Meet Women Entrepreneurs Reshaping The Indian Startup Ecosystem

The startup landscape has evolved significantly since the early 2000s, witnessing remarkable contributions from women entrepreneurs. Trailblazing figures like Vineeta Singh of SUGAR Cosmetics, Ghazal Alagh of Mamaearth, and Falguni Nayar of Nykaa have exemplified exceptional leadership, showcasing how businesses can be led with grace.

Preeti Nellore Sampat, the co-founder and managing partner of Eximius Ventures, highlights that this transition has empowered women in the Indian workforce, including entrepreneurs, to move away from labels such as “women in tech,” “women in investing,” and “women in science.” Instead, they are increasingly recognized simply as businesspersons, investors, or scientists.

Preeti Nellore Sampat expressed that rather than being defined by gender, women are now increasingly acknowledged for their roles and contributions. She emphasized the positive shift happening in the present era, where the future holds significant potential for everyone.

Despite persistent challenges such as gender bias, limited diversity within VC funds, and fewer opportunities for women, these obstacles have not prevented women from showcasing their capabilities and emerging as significant drivers of change in the broader startup ecosystem.

Remarkably, the current positive shift in India’s socio-economic environment for women is largely driven by women themselves. Recent statistics indicate that 14% of entrepreneurs in India are women, and businesses led by women make up over 20% of the country’s MSME sector.

Although many of these women entrepreneurs operate microenterprises, an expanding cohort of them is venturing into India’s dynamic tech startup ecosystem, demonstrating resilience in the face of the challenges it presents.

Aarti Gill:-

Aarti Gill is the co-founder and CEO of OZiva, a plant-based wellness startup established in 2016. Alongside Mihir Gadani, the direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand offers a range of products encompassing women’s health, skincare, haircare, and general wellness.

Having graduated from IIT Roorkee and INSEAD, Aarti Gill initially started her career with the financial services company Capital One. However, she later shifted gears and ventured into entrepreneurship.

In 2015, Aarti Gill and Mihir Gadani co-founded FitCircle, a startup that operated as a Facebook messenger-based fitness consulting platform. The platform connected members with experts to assist them in achieving their fitness goals through personalized workouts and diet plans.

Recognizing a significant gap in the ‘clean’ nutrition products market, Aarti Gill and Mihir Gadani launched the direct-to-consumer (D2C) brand OZiva in 2016. In 2022, FMCG giant Hindustan Unilever announced the acquisition of a 51% equity stake, followed by the remaining 49%, in the startup through a combination of primary infusion and secondary buyouts.

Ashwini Asokan

Ashwini Asokan is the CEO and co-founder of Mad Street Den. She, along with her husband Anand Chandrasekaran, founded the AI startup in 2013 and registered it in the US in 2016 as Mad Street Den Inc.

The startup’s flagship platform, Vue.ai, combines seven different products — VueTag, VueModel, VueStyle, VueCommerce, VueMail, VueFind, and VueStudio — to offer retailers a unified system.

Vue.AI uses image recognition and data science to extract retail catalog data, analyze it with user behavior, and help retailers make better and faster decisions.

Divya Gokulnath

Divya Gokulnath, an Indian entrepreneur and educator, is renowned as the co-founder and director of BYJU’S. Her journey began in 2008 at the age of 21 when she embarked on her teaching career.

In 2012, Gokulnath, along with her husband Byju Raveendran, founded the educational technology company in Bengaluru. Hailing from a middle-class family, she acquired technological skills and effectively integrated them into the education sector.

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Ghazal Alagh

Ghazal Alagh is the co-founder of the listed D2C unicorn Mamaearth, which she founded in 2016 with her husband Varun Alagh. The brand sells a range of beauty and personal care (BPC) products across various categories, including hair care, body care, and makeup.

An active angel investor, Ghazal Alagh holds a bachelor’s degree in computer application from Panjab University. Before establishing Mamaearth, she founded a fitness platform, Diet Expert, which ceased operations in 2013.

She is also better known for her stint as a Shark on the maiden season of the popular Indian TV show Shark Tank India. In 2022, she backed 14 startups, including names such as Humpy Farms, unScript AI, Wishlink, BlissClub, HumpyFarm, and Uvi Health.

