TN W.O.M.E.N - Women Only Mentoring Enabling and Nurturing Forum

Our Leadership

Arasi Arul

Arasi Arul is a serial entrepreneur, investor and social impact leader with 20 years of entrepreneurial experience. She founded Zha Café, a pioneering Tamil-themed coffee shop, and Chisel Factor, a personality development training and vocational skill development company. Conduct classes on Prevention of Sexual Abuse for Government School students since 2019.

Recognizing the needs of seniors, she established 60 Plus Global, an innovative platform for active aging. The company made Forbes top 100 startups to watch in 2023. She is also a member of the National Human Rights Commission under the committee of welfare of senior citizens in India.

She is also now serving as the Director of TN W.O.M.E.N and Zha VC (founder-friendly funding fi rms) and Chisel Factor Foundation (a non-profi t working on empowering women, children and the elderly in India). Arasi Arul is a recipient of numerous awards for her entrepreneurial ventures and social impact initiatives.

Oli Arul

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Oli Arul is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 18 years of experience building and scaling ventures across technology, healthcare, e-commerce, and media. As the co-founder of 60Plus India, he leads one of India’s most impactful preventive care startups for senior citizens, recognized by Forbes India among the Top 100 emerging businesses. He also heads Oli Consulting Group, a full-service tech firm offering IT solutions, product development, and infrastructure services. Oli is the founder of Shycart.com, India’s first discreet e-commerce platform for personal and adult wellness products, aimed at normalizing conversations around health and intimacy.

Deeply committed to social impact, Oli co-created Modhi Vilaiyadu Paapa, a widely shared awareness video that educates children and parents on body safety and consent. He is also a strong supporter of women-led businesses, having mentored several women founders—including single mothers and first-time entrepreneurs—in launching successful ventures in maternity fashion, pet care, and healthcare. With a background in Computer Science Engineering and certifications in digital marketing and analytics, Oli combines deep technical expertise with a passion for people-centric innovation.

Oli currently serves as Co-Director at TN W.O.M.E.N and Zha VC, two founder-friendly investment platforms, and is the Co-Director at the Chisel Factor Foundation, a non-profit focused on empowering women, children, and the elderly in India. He is a key contributor to several impactful social ventures alongside his sister and co-founder, Arasi Arul. Oli has received numerous accolades for his work in entrepreneurship and social innovation

Deepa Sai

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Deepa Sai is a business consultant specialising in climate & sustainability. Her diverse background spans psychology, social work, human resources, and communications, enabling her to address sustainability and climate action from multiple perspectives.

Deepa has exposure across sectors such as disability, child rights, mental health, public health, substance dependence, waste management, and community development. She is a three-time global fellow in climate and sustainability and has completed multiple certifi cations in social entrepreneurship and startup consulting.

She is also now serving as the Strategy Director of Oli Consulting Group and its Subsidiaries, TN W.O.M.E.N, Zha VC and Chisel Factor Foundation.

Apart from that, she is the Director of ecoHQ and the Director of Strategy for RecycleNXT.

Investments

Investing in HER for the FUTURE

Our investment philosophy is centered on empowering visionary founders, particularly women-led startups, that are addressing critical challenges and driving innovation in emerging technologies across enterprise, consumer, and healthcare sectors. We take a flexible approach to investment, partnering with bold entrepreneurs from the earliest stages through every phase of growth, supporting them in achieving their full potential.

Must have

Women-Led Startups: We prioritize startups where women founders own at least 50% of the company.
Women-Focused Startups: We support businesses that address challenges faced by women, regardless of the founder's gender.
Company Stage: Startups should have been in operation for a minimum of 2 years, and we are open to companies that may be operating at a loss.

Nice to have

Scalable Business Models: Startups with strong growth potential and market viability.
Social Impact: Businesses dedicated to creating positive social change and addressing important societal issues.
Sector Focus: Investments across diverse industries such as AI, deep tech, emerging tech, fintech, enterprise tech, infrastructure, consumer tech, gaming, healthcare, climate, sustainability and more with a special interest in startups focused on women's safety.

We believe that supporting women-led startups not only promotes gender equality but also fosters sustainable business growth and societal advancement.

