Investing in Women: A Powerful Approach for Investors in India

Gender-lens (or gender-smart) investing refers to investments that achieve greater social and financial returns on investment by focusing on businesses that are owned or led by women, have good gender balance, and/or serve women customers with their products and services.

Given this double benefit, gender-lens investing is rapidly gaining momentum globally, with volumes of capital raised across private equity, venture capital, and private debt vehicles growing from $1.1 billion in 2017 to $4.8 billion in 2019. This includes various funds that are specifically looking to invest in women-led start-ups.

However, few Indian investors are proactively considering gender as part of their investment plan. FSG’s recent in-depth conversations with more than 20 leading impact investors in India revealed that while many expressed interest in the theme of gender-lens investing, few had actively incorporated gender into their investment strategies and processes.

Read the blog for 5 priority actions to boost investment in women-owned businesses in India >

About FSG

FSG is a mission-driven consulting firm supporting leaders in creating large-scale, lasting social change. Through customized consulting services, innovative thought leadership, and support for learning communities, we help foundations, businesses, nonprofits, and governments around the world accelerate progress by reimagining social change. Learn more at www.fsg.org.