## Falguni Nayar Biography ##

Falguni Nayar is one of India's most inspiring self-made entrepreneurs and a recognized figure in the country's rapidly growing beauty and fashion e-commerce industry. Known as the founder of Nykaa, she transformed the way Indians purchase beauty products and became one of India's richest self-made women. Her journey from investment banking to building a billion-dollar retail empire demonstrates vision, courage, and a deep understanding of consumers.Falguni Nayar was born on February 19, 1963, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, into a Gujarati business family. Growing up in a household that valued entrepreneurship and hard work, she learned the basics of business early on. Her father ran a small bearings company, and observing his work sparked her interest in commerce and finance.She earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics in Mumbai. Later, she earned a postgraduate diploma in management from the renowned Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIM Ahmedabad). Her time at IIM Ahmedabad laid a strong foundation in finance, strategy, and leadership—skills that would later shape her entrepreneurial journey.Before becoming an entrepreneur, Falguni Nayar had a distinguished career in investment banking. She joined the Kotak Mahindra Group in 1993 and spent nearly two decades there. During her time there, she held several leadership roles and eventually became the Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Capital, the group's investment banking arm.

At Kotak, she worked closely with some of India's largest corporations and was involved in major mergers, acquisitions, and capital market transactions. Her experience in corporate strategy, valuation, and investor relations gave her a deep understanding of building and scaling successful businesses. Despite her successful corporate career, Nair felt a growing desire to create something of her own.In 2012, at the age of 49—an age when many professionals consider slowing down—Falguni Nair took a big step and started Nykaa. The name "Nykaa" is derived from the Sanskrit word "nayika," meaning actress or one who lives in the spotlight. Her vision was to create a unique beauty and wellness platform that would offer authentic products, curated selections, and educational content to Indian customers.At the time, India's e-commerce market was still developing, and beauty retail was largely unorganized. Customers often struggled with counterfeit products and limited access to global brands. Nair identified a clear gap: Indian shoppers wanted genuine products, reliable service, and expert guidance.Nykaa began as an online marketplace focused on cosmetics and personal care. Unlike many e-commerce platforms that followed a discount-driven model, Nykaa adopted an inventory-based approach. This allowed the company to control product authenticity and customer experience. Over time, Nykaa expanded into fashion, launching Nykaa Fashion and introducing private-label brands.

Under Falguni Nair's leadership, Nykaa grew rapidly. The company built strong relationships with global and domestic beauty brands, expanded its logistics network, and opened offline retail stores in major cities across India. By combining online and offline retail strategies, Nykaa created an omnichannel presence.In November 2021, Nykaa's parent company, FSN E-Commerce Ventures, launched its initial public offering (IPO) on the Indian stock market. The IPO was very successful, several times oversubscribed, and was a historic moment. Upon listing, Falguni Nayar became one of India's richest self-made female billionaires. This achievement was particularly significant because she built her fortune on her own, rather than relying on inherited wealth.Falguni Nayar is known for her disciplined, analytical, and customer-centric leadership style. Her background in finance gives her a strong focus on profit and sustainable growth. Unlike many startups that prioritize rapid growth over profit, Nykaa emphasizes a balanced approach.She is also a supporter of diversity and women's empowerment. Nykaa's workforce is predominantly women, and the brand actively promotes female entrepreneurship and self-expression. Nair often speaks about the importance of continuous learning, the ability to adapt, and taking calculated risks.Her decision to launch a new venture at the age of 49 challenges common perceptions about age and entrepreneurship. She has often stated that experience can be a powerful asset when starting a business.Falguni Nayar has received numerous awards for her contributions to business and entrepreneurship. She has been included in several power lists and recognized as one of India's most influential business leaders. Her journey