Investment Process

Financing HER for the FUTURE

Stage 1: Initial Application - Complete an extensive Google form and submit your pitch deck through our website to ensure you meet our requirements.
Stage 2: Initial Screening - If your application meets our criteria, we will schedule a call for a Q&A session to dive deeper into your business and discuss the next steps.
Stage 3: Pitch Presentation - You’ll be invited for an interview where you can present your business in detail and showcase its potential.
Stage 4: Due Diligence - This stage involves a thorough analysis of your documentation, including financial diligence, legal diligence, and other compliance checks to ensure all aspects align with our investment criteria.
Stage 5: Committee Review - An independent committee will conduct a verification process to validate all aspects of your business ensuring accuracy and alignment with our standards.
Stage 6: Investment and Onboarding - After successful verification, we will connect you with our investors, and you will officially join our portfolio.

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Mentorship

Nurturing HER for the FUTURE

TN W.O.M.E.N empowers women founders through a comprehensive support system. Our mission is to empower 10,000 women by 2030, and we've already supported over 1,000.

Our Approach:

Gain expert guidance and connect with investors: We champion founders by fostering connections with experienced investors through closed-door, exclusive, invite-only events. You can learn from seasoned mentors on critical aspects of building and scaling a successful business through workshops, roundtables, fellowships, courses, bootcamps, seminars, and mixers while networking directly with experienced investors.

Areas of Focus

Investment Pitch: Craft a compelling investment pitch. Refine your presentation, highlight key metrics, and tailor your story to resonate with different investor types.
Investor Relations: Cultivate strong investor relationships. Understand investor psychology and leverage effective communication strategies to build lasting partnerships with funders who support women-led businesses.
Financial Modeling & Valuation: Build robust financial models to accurately value your business. Utilize key metrics and market comparisons to make funding, investment, and strategic decisions.
Fundraising Strategy: Define your strategic funding objectives. Identify and target the right investor pool. Craft a tailored fundraising roadmap to secure your startup capital.
Negotiation & Deal Structuring: Master negotiation tactics, decode complex term sheets, and protect founder interests.
Exit Strategies: Understand different exit options, strategically position for IPOs or acquisitions, and maximize investor returns.

Ready to take the next step?

Empower your entrepreneurial journey with expert guidance and access to valuable investor connections. Express your interest in joining our mentoring programs and exclusive networking events. We will review your application and notify you of upcoming opportunities.

Express Interest

Paid Mentorship Program

Mentoring HER for the FUTURE

TN W.O.M.E.N harnesses a wealth of experience to cultivate a thriving ecosystem for women founders. Our mission is to empower 10,000 by 2030, and we've already achieved a crucial milestone by supporting over 1,000. Over the past five years, our founding team has leveraged its industry know-how to mentor 1,200+ founders and startups.

We understand the unique challenges faced by female founders. That's why we are connecting you with dedicated mentors who will provide the support and insights you need to thrive.

The Paid Mentorship Program matches you with seasoned mentors who align with your specific needs and industry. Receive focused support to overcome your biggest obstacles to develop a clear roadmap. With an experienced mentor, you can make strategic decisions to scale your venture faster.

The TN W.O.M.E.N Paid Mentorship Program is an investment in your future. After completing our short application form, you will receive an email with payment terms as well other instructions to confirm your participation.

We extend one-on-one mentorship sessions on the following topics

Investment Pitch

Gain expert insights and guidance on how to refine your presentation and make your venture more investment-ready. Craft a compelling narrative, highlighting key metrics, and tailor the deck to different investor types.

Investor Relations

Understand investor psychology, and effective communications strategies to cultivate long-lasting relationships with potential funders for future opportunities. Build investor networks, co-invest, and leverage investor relationships who understand the unique challenges and opportunities facing women-led businesses.

Financial Modeling and Valuation

Identify target investors, craft a fundraising roadmap, and manage the fundraising process.

Fundraising Strategy

Identify target investors, craft a fundraising roadmap, and manage the fundraising process.

Negotiation and Deal Structuring

Master negotiation tactics, understand term sheets, and protect founder interests.

Exit Strategies

Understand different exit options, prepare for IPO or acquisition, and maximise investor returns.

