Introduction – Women Entrepreneurs Shaping Business and the World

Entrepreneurship has always been about vision, resilience, and the courage to take risks. In 2024, women leaders across industries continued to prove that innovation and determination can rewrite the rules of business. From technology to fashion, sustainability to aerospace, woemn entrepreneurs are driving global change and setting new benchmarks for success.

This article highlights five remarkable women entrepreneurs who shaped 2024 through groundbreaking achievements, their ability to inspire others, and their commitment to building companies that make a big difference, and are shaping the world as they build strong businesses.

1. Whitney Wolfe Herd — Founder of Bumble

Whitney Wolfe Herd, already a household name in the tech world, made headlines again in 2024 as Bumble continued to expand beyond its dating-app roots. Under her leadership, Bumble has positioned itself as a “relationship super app,” offering users not just dating opportunities but also career networking, friendships, and community spaces.

Achievements in 2024

Expansion into professional networking: Bumble Bizz grew substantially, attracting entrepreneurs and job seekers who wanted an alternative to LinkedIn.
Safety and inclusivity features: Wolfe Herd championed AI-driven safety tools designed to prevent harassment and build trust online.
Global outreach: Bumble deepened its presence in emerging markets, particularly in Asia and South America, emphasizing women’s empowerment and digital safety.

As a strong woman entrepreneur Wolfe Herd’s focus on creating platforms where women make the first move has reshaped how millions approach both dating and professional life.

2. Rihanna (Robyn Fenty) — Founder of Fenty Beauty & Savage X Fenty

Pop star turned business mogul Rihanna continues to dominate both music and entrepreneurship in 2024. Her companies, Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty, represent more than cosmetics and lingerie — they symbolize inclusivity, diversity, and empowerment.

Achievements in 2024

Global expansion: Fenty Beauty expanded its footprint in Africa and the Middle East, reaching new customers with a commitment to shades for all skin tones around the globe.
Sustainability in fashion: Savage X Fenty made significant strides in adopting eco-friendly fabrics and sustainable production practices.
Cultural influence: Rihanna leveraged her star power to blur the lines between celebrity branding and genuine product innovation.

By balancing artistry and business acumen, Rihanna has become one of the most influential women entrepreneurs of her generation, shaping both cultural and commercial landscapes.

3. Reshma Saujani — Founder of Girls Who Code & Moms First

Reshma Saujani, is a visionary social entrepreneur who has redefined advocacy for women in technology and working mothers. She is a woman entrepreneur who has made a huge difference in the lives of so many, changing the lives of women and their families.

Achievements in 2024

Expanding Girls Who Code: Saujani’s organization continued its global mission of closing the gender gap in technology, reaching millions of young women and expanding programs in Europe and Asia.
Moms First initiative: Formerly known as the Marshall Plan for Moms, this movement pushed corporate and policy reforms to better support working mothers. In 2024, it successfully influenced major U.S. companies to adopt paid caregiver leave and more flexible workplace policies.
Advocacy at scale: Saujani leveraged her influence to speak at major global forums, emphasizing the economic and social costs of leaving women and mothers out of leadership pipelines.

Unlike traditional entrepreneurs, Saujani’s success lies in building ecosystems of opportunity. Her work bridges education, corporate culture, and public policy — showing that women entrepreneurs can lead to creating social change as much as launching a product and business.

4. Ghazal Alagh — Co-Founder of Mamaearth (India)

Ghazal Alagh, the co-founder of Mamaearth, represents a new generation of women entrepreneurs from emerging markets that are making a global impact. Mamaearth started as a toxin-free baby-care brand in India but has grown into a full-scale personal care company with a mission rooted in sustainability.

Achievements in 2024

IPO success: Mamaearth’s parent company, Honasa Consumer, saw continued growth post-IPO, making it one of India’s most visible startups.
Sustainable packaging: Alagh spearheaded eco-friendly initiatives, including recyclable packaging and reforestation efforts tied to consumer purchases.
Global recognition: Mamaearth expanded into Middle Eastern and Southeast Asian markets, winning accolades for both product quality and its environmental mission.