Hardika Shah

Hardika Shah is the founder and CEO of Kinara Capital, a Bengaluru-based fintech startup. Founded in 2011, the platform offers collateral-free business loans between INR 1 Lakh and INR 30 Lakh to MSMEs via its app myKinara.

Before founding Kinara Capital, Shah received a degree in computer sciences from US-based Knox College and then spent almost two decades as a management consultant, executing projects globally.

Under her leadership, the startup has so far raised $117 million in funding from multiple investors, including Gaja Capital, GAWA Capital, Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, and Patamar Capital.

Manju Dhawan

Manju Dhawan co-founded the logistics powerhouse Ecom Express in 2012, alongside TA Krishnan, K Satyanarayana, and Sanjeev Saxena.

Before founding Ecom Express, Dhawan spent nearly 25 years at Blue Dart Express, rising up the ladder to become the company’s head of customer care.

Ecom Express offers logistics solutions, including first-mile pickup, processing, and last-mile delivery. Since its inception, the logistics giant has expanded its operations to encompass over 3,000 delivery centers, spanning 9.6 million square feet.

Minu Margeret

The founder and CEO of the startup established the brand due to her struggle to find suitable athleisure wear. Faced with the challenges of limited functional, technical, and innovative options, she took matters into her own hands to create a solution for the gaps she identified, paving the way for Blissclub.

Today, the Bengaluru-based fashion apparel startup has expanded its offerings to include 50 products.

Blissclub began operations as an online platform selling activewear products for women. Since then, it has expanded its product line and also opened a few offline stores as well.

An alumna of ISB, Margeret is also a CA. Before joining Blissclub, she worked with firms such as PhonePe, Anheuser-Busch InBev, Unilever, and Wipro Technologies.

Namrata Asthana

Coming from a background in communications, Namrata Asthana’s life took a different turn after she witnessed a dearth of good places that served coffee in Delhi. Partnering with Matt Chitharanjan, she founded Blue Tokai Coffee in 2012.

The startup sources single-estate Arabica coffee beans from premium Indian estates, roasts these beans on order, and sells them online directly to consumers and businesses.

Neha Singh

Neha Singh co-founded the market intelligence platform Tracxn, along with Abhishek Goyal, in 2012. The startup offers a SaaS-based tool that tracks company financials and cap tables of entities. It has customers in over 50 countries.

Singh also serves as the chairperson and managing director of Tracxn.

Tracxn raised a total funding of INR 139.22 Cr ($16.8 Mn) before getting listed on the Indian stock exchanges in 2022.

Prukalpa Sankar

Prukalpa Sankar co-founded the SaaS startup Atlan, along with Varun Banka, in 2018. The enterprise tech platform allows teams to collaborate on projects and helps create a single source for all data assets on its platform.

Before launching Atlan, Prukalpa Sankar co-founded SocialCops in 2013, a web and mobile platform aimed at fostering connectivity and collaboration within cities.

As a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer, Prukalpa Sankar also aspires to become a published author. Her writings cover various topics, including data teams, culture, metadata & data governance 3.0, startups, and leadership. She holds an engineering degree from Nanyang Technological University Singapore.

Rajoshi Ghosh

Rajoshi Ghosh is the co-founder and COO of Hasura. Established in 2018 by Tanmai Gopal and Ghosh, the enterprise tech platform creates real-time GraphQL APIs, allowing businesses to instantly access their data via secure APIs.

Rajoshi Ghosh is the co-founder and COO of Hasura. Established in 2018 by Tanmai Gopal and Ghosh, the enterprise tech platform creates real-time GraphQL APIs, allowing businesses to instantly access their data via secure APIs.

Hasura achieved unicorn status in 2022 after securing a substantial $100 million in a Series C funding round led by Greenoaks Capital.

Before incorporating Hasura, Ghosh cofounded a product development company called 34 Cross.

Ghosh played a key role as a founding member of Tech Saloon and held the position of founder at Find A Kadai and Owlink. Beyond her contributions to the tech industry, Ghosh was a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community.

