The funding will enable LWL to expand its unique ecosystem for women professionals and leaders across multiple sectors, offering them the resources, mentorship, and support necessary to overcome traditional barriers and excel in their careers.

Founded by former veteran journalist Aabha Bakaya and Aditya Ghosh in 2021, LWL has been actively shaping an inclusive space for women entrepreneurs, professionals, and veterans across industries, creating professional growth opportunities for them through curated workshops, networking, mentorship programs, upskilling programs, and social events. By focusing on cross-industry exposure and collaborative experiences, LWL addresses key barriers to leadership advancement, such as pay disparity, networking limitations, inaccessibility to mentors, and the need for better work-life balance for women professionals.

This funding will enable LWL to deepen its reach within India’s professional landscape, strengthening support for established and emerging women leaders alike. With operations currently active in Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore, LWL’s expansion plans aim to extend its mission to a wider audience across the country and further diversify its membership.

Speaking on the funding, Ladies Who Lead’s Founder & CEO Aabha Bakaya said, “I believe that women should own their destiny—empowered to choose, shape, and grow in a way that is fulfilling for them. We have meticulously designed our offerings to enable women to forge strong connections and build essential relationships that contribute to their personal and professional growth. As our movement grows, more women in various fields will lead, and our collective influence will empower us to co-create the future. We see this funding from Rainmatter as a strong endorsement of our vision, and we are incredibly proud to have them as our partners on this journey.”

Co-Founder Aditya Ghosh added, “Ladies Who Lead isn’t just about creating opportunities—it’s about fostering a safe and equitable space where women can genuinely support each other, inspire, and achieve more – both personally and professionally. Driving change is never easy. And therefore, Rainmatter’s decision to join our journey at LWL is an incredible shot in the arm for us.”

Speaking on Rainmatter’s investment, Seema Patil from Rainmatter and Zerodha said, “As a team, we are constantly exploring new ways to support Indian entrepreneurs. We believe that empowering women at all levels and across industries is crucial for driving truly inclusive economic growth in India—whether they are leaders, founders, or women returning to the workforce after a break.” 

“Today, only 35% of Indian women participate in the workforce, compared to the global average of 50%. Even more concerning is that women hold just 18% of senior leadership roles in India. There is a tremendous opportunity to change this. That’s why, when we connected with Ladies Who Lead, we were immediately inspired by their commitment to creating a unique space for women while providing them mentorship and growth opportunities. We are excited to support them on this journey and look forward to the positive impact they will have in co-creating a more equitable future for women in India,” added Seema.

Despite recent advances in gender equality, only 1.6% of Fortune India 500 companies have women at the helm, according to a 2024 study by Fortune India. The study also reveals that over 30-40 percent of women employees exit the workforce before even reaching middle management, often around the time they start families. Maternity leave and the subsequent return to work present significant challenges, contributing to a trend where many women find it difficult to continue their careers post-childbirth. 

Acknowledging the magnitude of these challenges, LWL is tackling them with a purpose-driven, outcome-oriented approach tailored to each member’s unique goals. Upon joining, members are paired with a dedicated community point of contact, who curates their LWL experience around their individual career goals and aspirations. This ensures that each member receives personalised engagement, whether they are looking for networking opportunities, business partnerships, or practical solutions to specific challenges.

“It’s time we realise the power and need of community support systems, especially for women approaching mid-to-senior management positions, where the dropout rate is maximum. To meet India’s ambitious GDP target of $30 trillion by 2047, the ecosystem needs to create more jobs, and that cannot be done without the participation of women in upper management,” Aabha concludes.

About Ladies Who Lead

Founded in 2021, Ladies Who Lead (LWL) is a members-only platform designed to support and amplify the voices of women in leadership. With over 1,200 members spanning 50+ industries, LWL provides women with access to mentorship, exclusive networking, and professional development opportunities through its Titan and LWL Members clubs. LWL’s vision is to foster an equitable professional ecosystem where women can thrive and drive change.