In our latest Tech Ladies Talk, we spoke with Shreya Bakliwal, entrepreneur, venture investor, and founder of the podcast Women Who Build. From her entrepreneurial beginnings in India to creating a platform that empowers women in technology and innovation, Shreya shared her inspiring journey, practical advice, and vision for the future of entrepreneurship.
From Business Roots to Building in Tech
Shreya grew up in India, where her father built a company from scratch. “I witnessed the ups and downs of entrepreneurship firsthand, which shaped my passion for building,” she explained. Her professional journey began in investment banking, where she gained a foundational understanding of company performance and strategy.
Driven by her interest in technology and innovation, Shreya returned to India to co-found companies in education and women’s health, tackling challenges like PCOS awareness—a topic that was largely unknown in India at the time. "This period taught me so much about leadership, especially in emerging tech sectors," she shared.
After successfully selling her company, Shreya joined Paula Mariwala, one of India’s first women tech investors, to build a venture firm focused on early-stage companies in deep tech and climate tech. "Supporting startups at the intersection of technology and impact was incredibly rewarding," she said.
Women Who Build: Amplifying Women in Technology & Entrepreneurship
Shreya founded Women Who Build, a podcast spotlighting actionable steps women in tech have taken to achieve their goals. "We hear grim statistics about women in tech—like low representation in leadership or funding disparities—but I wanted to provide a platform for solutions and inspiration," she said.
The idea became personal when her 13-year-old niece hesitated to pursue her entrepreneurial ambitions. “I realized we need platforms that empower young women to take that next step—because in tech, ideas are rarely the issue; it’s the mindset and follow-through,” Shreya explained.
Now in its fourth season and expanding into the U.S., Women Who Build showcases diverse voices, from tech founders to engineers. "It’s about helping women like my niece and like myself to take that leap in technology and innovation," she said.
Lessons in Mindset, Stability, and Long-Term Vision
For Shreya, success in tech starts with the right mindset. "Skills can be learned, but mindset is key. The most successful women in tech are those who act decisively and avoid overthinking," she shared.
One piece of advice that resonated deeply with her? "People value stability—whether it’s in leaders, organizations, or systems. In tech, where rapid growth is common, stability builds trust and long-term success."
Shreya also emphasized the importance of long-term thinking in innovation. “When building systems, teams, or products, always keep the bigger picture in mind. Short-term wins are exciting, but sustainable innovation requires foresight and thoughtful planning.”
Collaboration for the Future of Tech & Business
Shreya believes cross-sector collaboration is key to solving global challenges. She highlighted the U.S. as a model for innovation-driven partnerships between government, academia, and tech industries, especially in fields like climate tech and healthcare. "I’d love to see this approach grow globally, particularly in emerging tech ecosystems like India," she said.
She also called for more systemic support for early-stage companies, urging them to balance growth metrics with profitability and sustainability to build businesses that last.
Final Thoughts
Shreya’s story is a testament to the power of mindset, long-term thinking, and collaboration in driving innovation and empowering women to lead in technology and business. Check out her podcast for even more insights!
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