Ruchi Kalra

Ruchi Kalra is an investor and cofounder of two unicorn startups – OfBusiness and Oxyzo

After obtaining a degree in chemical engineering from IIT-Delhi, Kalra pursued her MBA at the Indian School of Business. Before founding OfBusiness, she gained experience working at McKinsey & Company.

In addition to her role as an entrepreneur, Kalra is an active angel investor. She has invested in various startups, including Captain Fresh (a seafood marketplace), TyrePlex (a tire marketplace), FableStreet (a women-led lifestyle brand), and Saveo (a B2B pharmacy marketplace).

Sahradayi Modi

Sahradayi Modi is one of the co-founders of Pratilipi, a self-publishing and reading platform for Indian languages. The startup was founded in 2015 by Sahradayi Modi, along with Ranjeet Pratap Singh, Sankaranarayanan Devarajan, and Rahul Ranjan.

The storytelling platform Pratilipi connects readers and writers in 12 languages, boasting an extensive readership and listener base of up to 15 million subscribers. The platform is home to over 9.5 lakh writers.

Saumya Singh Rathore

Saumya Singh Rathore co-founded the gaming startup WinZO in 2018, along with Paavan Nanda.

WinZO collaborates with third-party developers to host games on its mobile app. The platform offers games in 12 languages and has garnered over 100 million users.

In the past, she has worked with the Times Group across various verticals, including television, distribution, radio, and publishing. Her focus was on driving growth and supervising execution.

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Shreedha Singh

Shreedha Singh co-founded The Ayurveda Co (T.A.C) with her husband, Param Bhargava, in July 2021. She currently serves as the CEO of the startup.

T.A.C. (The Ayurveda Co.) was inspired by Shreedha Singh’s experience with Ayurveda. After struggling with a skin allergy for about three years, Singh and Param Bhargava decided to start their research and founded the D2C brand Khadi Essentials in 2019.

Khadi Essentials is renowned for its diverse range of handcrafted, curated, and designed Ayurvedic beauty and wellness products, promising a transformative experience in beauty and body care.

Smita Deorah

Smita Deorah, along with Sumeet Mehta, co-founded the edtech unicorn LEAD Group in 2012 to provide innovative tech solutions to schools.

A chartered accountant turned educator, Deborah has over 22 years of experience in finance, leadership, and education. After completing her bachelor’s degree in commerce from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics, she worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) before her eight-year-long tenure at the FMCG major P&G (Procter & Gamble).

Srividhya Srinivasan

Srividhya Srinivasan, along with Subramanian and Srinivasan KA, is the visionary behind the media-focused SaaS unicorn Amagi, which the trio founded in 2008.

A serial entrepreneur, she also cofounded wireless audio technology brand Impulsesoft (now SiRF) in 1998.

She commenced her career as a software engineer at Texas Instruments after completing her B.Tech in computer science from Bharathiar University, Tamil Nadu. She specializes in software architecture and technical marketing.

Upasana Taku

Upasana Taku cofounded MobiKwik, along with Bipin Preet Singh, in 2009. Taku currently serves as the chairperson and chief financial officer of the fintech unicorn.

MobiKwik is a digital banking platform that offers a suite of financial products for both consumers and merchants. It offers online checkout, Kwik QR scan and pay, MobiKwik Vibe (Soundbox), MobiKwik EDC Machine, and merchant cash advance, among others, to businesses and merchants.

“Landmark Moment: Sweden Officially Joins NATO as 32nd Member of the Alliance”

In a significant shift prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Sweden officially joined NATO on Thursday, marking a departure from its longstanding policy of neutrality. The decision reflects a reevaluation of Sweden’s defense stance in response to the evolving geopolitical landscape, with implications for regional security dynamics in the wake of recent events in Eastern Europe.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson formally handed over accession documents to the US State Department in Washington, DC, the final step of a months-long process to gain the approval of all members to allow his country to become the alliance’s 32nd member.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken received the documents, which he said were the product of “nearly two years of tireless diplomacy” by NATO members. The documents are put into a vault at the State Department, which serves as the treaty depositary for NATO.

Sweden joining NATO was scarcely conceivable a little more than two years ago. The country remained neutral in both World Wars but when Russian troops began marching toward Kyiv in February 2022, Sweden – and its Nordic neighbor Finland – became alert to the threat Moscow could pose to nearby countries outside the alliance.

