Falguni Nayar
Falguni Nayar is the founder, Executive Chairperson, Managing Director, and CEO of Nykaa, which she launched in 2012. Under her leadership, Nykaa has grown into a prominent beauty and lifestyle retail company, achieving unicorn status in 2020 as India's first female-led unicorn. Nayar's vision transformed the Indian beauty market by offering a wide range of products online and expanding into an omnichannel retail powerhouse. Falguni Nayar had a distinguished 18-year career at Kotak Mahindra, becoming Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Capital in 2005. In 2012, at age 50, she founded Nykaa, an online beauty and wellness platform, investing $2 million of her own capital. Nykaa launched its IPO in 2021, achieving a valuation of approximately $13 billion and making Nayar India's richest self-made woman. She was recognized as Forbes Asia's Power Businesswoman in 2019 and EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022. Her journey from investment banker to beauty mogul exemplifies her vision and determination to revolutionize the Indian beauty industry.
Career Milestones
- Falguni Nayar had an 18-year career at Kotak Mahindra, becoming Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Capital in 2005.
- In 2012, at age 50, she founded Nykaa, an online beauty and wellness platform, investing $2 million of her own capital.
- Under her leadership, Nykaa achieved unicorn status in 2020, becoming India’s first female-led unicorn.
- Nykaa launched its IPO in 2021 with a valuation of approximately $13 billion, making Nayar India’s richest self-made woman.
- She was recognized as Forbes Asia's Power Businesswoman in 2019 and EY Entrepreneur of the Year in 2022.
About Nykaa
Founded in 2012 by Falguni Nayar, Nykaa is an Indian e-commerce company in the beauty, wellness, and fashion industry. It targets a broad audience, primarily women aged 22-35, offering a wide range of products from international and local brands, including its own private labels. Core features include an omnichannel presence with online and physical stores, curated content like tutorials, and personalized recommendations. Benefits include access to authentic products, expert advice, and a convenient shopping experience.