From boardrooms to blush palettes, Nykaa’s founder redefined what it means to launch big at 50.
In the high-stakes world of Indian entrepreneurship, Falguni Nayar stands out not just for what she built, but for when she built it. Launching her startup at the age of 50, the former investment banker-turned-beauty pioneer founded Nykaa. This company has since evolved into one of India’s most successful consumer-tech success stories.
Founded in 2012, Nykaa emerged as a beauty e-commerce platform at a time when online retail was still establishing itself in India. What began as a curated digital store has today grown into a multi-brand, omnichannel powerhouse with over 100 physical outlets and millions of loyal users.
“I started Nykaa with the belief that beauty should be about choice, empowerment, and confidence,” Nayar once said. “Seeing so many women discover themselves through our platform—that’s the most rewarding part.”
A Late Leap That Paid Off
Falguni Nayar’s leap into entrepreneurship came after a two-decade-long career in finance, most notably as Managing Director at Kotak Mahindra Capital. Known for steering large corporate deals and IPOs, she had limited operational experience in retail or beauty; however, what she did possess was vision, timing, and a deep understanding of India’s evolving consumer psyche.
Nykaa’s early playbook focused on trust and transparency, critical in a market flooded with counterfeit beauty products. It won over customers by offering 100% authentic items, in-depth content, and educational tutorials, a strategy that blended commerce with credibility.
IPO Milestone and Unicorn Status
In 2021, Nykaa made headlines with its blockbuster IPO, becoming India’s first woman-led unicorn to go public. The listing not only catapulted the company to a multi-billion-dollar valuation but also made Falguni Nayar one of the country’s richest self-made women.
Her journey resonated deeply across industries—not just for the numbers, but for the narrative: a woman entering the startup race at 50, succeeding on her terms, and building an iconic brand in a space previously dominated by international players.
Redefining Leadership and Empowering Women
Nayar’s leadership goes beyond bottom lines. At Nykaa, she championed a diverse, women-forward workforce and embedded a culture of discipline and long-term thinking. She built an ecosystem where emerging Indian and global beauty brands found an authentic voice.
Her rise has also inspired countless women across the country to consider entrepreneurship as a real, achievable path, regardless of age or background.
“Motivation, purpose, and clarity come with experience,” Nayar has noted in public forums. “You don’t always have to start young to start strong.”
The Road Ahead
With Nykaa now branching into fashion, luxury, and international expansion, Falguni Nayar remains laser-focused on product innovation, omnichannel integration, and customer experience. The brand continues to evolve as a lifestyle platform for modern Indian consumers.
As the global startup world chases youth and disruption, Nayar’s story is a compelling reminder that maturity, method, and measured ambition can lead to market-defining success.