Ready to take the next step?

Empower your entrepreneurial journey with one-on-one guidance from experienced women leaders.

Fill out our application form to learn more and get started on your journey to success.

Request for Mentorship

Investments

Investing in HER for the FUTURE

Our investment philosophy focuses on empowering startups and visionary founders, particularly those led by women, who are tackling critical issues and driving innovation in emerging technologies across enterprise, consumer, and healthcare sectors. We are flexible with the investment stage, partnering with bold entrepreneurs from their early days through all phases of growth.

Must have

Women-led startups: We seek women founders who own 50% of their company.
Women-focused startups: Companies that provide solutions for problems faced by women. Founders’ gender no bar.
Company’s Stage: Minimum 2 years in operation and it doesn’t matter if it is running on a loss.

Nice to have

Scalable Business Models: Startups with strong growth potential and market viability.
Social Impact: Businesses dedicated to creating positive social change and addressing important societal issues.
Sector Focus: Investments across diverse industries such as AI, deep tech, emerging tech, fintech, enterprise tech, infrastructure, consumer tech, gaming, healthcare, climate, sustainability and more with a special interest in startups focused on women's safety.
We believe that supporting women-led startups not only promotes gender equality but also fosters sustainable business growth and societal advancement.

Investment Process

Financing HER for the FUTURE

Stage 1: Initial Application Tell Us About Your Business: Complete an extensive Google form and submit your pitch deck through our website to ensure you meet our requirements.
Stage 2: Initial Screening Preliminary Review: If your application meets our criteria, we will schedule a call for a Q&A session to further analyze your business and determine the next steps.
Stage 3: Pitch Meeting Pitch: You will be invited to meet with us for an interview, providing an opportunity to present your business in detail.
Stage 4: Due Diligence Comprehensive Evaluation: This stage involves a thorough analysis of your documentation, including financial diligence, legal diligence, and other compliance checks.
Stage 5: Independent Verification Committee Review: An independent committee will conduct a verification process to validate all aspects of your business.
Stage 6: Investment and Onboarding Connection and Integration: After successful verification, we will connect you with our investors, and you will officially join our portfolio.

For Investors

Uplifting HER for the FUTURE

Partner with us to catalyze the success of inclusive startups and drive exceptional returns.

By investing with us you are not just making a financial investment but you are investing in a global economy that will have a diverse, inclusive and equitable future.

Our team of industry experts have a proven track record of identifying and backing a diverse portfolio of startups with high growth potential in emerging sectors. Investors get unparalleled access to women entrepreneurs and strategic partners for you to generate attractive returns while fostering gender equality.

Our typical investment sizes starts from Rs.2.5 lakhs. You can share your expertise by mentoring our portfolio startups and be a part of the movement driving gender inclusivity in the startup ecosystem.

Apply to be an investor for our fund and we will get back to you with information on investment opportunities. .

Join Our Exclusive Group of Founding Investors. Invest Now.

Apply to be an Investor

Dive into Our FAQs for Quick and Helpful Insights

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the right time to approach TN W.O.M.E.N?

Startups at the idea or no-traction stage will not qualify. A minimum of 24 months of traction is required for eligibility. However, Profitability is not a prerequisite.
What sectors does TN W.O.M.E.N invest in?

While our primary focus areas encompass emerging technology companies in sectors like Climate, Sustainability, AI, Bio & Healthcare, Deep Tech, Emerging Tech, Consumer, Enterprise, Fintech, Gaming, Infrastructure, and SaaS, we remain open to considering investments in other industries as well.
What do we look for in a founding team?

TN W.O.M.E.N looks into how the founders' interpersonal dynamics, strengths, and chemistry contribute to their collective success.
Do you invest in companies located outside of Tamil Nadu?

Yes, we do invest in companies located outside of Tamil Nadu.
What is TN W.O.M.E.N’s investment process and duration?

Stage 1: Initial Application (Tell Us About Your Business)

Stage 2: Initial Screening (Preliminary Review)

Stage 3: Pitch Meeting (In-Person or Virtual Pitch)

Stage 4: Due Diligence (Comprehensive Evaluation)

Stage 5: Independent Verification (Committee Review)

Stage 6: Investment and Onboarding (Connection and Integration)

You will get a yes or no / FINAL Response in 4 weeks and funding by the 20th week.
How should I get in touch with TN W.O.M.E.N?

