Women in Tech: Boon’s Founder on Funding, Innovation & Success

In India and throughout the world, women are still disproportionately under-represented in the technology industry. The situation in India is similar to these worldwide patterns. Even while women make up a sizable segment of the population, they are still disproportionately under-represented in IT positions. There could be numerous reasons, such as cultural standards, educational inequalities, and difficulties in the job, that contribute to this under-representation.

In a world where women make up just 16.6% of inventors listed on patents worldwide, stepping into a male-dominated field like tech and innovation requires immense resilience. But for Vibha Tripathi, Founder of Boon, the motivation was clear—solving real-world challenges like water scarcity through technology.

As a PhD from IIT Kanpur specializing in physics and renewable energy,  Vibha tripathi values technical expertise. But she also believes that success isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about curiosity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

“You don’t have to know everything at the start. Build the right team, keep learning, and make steady progress,” she said.

Tripathi shared that STEM offers vast opportunities, and women can make a huge impact by following their passion. Yet, the journey wasn’t without hurdles. Overcoming doubts, proving her capabilities, and building practical, scalable solutions became her driving force.

Women-led startups receive only 2% of global venture capital funding, making fundraising one of the toughest battles for female entrepreneurs. For Tripathi, securing investors meant more than just having a great idea—it required a strong business case backed by real impact.

She introduced WaterATMs powered by solar energy, demonstrating how innovation could address water accessibility. She leveraged partnerships with organizations like UNDP to showcase impact and scalability. This strategic approach helped her gain credibility and attract funding in an industry traditionally dominated by men.

With fewer than 14% of Indian startups led by women, aspiring female entrepreneurs often face skepticism. Tripathi believes success comes from effective time management and taking one step at a time.

She shared that there will be times when work or personal life demands more attention, but balance is about embracing both.  “Enjoy every moment and challenge—whether it’s growing your business or excelling in personal commitments”, she added.

Many women hesitate to take the entrepreneurial leap due to a lack of mentorship and industry support. However, the key, according to Tripathi, is actively seeking guidance.
She emphasizes the power of networking: entrepreneurial communities can be a game-changers for collaboration and support.

“I connected with experienced professionals, university alumni, and industry leaders who helped me navigate challenges.  Never hesitate to ask for help, build strong connections, and keep learning.

With climate change and resource scarcity becoming global concerns, women in STEM have the power to disrupt industries. Tripathi also believes that empathy, compassion, and problem-solving skills set women apart in sustainable innovation.

“There’s so much to disrupt—water, air, food, land. These are massive opportunities waiting for women to lead the change,” she says. Her company, Boon, focuses on sustainable water solutions, proving that deep-tech startups can drive both impact and profitability.

Some research shows that women-led businesses generate 10% higher revenue per dollar invested than male-led firms. Tripathi acknowledges that a greater part of it comes from resilience, clear vision, and adaptability. She believes in sustainable growth over chasing unrealistic visions, ensuring that Boon remains both impactful and profitable.

“I focus on solving real problems with scalable solutions while building a passionate team,” she added.

For women entrepreneurs, the work-life balance debate is especially intense. Dr Tripathi has redefined balance on her own terms. She said that women often juggle multiple roles and shared that setting boundaries, trusting the team, and prioritizing what drives real progress have been game-changers.

“Balance isn’t about getting everything right—it’s about knowing what deserves your attention. Give yourself permission to breathe. Some days will flow better than others—and that’s okay”, she advised.

The landscape for women in STEM and deep-tech startups is evolving and the world is finally recognizing the potential of women., The current wave is a green signal for young women considering STEM and entrepreneurship.

With diversity hiring on the rise and shifting societal mindsets encouraging women to pursue their dreams, she believes now is the time for women to step forward and make their mark.
She reminds aspiring founders that analytical thinking, problem-solving, and persistence are invaluable assets. 

“Your background—whether in biochemistry, engineering, or another field—has already equipped you with what you need to succeed. Follow your heart and trust your gut. STEM offers endless paths—find one that excites you, whether it’s medical innovation or environmental solutions.” She added.

“ If we maintain this momentum, the coming years will bring incredible opportunities for women in tech and entrepreneurship.” she added further.