PM Modi: India's Startup Ecosystem Soars to 2 Lakh Firms, 125 Unicorns; Women Lead 45% New Ventures

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India's startup count has reached 2 lakh, with 125 active unicorns, marking a decade of the 'Startup India' mission.
• India now stands as the world's third-largest startup ecosystem, a significant growth from just four startups in 2014.
• Modi highlighted that 45% of new startups are led by women, either as directors or partners, showcasing increasing female entrepreneurship.
• The PM noted a shift in mindset, where risk-taking in entrepreneurship, once discouraged, has now become mainstream and fashionable among the youth.
• Startup India is creating jobs and seeing unicorns launch IPOs, with entrepreneurial spirit spreading to tier-2, tier-3 cities, and rural areas.

Why It Matters: India's startup ecosystem has rapidly expanded to 2 lakh firms and 125 unicorns, with women leading 45% of new ventures.