The indicator “Startups recognised by Startup India with at least 1 woman director” captures the number of government-recognised startups that have at least one female director on their board. This metric is a key measure of gender diversity and inclusion within India’s startup leadership. Since recognition under the Startup India initiative requires startups to fulfil specific eligibility criteria, such as innovation, formal incorporation, and operational tenure, this indicator reflects women’s participation in leadership roles within the formal and innovation-driven segment of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Its relevance lies in highlighting the progress toward gender equity in business decision-making and governance. Increasing the presence of women in directorial roles is essential for fostering inclusive innovation, bringing diverse perspectives to leadership, and challenging structural barriers that have historically limited women’s access to entrepreneurship. This indicator also serves as a vital tool for policymakers, investors, and advocacy groups to assess the impact of women-focused startup support programs and funding initiatives. It can inform the design of more targeted policies aimed at empowering women entrepreneurs, especially in underrepresented sectors or regions. Overall, this metric contributes to a broader understanding of how inclusive India’s startup growth is and how gender-balanced leadership can drive sustainable and equitable economic development.