Finland – which shares a 1,300 kilometer (830 mile) border with Russia – officially joined in April 2023, more than doubling NATO’s border with Russia in a blow to President Vladimir Putin, who has sought to stem any growth of the alliance.

“Adviser Issues Warning: London Deemed ‘No-Go Zone for Jews Every Weekend'”

The government’s counter-extremism commissioner has raised concerns about the situation in London, stating that the city has evolved into a “no-go zone for Jews” specifically during weekend pro-Palestinian marches. This assertion highlights the challenges and tensions surrounding public events, emphasizing the need for attention and potential intervention to ensure inclusivity and safety for all communities in the city.

Robin Simcox urged ministers to “be bolder and be willing to accept higher legal risk” when tackling extremism.Last week Prime Minister Rishi Sunak used a speech to warn of forces “trying to tear the country apart”.Stop the War Coalition, a group taking part in the marches, said there was “no need” for Jewish people to be scared.

The statement by Mr. Simcox reveals a forthcoming initiative to establish a new definition of extremism, anticipated to be disclosed by the BBC in the upcoming week. Emphasizing a “clear purpose,” this new definition is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping future decisions regarding the government’s engagement and funding, indicating a strategic approach to identify and navigate extremism-related considerations.

Australia’s iconic Great Barrier Reef is suffering another mass bleaching event, officials have confirmed.

Bleaching occurs when heat-stressed corals expel the algae that gives them life and colour.It is the fifth time in eight years widespread damage has been detected at the Unesco World Heritage site.Only two mass bleaching events had been recorded until 2016, and scientists say urgent climate action is needed for the reef to survive.

“The frequency and scale at which these mass bleaching events are now occurring is frightening – every summer we’re holding our breath,” said Greenpeace Australia’s David Ritter.

“Claims that Australia is taking the health of the Great Barrier Reef seriously ring hollow when we continue to expand and subsidise the coal and gas industry to the tune of billions every year.”

“It’s literally cooking the Reef,” the Climate Council’s Simon Bradshaw added.

  • Why is the Great Barrier Reef in trouble?
  • The volunteers helping to map the Great Barrier Reef

Stretching over 2,300km (1,400 miles) off Australia’s north-east coast, the Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest coral system and one of its most biodiverse habitats.

An aerial survey of 320 reefs – from the tip of Australia to the city of Bundaberg – showed most are experiencing prevalent bleaching, after a summer of heightened sea temperatures.

The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority said in-water examinations are underway to determine the severity and depth of the damage – which likely varies greatly across the reef.

The body’s Chief Scientist Roger Beeden told the BBC that bleaching in the southern zone though, was the worst in almost 20 years, and could become “unprecedented”.

Truecaller launches AI-powered call recording for iOS and Android users in India

Truecaller, the popular caller identification app, has introduced an AI-powered call recording feature in India, available for both iOS and Android platforms.

With the latest update, Truecaller users in India can now access an AI-powered call recording feature directly within the app. This functionality is included in the Premium plan. Which starts at Rs 75 per month or Rs 529 per year. Users will have the convenience of recording both incoming and outgoing calls through Truecaller.

Rishit Jhunjhunwala, Managing Director and Chief Product Officer of Truecaller expressed the company’s aim to empower customers with enhanced control and flexibility in handling their conversations. The newly introduced AI-powered call recording feature serves as a valuable tool for both personal and professional purposes, offering users added convenience.

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This feature enables users to record and transcribe all calls, whether incoming or outgoing, in both English and Hindi languages, providing a comprehensive solution for managing conversations with any caller.

The call recording service was initially introduced in the United States, with plans to expand its availability to more markets and languages in the future, according to the company’s announcement.

For iPhone users

After answering or making a call. Open the Truecaller app, go to the Search tab, and tap ‘Record a call’. This will be called the recording line. Which is a special number provided by Truecaller. The call screen will then provide the option to merge the calls.

A push notification will alert you when the recording is ready. Previously recorded calls can also be accessed within Truecaller.

For Android users

The Truecaller dialer includes a dedicated recording button that can start or stop recording with just one tap.

