Introduction

On International Women's Day, we celebrate the remarkable achievements of women in all fields, including entrepreneurship. Women-led startups have made significant strides, breaking down barriers and creating successful businesses.

Today, we want to highlight 10 exceptional startups led by women that are revolutionizing their respective industries with their innovative products and services.

The Riveter

Founded by Amy Nelson in 2016, The Riveter is a co-working space designed for women to work, connect and collaborate. The company offers community, events, and amenities tailored to women's needs, creating an inclusive environment for female professionals to thrive.

What sets The Riveter apart is their focus on community-building, which helps women develop a strong network and support system. In 2019, The Riveter was named one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies. The company has raised over $20 million in funding and has locations across the United States.

Maven Clinic

Maven Clinic, founded by Kate Ryder in 2014, is a digital health startup that provides telemedicine services and on-demand healthcare to women. In 2020, Maven Clinic was named one of CNBC's Disruptor 50 companies.

The company's mission is to make it easier for women to access high-quality healthcare, particularly for issues related to fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum care.

Maven Clinic's unique approach is centered around personalized care, with each patient receiving a dedicated care team that includes doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. The company has raised over $290 million in funding and has partnerships with companies such as Bumble.

Ellevest

Sallie Krawcheck founded Ellevest in 2014, a digital investment platform focused on closing the gender investing gap. The company's approach is to create investment portfolios tailored to women's financial goals, with a focus on long-term wealth creation.

What sets Ellevest apart is their commitment to education, providing women with resources and tools to understand and take control of their finances. Ellevest has an impressive funding of over $153 million and has helped over 120,000 women invest for their futures.

Billie

Billie, founded by Georgina Gooley and Jason Bravman in 2017, is a subscription-based razor company that provides affordable and high-quality razors for women. The company's approach is to create products that are specifically designed for women's needs, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity.

Billie is committed to challenging the norms of the shaving industry, which has historically been dominated by men's products. The company has also been featured in publications such as Vogue and Forbes.

23andMe

23andMe was co-founded by Anne Wojcicki in 2006, providing DNA testing and analysis for individuals to learn more about their genetic makeup. The company's approach is to make genetic testing accessible and affordable to the general public, with a focus on using genetic information to improve health outcomes.

What sets 23andMe apart is their dedication to research, with the company conducting large-scale genetic studies to better understand disease and wellness. 23andMe boasts over $1.1 billion in funding and has over 10 million customers worldwide.

The Muse

The Muse, founded by Kathryn Minshew in 2011, is a career platform that provides job listings, career advice, and company insights. The company's approach is to create a personalized recommendation engine that matches job seekers with their dream job based on their skills, experience, and career goals.

The Muse also provides career advice and insights from industry experts, helping job seekers navigate the job search process. The Muse is very particular on transparency, providing detailed information about each company's culture, values, and employee experiences. The Muse over $39 million in funding and has partnerships with companies like Dropbox.

Rent the Runway

Rent the Runway was co-founded by Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleiss in 2009, providing a rental service for high-end fashion and accessories. The company's approach is to create a sustainable and affordable alternative to fast fashion, with a focus on inclusivity and diversity.

Rent the Runway also offers subscription plans and personalized styling services, making it easier for customers to access high-end fashion. Rent the Runway strongly adheres to social responsibility, with the company regularly donating dresses to women in need through their Rent the Runway Foundation.

Stella & Dot

Jessica Herrin founded Stella & Dot in 2003, creating a direct sales company for women's jewelry and accessories. The company's approach is to empower women to start their own businesses and earn income through flexible, entrepreneurial opportunities.

Stella & Dot also offers training and support for their independent stylists, helping them build successful businesses. Stella & Dot are dedicated towards creating a social impact, donating a portion of their proceeds to charities such as Every Mother Counts and Girls Inc.

The company has raised over $42 million in funding and has over 50,000 independent stylists worldwide.

Blavity

Blavity, founded by Morgan DeBaun in 2014, is a media company focused on creating content for and by Black millennials. The company's approach is to provide a platform for underrepresented voices and create a sense of community among Black millennials.

Blavity’s funding amounts to over $9 million and it has partnerships with companies such as Airbnb and Google. Blavity also hosts events and conferences, providing networking opportunities and career development for their audience.

Their motto is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the company creating initiatives to support Black-owned businesses and highlighting issues affecting the Black community.

Houzz

Houzz is an online platform for home remodeling, design, and decorating. The platform connects homeowners with professionals in the industry, providing a space for women to explore and execute their design ideas.

Founded in 2009 by Adi Takarto and Alon Cohen, Houzz has grown to become a leading platform for home renovation and design, with a diverse range of perspectives and experiences represented in its leadership and workforce. Houzz has 40 million plus monthly unique users and is valued at over $4 billion.

The Future is Bright

These 10 women-led startups are just a few examples of the incredible work being done by women entrepreneurs around the world.

Their innovative products and services are changing the game in their respective industries, and their commitment to diversity, social responsibility, and community-building sets them apart from the rest.

As we celebrate International Women's Day, let's continue to support and uplift women-led businesses, paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future.