SonderConnect is expanding its support for women entrepreneurs with the launch of the Indo-French Ignite x 2026 programme. This initiative aims to provide 10 Indian women founders with opportunities for international growth by taking them to France for the VivaTech conference, mentorship sessions, and business meetings. In return, French women founders will visit India later this year. This exchange programme is designed to help women-led startups in AI, SaaS, and sustainability sectors, particularly those generating revenue and ready for cross-border expansion.
The programme’s focus on global access is significant as it provides women founders with mentorship, client connections, and market-entry support in France. SonderConnect is also planning to extend this global network to other markets, including the UK and the Far East. By fostering international collaborations, the programme aims to bridge the gap for women entrepreneurs seeking to expand beyond domestic borders.
Krvvy, a direct-to-consumer women’s innerwear brand, is making strides in the Indian market by focusing on function-first designs. The brand offers products like shapewear, bras, and underwear tailored to Indian body types and climate conditions. By positioning innerwear as a performance-led category, Krvvy addresses a gap in the market, particularly in the Rs 1,000–2,000 price range and shapewear, which constitutes a significant portion of its revenue.
Krvvy’s approach has resulted in rapid growth, with the company reporting a 40x increase in its first year. The startup is expanding its presence through marketplaces and quick-commerce channels, backed by fresh pre-seed funding to enhance product categories and distribution. This highlights the evolving consumer preferences in India and the potential for startups to innovate in traditionally underserved segments.
The developments in both SonderConnect and Krvvy reflect broader trends in India’s startup ecosystem, where there’s a growing emphasis on empowering women entrepreneurs and catering to niche markets with tailored solutions. These initiatives not only support gender diversity but also stimulate innovation and competitiveness in the sector.
Looking ahead, the success of such programmes and startups could pave the way for increased investment and interest in women-led ventures, potentially inspiring similar initiatives across other emerging markets. As these companies continue to grow and expand, they may set new standards for inclusivity and innovation within the Indian startup landscape.