On other dialers, users will have a ‘floating’ button to initiate or end recording. Once the call ends, a push notification will alert users when the recording and transcription are ready.

“UN Reports First Decline in Global Patent Filings in Over a Decade”

In a significant global development, international patent filings experienced an unexpected decline last year, marking the first downturn in 14 years. This downturn has been attributed to a combination of higher interest rates and pervasive economic uncertainty, as reported by the United Nations on Thursday. Notably, amid this worldwide trend, India stands out as one of the few countries that defied the decline in international patent filings, showcasing resilience and innovation in the face of prevailing challenges. The report sheds light on the complex interplay between economic factors and intellectual property trends on the global stage.

A total of 272,600 international patents were filed in 2023, marking a 1.8-percent decline from a year earlier, the United Nations’ World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) said in its annual overview

Carsten Fink, the Chief Economist at WIPO, expressed his perspective on the situation, stating, “We believe that this reflects the currently adverse environment for innovation and entrepreneurial activity.” Fink shared this insight with reporters in Geneva, underlining the challenging conditions that may be impacting the global landscape for innovation and entrepreneurship. The statement underscores the importance of understanding the broader economic and environmental factors influencing the decline in international patent filings reported by the United Nations.

WIPO Director-General Daren Tang agreed, insisting in a statement that likely declining inflation rates could provide more business confidence and innovation investments, “setting the stage for a recovery in international IP filings later this year”.

“EcoSignals Central: Understanding Key Economic Indicators”

Economic indicators are vital statistics that provide insight into the health and performance of a country’s economy. They offer valuable information about various aspects of economic activity, such as employment levels, consumer spending, inflation rates, and overall economic growth.

For a blog post, you could describe economic indicators as essential tools used by policymakers, investors, businesses, and economists to assess the current state of the economy, identify trends, and make informed decisions. These indicators help stakeholders understand the direction in which the economy is heading and anticipate potential changes or challenges.

You could highlight some common economic indicators and briefly explain what each one measures:

Gross Domestic Product (GDP): GDP measures the total value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders over a specific period. It is often used as a broad indicator of economic health and growth.

Unemployment Rate: The unemployment rate measures the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. It provides insight into labor market conditions and the availability of jobs.

Consumer Price Index (CPI): CPI measures changes in the prices of a basket of goods and services commonly purchased by households. It is used to gauge inflation and its impact on consumer purchasing power.

Retail Sales: Retail sales data track the total sales of goods and services by retail establishments. It reflects consumer spending patterns and can indicate trends in consumer confidence and economic activity.

Industrial Production: Industrial production measures the output of manufacturing, mining, and utilities sectors. It provides insight into the strength of industrial activity and overall economic production.

Housing Market Indicators: These include metrics such as housing starts, building permits, and home sales, which provide information about the health of the real estate market and overall economic stability.

“Profit Pulse: A Guide to Strategic Financial Planning for Entrepreneurs”

“Financial Planning for Entrepreneurs” is a crucial workshop tailored for individuals embarking on the entrepreneurial journey or seeking to enhance their financial acumen in business. In this comprehensive session, participants will gain practical insights and strategic approaches to effectively manage and optimize their financial resources.

The workshop will cover fundamental aspects of financial planning, including budgeting, cash flow management, investment strategies, and risk mitigation. Seasoned financial experts and successful entrepreneurs will share their experiences, offering valuable advice on navigating the financial challenges commonly faced by business owners.

Key topics include creating realistic financial projections, identifying funding sources, understanding tax implications, and implementing financial best practices to ensure long-term sustainability. Participants will also explore the role of technology in financial management, with a focus on leveraging digital tools and analytics to streamline processes and make informed decisions.

Through interactive discussions and hands-on exercises, attendees will develop a personalized financial roadmap for their ventures, aligning short-term goals with long-term vision. The workshop aims to empower entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills needed to make sound financial decisions, foster growth, and navigate the financial intricacies of running a successful business.

Whether you’re a startup founder or a seasoned entrepreneur looking to enhance your financial strategy, “Financial Planning for Entrepreneurs” provides a roadmap to financial success and stability in today’s dynamic business landscape. Join us for a transformative experience that will empower you to confidently navigate the financial aspects of entrepreneurship and unlock the full potential of your business.

