experience is beneficial since you learn the nuances of the job. Obviously, the risk is a lot less when you are young and do not have a family. However, I have no regrets. After having worked for 15 years in the industry, I know the right people. Of course there are many things I need to learn,” says Anika Baghi, who started her company FuxGem a year back.
Many MBA schools and institutes having a course in entrepreneurship said that the ratio of men to women has improved from 1:19 to 1:4 in the past two years.
“Times are changing now and I see women stepping out of their homes to enter a professional career. Moreover, venture capitalists are now coming forward to fund women startups and thus we can expect see the steady rise in the women entrepreneurs in coming year,” says Shah.
Numberspeak
1,282 tech startups came up in the country between 2009 and 2012
Of these ventures, only 80 have women as founders
Forty-five per cent of women-founded startup are based in Bangalore
In 2011, about 2% women were tech entrepreneurs in state, according to Nabard
The number of women entrepreneurs increased to 19% in 2012
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