Ghazal Alagh, the 36-year-old co-founder of Mamaearth, has made history by being recognized as India’s youngest self-made woman entrepreneur in the IDFC FIRST Private & Hurun India’s Top 200 Self-Made Entrepreneurs of the Millennia 2024 list. What started as a small idea has now grown into a business empire worth Rs 15,500 crore, with a 55% increase in its value year-on-year.

Alagh’s remarkable rise in the business world is a testament to her vision, hard work, and determination. Mamaearth, under the parent company Honasa Consumer, has not only disrupted the beauty and wellness industry but also positioned Alagh as a key figure in India’s entrepreneurial scene. Her inclusion in this prestigious list places her among other major names such as Falguni Nayar of Nykaa, whose company is valued at Rs 56,600 crore, and Neha Bansal of Lenskart, valued at Rs 41,800 crore. While Nayar and Bansal are undoubtedly influential, Alagh’s rapid success and youthful age make her story particularly inspiring.

Other women entrepreneurs on the list include Ruchi Kalra, co-founder of Of Business, valued at Rs 41,600 crore, and Kavitha Subramanian, co-founder of Upstox, valued at Rs 28,200 crore. The Hurun report also highlights the growing role of women in business, celebrating their innovative approach and leadership in industries traditionally dominated by men.

In addition to the women entrepreneurs, the list also features powerful names like Zerodha co-founders Nithin Kamath and Nikhil Kamath, whose brokerage firm is valued at Rs 64,800 crore. Razorpay, a leading payment gateway founded by Harshil Mathur and Shashank Kumar, also made it to the list, with its continued growth solidifying its position in India’s fintech sector.

Falguni Nayar, the founder of Nykaa, stands as the highest-ranked woman on the list, holding the 10th spot. Nykaa, with a valuation of Rs 56,600 crore, has become a giant in India’s e-commerce space, offering over 1,000 beauty and wellness brands. Nayar’s success story is a powerful reminder of how women can build and scale companies with global reach.

One of the youngest entrepreneurs on the list is Kaivalya Vohra, co-founder of Zepto, who, at just 21 years old, has already achieved impressive success. Zepto’s valuation has increased by an astonishing 259%, now standing at Rs 41,800 crore. Along with his co-founder, Aadit Palicha, Vohra is revolutionizing the quick-commerce industry in India.

The IDFC FIRST Private & Hurun India’s Top 200 list features entrepreneurs who have built companies with a combined valuation of Rs 36 lakh crore (US$431 billion), reflecting a 20% growth from last year. These entrepreneurs are driving innovation across a wide range of sectors, including retail, healthcare, fintech, and online services. They employ around one million people, contributing significantly to India’s economic growth.

Bengaluru remains the center for India’s self-made entrepreneurs, with 66 companies based there. Mumbai and Gurugram follow, with 36 and 31 companies, respectively.

What stands out most about Ghazal Alagh’s journey is not just the financial success, but the empowerment she represents for women entrepreneurs. From a homemaker with a dream to building a billion-dollar business, her story is proof that with the right vision, determination, and hard work, it is possible to break through any barrier and achieve greatness. Her achievements continue to inspire countless women to believe in themselves and pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with confidence.