Footwear brand Bacca Bucci fails to hook investors at Shark Tank India

In the latest episode of ‘Shark Tank India Season 3, the indigenous Indian footwear brand ‘Bacca Bucci’ did not manage to captivate the interest of the sharks.

During the pitch on the business reality show, the founders of ‘Bacca Bucci’, Natwar Agrawal and Anuj Nevatia, sought a Rs 2.5 crore investment for a one percent equity stake in their fast-fashion footwear brand, which primarily targets the Gen Z and youth demographic.

‘Bacca Bucci’ aims to cater to diverse preferences within the youth market by offering a wide range of products under various sub-categories. Their product lineup includes boots designed for trekking and adventure, sports shoes, streetwear, and accessories.

Starting in 2014, they have delivered 30 lakhs plus products till date.

Namita Thapar (Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals LTD) said: “Please tell us about your background. And how did you think of starting this?

“We both have chartered accountancy backgrounds. We were doing jobs. I was in loan syndication. Anuj was in EY. When I was doing a job, I needed shoes. When I compared the prices back in 2014, there was a significant difference between online and offline prices,” Natwar said.

The founders of ‘Bacca Bucci initially identified a gap in the market where online shoes tended to be expensive, while offline options were more affordable. To address this imbalance, they started selling shoes as a side hustle. Over time, their venture gained traction, and today, they are fully committed to running the business.

Anupam Mittal (Founder and CEO of Shaadi.com): “Have you extended your business?”

Natwar replied: “It’s a category extension. We launched T-shirts in October.”

Upon reviewing the products presented by ‘Bacca Bucci’, Deepinder Goyal, Founder and CEO of Zomato, expressed disappointment, stating, “There’s no consistency in branding. The design language will score two out of ten.”

Vineeta Singh (Co-Founder and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics) said: “l like the quality.”

Namita Thapar commented on the lack of a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) and emphasized the importance of branding, culture, and having a clear vision. She expressed her lack of excitement about the business and decided not to invest, stating, “I don’t see a USP. Branding… It’s important to create a culture. It can’t be created on just pricing. I think you should focus on it. But without a clear vision, I’m not excited about this. So I’m out.”

Oprah Winfrey Net Worth: What of her business made her a billionaire?

Oprah Winfrey the iconic media mogul, has amassed an astronomical net worth and a long list of accolades throughout her career. Her eponymous talk show, which ran for an impressive 25 seasons, garnered a whopping 47 Daytime Emmys and produced countless memorable interview moments.

Oprah Winfrey’s impact on popular culture is undeniable, from her memorable interview with Tom Cruise jumping on the couch to propelling the careers of Dr. Phil McGraw and Dr. Oz. Her influence extends to having her own magazine and TV network.

What distinguishes Oprah from many other celebrities is that her net worth is entirely self-made. From her acting roles in films like “The Color Purple” and “Beloved” to successful investments in Weight Watchers, Oprah’s financial success has positively impacted every network and brand she has been associated with. Her journey to fame and fortune serves as a truly inspiring story.

Oprah Winfrey, born to a single teenage mother in rural Mississippi, faced hardship and trauma in her early life. Enduring abuse and surviving brutal assaults as a child, she found solace in education. These challenging experiences later inspired her to establish her school for girls in South Africa.

What is Oprah Winfrey’s Net Worth?

As of Feb 2024, Oprah Winfrey’s net worth is estimated to be a staggering $3.5 billion. Her remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to becoming one of the wealthiest individuals globally reflects her talent, determination, and successful entrepreneurial ventures. Oprah’s self-made net worth solidifies her status as one of the most influential figures in the entertainment industry.

Who is richer, Oprah or Ellen?

Oprah Winfrey’s wealth surpasses that of fellow talk show giant Ellen DeGeneres. With a net worth of $2.8 billion. Oprah significantly outpaces DeGeneres, whose estimated net worth is $380 million. DeGeneres accumulated her fortune primarily through her self-titled talk show. Which concluded after 18 years on air, along with earnings from brand endorsements and strategic real estate investments.