Overview The Startup India initiative has recognised 2,12,283 entities as startups by 31 January 2026. Of these, 1,02,054 (≈48%) have at least one woman director/partner, underscoring the Government’s push for gender‑inclusive entrepreneurship. Key Developments (as of 31 Jan 2026) Women‑led startups receive Rs 2,995 crore through the FFS since 2020. The SISFS has approved Rs 592 crore for startups, with Rs 294 crore earmarked for women‑led firms. Under the CGSS , loans worth Rs 925 crore have been guaranteed, of which Rs 39 crore went to women‑led startups. Overall, 6,789 recognised startups are listed as closed (dissolved/struck‑off) by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs; 2,950 of these have at least one woman director/partner. Important Facts & Figures Total recognised startups (DPIIT) : 2,12,283 Startups with at least one woman director/partner : 1,02,054 Closed startups (MCA) : 6,789 (2,950 women‑led) Funding through FFS (AIFs) : Rs 25,859 crore total; Rs 2,995 crore to women‑led firms. Seed funding via SISFS : Rs 592 crore total; Rs 294 crore to women‑led firms. Loan guarantees via CGSS : Rs 925 crore total; Rs 39 crore to women‑led firms. Scheme‑wise selection and closure data (as of 31 Jan 2026): FFS – 1,382 startups selected, 17 closed. SISFS – 3,311 startups selected, 26 closed. CGSS – 281 startups selected, 1 closed. UPSC Relevance The data illustrates how the Government leverages financial instruments to nurture the startup ecosystem, a topic covered under GS Paper III – Economic Development . Understanding the role of agencies such as the DPIIT and the SIDBI helps answer questions on public‑sector support to MSMEs and innovation. Gender‑inclusive entrepreneurship aligns with the Government’s ‘Women Empowerment’ agenda, linking to GS Paper IV – Ethics and Integrity (social justice) and to the broader discourse on inclusive growth. Way Forward To deepen impact, the Government could: Increase the share of women‑led firms in the FFS and CGSS portfolios beyond the current ~10%. Introduce a dedicated monitoring mechanism for closed startups to identify systemic bottlenecks. Strengthen linkages between incubators (SISFS) and industry mentors to improve conversion of seed funding into scalable ventures. Expand awareness programmes in states with low women‑director representation, using the state‑wise data provided. These steps would enhance the sustainability of the startup ecosystem and further the Government’s objective of a knowledge‑driven economy.