To reach out to TN W.O.M.E.N, kindly fill out the Google form provided on our website. This will enable you to connect with us effectively.
How will TN W.O.M.E.N help me grow my business besides investing?

Besides providing funding, TN W.O.M.E.N will support your business growth through extensive networking opportunities and assisting you in reaching the next stage of funding. Leveraging our founders' expertise, we offer mentorship to help your business expand, facilitate partnerships, and enhance your connections.
How much ownership should women hold in the company?

Women founders should collectively hold a minimum of 50% ownership in the company.
What does TN W.O.M.E.N look for in a company?

TN W.O.M.E.N is stage-agnostic. We prioritize women-led startups and those offering women-focused products, where women have at least 50% ownership. We assess how the founders' interpersonal dynamics, strengths, and chemistry contribute to their collective success. Our main focus areas include emerging technology sectors such as Climate, Sustainability, AI, Bio & Healthcare, Consumer, Enterprise, Fintech, Gaming, Infrastructure, and SaaS.
I am the sole founder of the company. Can I apply?

Yes, you can apply, yet TN W.O.M.E.N prioritizes ventures with a broad impact, often strengthened by multiple founders with complementary strengths. While solo founders are eligible to apply, preference may be given to companies with more than one founder.
My company has no turnover. Can I still apply?

Certainly! Your company can still apply, as profitability is not mandatory. However, we do require a minimum of 24 months of traction for eligibility.
I have already raised funds. Is it still okay to apply to TN W.O.M.E.N?

Certainly! Even if you've already secured funding, you're welcome to apply to TN W.O.M.E.N.
Do you invest outside of India?

Yes, we do invest beyond the borders of India.
Will TN W.O.M.E.N only invest if it can lead the round?

TN W.O.M.E.N is not limited to only leading investment rounds. We can also provide funding without taking the lead.
Will you sign my confidentiality agreement / NDA?

We won’t prefer signing an NDA as it could hinder our ability to operate efficiently but we will ensure that your information is handled with the utmost care and confidentiality.
Do TN W.O.M.E.N partners take board seats?

Possibly, it varies depending on the investor and the company's stage.
How does your fund handle potential conflicts of interest?

Our women-focused fund prioritizes investments in women-led startups. However, we carefully evaluate each opportunity to avoid conflicts of interest with our existing portfolio companies. We consider potential conflicts on a case-by-case basis, analyzing factors like market, target customers, and product offerings. While we don't exclude specific industries, we may decline investments if they pose a risk to our current portfolio companies. In some cases, we might explore potential collaborations between startups instead of investing.
Can I invest in TN W.O.M.E.N?

Absolutely! To explore investment opportunities with TN W.O.M.E.N, please complete the form provided for Investors.

Apply to be an Investor

Events

No-Agenda Women Founders Meetup

A closed-door brunch for accomplished female founders in Tamil Nadu's startup ecosystem revealed a shared concern: limited access to mentorship and funding. This gathering, designed for relaxation and networking, unexpectedly became the catalyst for the formal launch of TN W.O.M.E.N!

FemForce: Enabling Women Founders

TN W.O.M.E.N held an exclusive closed-door, high-tea roundtable for Women Founders on May 31st, 2024, at The Boat Club, Chennai! The event focused on the dynamic landscape of women in business and the Indian startup ecosystem. Founders, investors, and enablers delved into the current investment climate and explored strategies to enhance accessibility to funds for deserving women founders.

The Fund Lab: Cracking The Fund Code

TN W.O.M.E.N organized a closed-door, invite-only funding workshop on December 21st, 2024, at The Gandhi Nagar Club, Chennai. The workshop was delivered by our esteemed Director Ms. Arasi Arul, where she covered the basics of fundraising—when to raise funds, how much to raise, and how much equity to dilute—along with an interactive Q & A and networking lunch. The event had dynamic participants from diverse backgrounds come together to understand how to navigate the fundraising landscape in the Indian startup ecosystem.