Ghazal Alagh’s entrepreneurial journey is inspiring not only because of her business growth but also because she shows how brands can marry profitability with purpose, even in emerging markets.

5. Gwynne Shotwell — President & COO of SpaceX

Space exploration may seem far removed from the everyday entrepreneur’s world, but Gwynne Shotwell, President and COO of SpaceX, proves otherwise. Though Elon Musk often takes the spotlight, Shotwell has been instrumental in transforming SpaceX into one of the most successful aerospace companies in history and reshaping the world.

Achievements in 2024

Starlink expansion: SpaceX’s satellite internet service continued to grow globally, connecting remote areas and helping close the digital divide.
Commercial space launches: Shotwell oversaw record numbers of commercial launches, securing contracts with both private companies and governments.
Women in STEM inspiration: Shotwell became a symbol of female leadership in engineering and aerospace, a field still dominated by men.

The amazing career of Shotwell demonstrates how women entrepreneurs and executives can lead billion-dollar industries that shape the future of humanity.

Common Traits Among These Women Entrepreneurs

While these five women operate in vastly different industries — tech, personal care, advocacy, and aerospace — their stories highlight common qualities that define successful entrepreneurship in 2024:

Visionary leadership: These women entrepreneurs have each has redefined their industry by introducing bold ideas that challenge traditional norms.
Commitment to inclusivity: From Rihanna’s inclusive beauty shades to Saujani’s advocacy for working mothers, inclusivity is a core driver of their success.
Global impact: These leaders think beyond borders, scaling their companies to international levels while practicing and implementing inclusivity and building sustainable strong businesses.
Sustainability and ethics: Alagh’s eco-initiatives and Rihanna’s sustainable fashion moves show that profitability and responsibility can coexist.
Resilience: Whether facing skeptics, financial hurdles, or systemic barriers, these women entrepreneurs have turned obstacles into steppingstones.

The Bigger Picture: Women Entrepreneurs in 2024

2024 was not just about five women; it was a year where women’s entrepreneurship reached new heights globally. More than ever, female founders are influencing how capital is invested, how products are built, and how communities are empowered.

Record-breaking IPOs and valuations: Women entrepreneur led companies in sectors such as biotech, fintech, and e-commerce saw unprecedented valuations. This momentum proved that businesses led by women are not just viable — they are outperforming market expectations.
Rise of impact-driven ventures: Female founders often weave social and environmental missions into their business models. Investors are increasingly drawn to this balance of profit and purpose, creating a ripple effect across industries.
Tech and STEM representation: Programs like Girls Who Code, She Loves Tech, and Women Who Tech expanded in 2024, fueling a pipeline of future entrepreneurs and engineers. These initiatives help counteract decades of underrepresentation in fields critical to innovation.
Global south leadership: Entrepreneurs like Ghazal Alagh highlight a growing trend: some of the most exciting ventures are emerging from markets like India, Africa, and Latin America. Women in these regions are solving local problems with global potential, from healthcare access to clean energy.
Shifting investor mindsets: Venture capital firms that once overlooked female founders are now restructuring to include gender-lens investing strategies. Angel networks of women investors also gained traction, proving that representation at the investor level accelerates representation among founders.

What makes 2024 particularly significant is that women’s entrepreneurship is no longer treated as a niche story. It is becoming central to all discussions about business and innovation, growth, and sustainability worldwide. These women entrepreneurs broke barriers, and are actively redefining what business success looks like in the 21st century.

Conclusion

The stories of Whitney Wolfe Herd, Rihanna, Reshma Saujani, Ghazal Alagh, and Gwynne Shotwell illustrate the power of women entrepreneurs to shape industries, inspire generations, and change the world. As we look ahead, their journeys serve as a reminder that entrepreneurship is not defined by gender but by courage, creativity, and persistence.

The world of business in 2024 has been profoundly influenced by women who are building companies with impact, purpose, and scale. And for future entrepreneurs — male or female — the lessons they provide are invaluable.