The second cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator program is focused on supporting women entrepreneurs and their startups to become digitally empowered. Out of the 600 applicants, 20 companies have been selected, representing a diverse range of sectors and business models. One of the selected startups is Bare Necessities, founded by Sahar Mansoor, which aims to create sustainable lifestyle products and contribute to a waste-free world.
Mansoor was inspired to start Bare Necessities after witnessing waste pickers in India sorting through hazardous materials with their bare hands. Wanting to address this issue, she founded the company in 2015 in Bangalore. Today, the company offers a range of zero waste products, including soaps, shampoos, and dental kits. Being chosen for the Google for Startups Accelerator program has provided valuable insights and learning experiences for Mansoor and her team, particularly in terms of leveraging technology for sustainable growth. AI, in particular, has been a game-changer for their business.
Paul Ravindranath G, Program Manager at Google India, highlighted the diversity and variety within the second cohort. The startups in the program cover various sectors such as healthcare, edtech, fintech, and climate-tech. Interestingly, many of these startups are leveraging AI to tackle critical challenges, including organ transplantations and software testing. From Aarogya AI’s use of intelligent genomics in precision medicine for infectious diseases to Bare Necessities’ waste-free approach, the startups in this cohort are pushing boundaries and offering innovative solutions.
Despite India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, there is still a significant gender gap in entrepreneurship. Only 18% of digital startups have female founders or co-founders. This imbalance is attributed to socio-cultural hurdles and biases that hinder women from fully participating in the entrepreneurial landscape. Female founders face unique challenges when it comes to fundraising, networking, and team-building. To address this issue, Google’s accelerator program aims to provide female founders with mentorship, educational opportunities, and networking support to overcome these barriers.
The Google for Startups Accelerator program is aligned with Google’s broader efforts to enhance the representation of women in the digital workforce in India. With a focus on entrepreneurship, career advancement, and early-stage graduates, Google is committed to making technology relevant and accessible for everyone. The ultimate goal is to drive meaningful impact and help India, and potentially the world, adapt and progress using cutting-edge technology.
In a world where global venture capital funding for women-led startups stands at a mere 2%, initiatives like the Google for Startups Accelerator program are crucial in fostering a more inclusive and diverse startup ecosystem. By empowering female founders and providing them with the necessary resources and support, we can unlock their potential to create innovative and impactful solutions to pressing challenges.
The second cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator program not only showcases the incredible talent and diversity of women-led startups in India but also highlights the need for continued efforts to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship. As these startups continue to grow and thrive, they have the potential to make a significant impact in their respective industries and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous future.
